In a survey by International Living published earlier this year, Portugal grabbed the number one spot of being the best place to retire. Mexico was in at number two, followed by Panama, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Spain, Greece, France, Italy, Thailand, and Columbia. As you can see, there are some fantastic contenders on there, so how did Portugal grab top place?
Excellent cities
Even if you are envisioning a quiet, slow-paced retirement, it is still great to have access to a brilliant city, when you need one.
Lisbon!
Lisbon, the capital, and the largest city in all of Portugal, has imprinted on international consciousness as a hip, thrilling city to be in. It is home to enchanting hills, cobbled alleyways, ancient ruins, and white-domed cathedrals. And perhaps the best feature is that it is super easy to get around, thanks to its perfected transport links – yes, those signature yellow trams. Must-go spots include: Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a UNSECO listed monastery; Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, a 17th century palace turned art gallery; and the beautiful Monsanto Forest Park for a gulp of nature.
Porto, the second largest city, is located in the north of the country. Being more northernly, Porto will suit you best if you don’t like to be too hot. Summer sees temperatures of 25°C and winter has a maximum of 14°C. The city of Porto is one of the oldest centres of Europe – so if you’re after history, this is the place to be. It was recognised for this by UNSECO in 1996.
It’s safe
If you are looking for an easy retirement where you do not have to worry too much, you will be pleased to learn that Portugal is one of the safest places in the world. In the latest results from the Global Peace Index, it ranked in at number 6.
It has great healthcare
Let’s be honest, if you’re retiring abroad, you’re certainly going to take comfort in having a dependable healthcare system in place. Luckily, the World Health Organisation ranked Portugal at number 12.
The cost of living is affordable
Retire to Portugal!
Recently, Your Overseas Home compared the cost of living across seven countries. They looked at the price of healthcare, groceries, hobbies and leisure, and transport. The countries were ranked as such: the UK, Germany, Spain, France, Portugal, Greece and Italy. This makes Portugal the fifth most expensive place to live. And if you are moving over from one of the four countries listed above it, you are definitely going to feel the difference – in a great way!
Portugal was particularly low cost (only Italy was lower) for at home costs, such as the price of getting a domestic cleaner, furniture, and electricity.
And if you are dependent on your coffee – you can get a cup for as little as £1.03 in Portugal.
English is widely spoken
Don’t have the best Portuguese? While learning the language of the country you are moving to will always ease the transition, it is still great to know that Portugal has a large international population, and that English is widely spoken there. In a recent look at English Proficiency, Portugal gained position number 9 out of 111. Or, in other words, it has “very high” levels. With Leriria, Braga and Viseu, then Porto, Aveiro and Lisbon having the highest levels.
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