Moving to a new country can be a daunting experience, to say the least! Whilst some wish to completely escape life in their home country and embrace Portuguese culture fully, others are comforted by the familiar touches of home.
When you move to Portugal you may wish to surround yourself with like-minded people who are in the same situation as you. So, we’ve chosen 4 places with thriving expat communities.
Vilamoura
Vilamoura is perfect for those looking for beautiful beaches, golf courses nearby and plenty of brilliant bars and restaurants. Although it certainly isn’t one of Portugal’s most authentic towns, it has a beautiful marina and is designed to cope well with the swathe of tourists in the summer. The town has a very international feel, and you’ll meet expats from many different nations here. Two-bedroom condominium apartments in this area start at around €225,000.
Lagos
Lagos is another town in the Algarve that is popular with tourists and expats alike. Despite this, it is a working town and although it’s busier in the summer, it certainly doesn’t feel like a ghost town in the winter. Its beaches are perhaps its biggest asset, which include the beautiful Meia Praia, popular with surfers, and Praia de Dona Ana, a stunning cove that is wonderful for swimming. During a warm, off-season day, visiting one of these beaches is bliss! An apartment with a sea view starts from about €185,000.
Lisbon
Lisbon: home to cobbled lanes, ancient ruins, domed cathedrals and panoramic views of all its splendour atop any of its seven hills. Perhaps you’d prefer to live just outside the city away from the hustle and bustle, but close enough to pop in whenever you choose.
Unlike London where the closest seaside is 80 kilometres away, in Lisbon it’s on the doorstep. For example, the resort of Quinta da Marinha, at Cascais, just 30 kilometres outside the city, is growing in popularity with well-heeled international visitors who are snapping up new villa developments. Property prices vary, with more affordable homes on the outskirts or nearby towns. However, if you do want to live in the city centre, apartments start from about €180,000.
Nazaré
Nazaré is both charming and quirky in equal measure. With a population of around 15,000 it’s essentially made up of two villages and a beach resort, which are all connected by a funicular railway. Huge Atlantic waves make the beach very popular with surfers.
A well-known fishing town, the town itself features narrow, atmospheric streets, and no shortage of seafood restaurants. All in all, this is a perfect place if you like the idea of a coastal village with just the right amount of activity. A decent apartment here could cost you as little as €99,000.
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If you would like further advice on the buying process in Portugal, download your free Portugal Guide.
Why not split the cost and double the fun of owning a holiday home in Portugal by buying with family or friends? Read our guide to Buying Abroad with Family
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