Lisbon is a coastal city characterized by hills. But there are certainly morethings to do in Albufeira! Lagos is home to several unbelievably stunning beaches such as Praia do Camilo, Praia do Porto de Mos and Praia Dona Ana. And, just to add a few more options to the mix, the Azores and Madeira have some incredibly tempting coastal towns to offer, too. If you have a ticket for theHop-On Hop-Off Bus in Porto, the beach town of Matosinhos is also a stop! The Algarve: expats' favourite For sheer popularity alone The Algarve has to be at the top of our best places to live in Portugal list. The beach located on Ilha de Tavira (Tavira Island), a barrier island that lies across a small channel. The best beaches are marked in yellow and the best resort towns are shown in green. Take to Praia dos Pescadores, Praia da Rainha, or Praia da Duquesa and bathe in the Atlantic. 5. Braga There are many beautiful beaches surrounding Peniche, characterized by soft golden sand, turquoise water, and world-class waves. PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. Lagos is probably the best place to stay in the Algarve region, and there are too many reasons to do so. Related articles: Obidos Guide, The Praia da Foz do Arelho is at the mouth of the Lagoa de bidos, Praia da Foz do Arelho is adored by the Portuguese. Unlike almost all other Western European capitals, it boasts quite a low cost of living. Guimares Vast, undiscovered, and unspoilt ", "Cascais is a very vibrant city. Its a veritable paradise for lovers of sand, sea, and sun. The little gem sits atop Serra de So Mamede's highest granite crest. AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world. Women are absolutely safe when traveling alone during the day and evening. Related Articles: Lagos guide Lagos beach guide. Crime here is exceptionally low for both property crime and violent crime. If youre looking for an activity for a rainy day you can also explore some of the museums in town such as the Museu Municipal Santos Rocha which has a great art collection. Portugal is a safe, expat-friendly country with stunning beaches, cities, popular beach towns and sleepy fishing villages. LGBT people have access to a variety of rights such as gay marriage and adoption. Best Words to describe it? 9km south of Porto Portugal is known as one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in the world. It's less expensive than Cascais, but still close to Lisbon. Property crime overall is very low and violent crime is nearly nonexistent in this coastal city. If youre looking for a remote, yet gorgeous Portuguese beach town, look no further than Seixal on the northwestern coast of Madeira. How to get from Faro to Carvoeiro? The long beaches in Peniche face in different directions, meaning they pick up swells when other places are totally flat. "I live in Porto which is a fantastic city. Visit the charming town of Sao Roque where you will find swimming areas and small beaches. STAYING THERE: Online booking sites had great guest recommendations. They are always filled with ocean salt water and are open all year long. Vandalism, theft, and bribery seem to be on the rise in this small city as well. Boneca Bar, a small open-air bar hidden between the cliffs of Carvoeiro, is a great place to come for a romantic dinner. There is plenty of fish in the sea when choosing the best beach town. You can visit the Castelo de Queijo market, walk along the coastal path of Leca da Palmeira, or visit the Bom Jesus de Matosinhos Church. One of the best coastal towns in Portugal is the quaint and underrated town of Tavira in the eastern Algarve. This town is a slice of preserved history, from the stoic Gothic churches to the pitter-patter on cobblestone roads. For the most part, this city is relatively safe. Property crime and violent crime are both extremely low. Once a busy fishing port, this tourist hub is known for its world-class beaches, beautiful marina, and a bunch of historical attractions an impressive fortress, Fortaleza de Peniche, is nowadays a museum of history fitted with fascinating artifacts from centuries gone by. And of course, Albufeira is home to some of the best beaches in the Algarve. The most common crime in this city is corruption. PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. position: relative; In terms of crime, there has been a steady rise over recent years. For beaches, youre spoiled for choice, but the Praia da Rainha and Praia da Ribeira are two popular options right in the center of town. Relaxing, sun bathing, families We recommend Flecha Azul for grilled meat dishes, fish, and seafood. Best words to describe it? Porto With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. This is one of the best beach towns in Portugal for history buffs and lovers of architecture. Lets begin. Make sure to stop by the Santa Catarina Fort. ), 19 Sun-Soaked Summer Destinations in Europe, Lisbon or Porto: How to Choose (If You Must! Elvas and Evora put you in an amazing history rich area if you are interested in the peninsular wars, archaeology or roman times," advised one expat in a discussion about retiring in Portugal. It is the second largest city in theAlgarve and residents may need a vehicle to get around. On your arrival, take a road trip to Ria Formosa Natural Park. Top 10 beaches in Portugal Climb to the higher points of the village and you will have an opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of the entire region. 7 Reasons To Visit This Year. Odeceixe is just a few clicks down the river valley from the mini village of Odeceixe Mar Beach. Some of the states people moved to most in 2020 were Florida, North Carolina and Maine, all of which are in the top ten states with the largest coastlines. The beach is so beautiful, it somehow manages to make the towering hotels and apartments that line the cliffs look good too. The Algarve has been acknowledged by Forbes as the most affordable place for retirees in Europe. Remote work visa Many meetups . Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. In Terceira you can hike through beautiful volcanic landscapes, discover a cave inside a volcano, go whale watching and indulge in the stunning views from the many miraduoros. Property crime and violent crime seem to be equally low in this city. There are also plenty of restaurants in Porto Moniz. .video-container { Vila do Bispo is still a truly original Portuguese village untouched by large groups of tourists. Related articles: Vila Nova de Milfontes guide, The Praia do Almograve is a vast expanse of golden sands, and never gets busy, even in the summer months. With around 60,000 inhabitants, Figueira is actually larger than you might think. Fill your evenings with performances. This beautiful town is fantastic for family holidays with a nice atmosphere, safe beaches, and plenty of activities. The Dona Ana beach in the busy summer months. left: 0; Silves is another town we really liked, although we didn't spend the night there. Why we recommend it? It's one of the safest countries in Europe as crime levels are very low. 50 Best Romantic Getaways for a Couples Trip. The only two drawbacks are that life here can feel very isolating and there are not as many job opportunities on the island. Whether youre looking for a bustling town center, a quiet place to get away from it all, a fun surf spot, or a calm sea perfect for swimming, Portugals coastal towns have plenty of options to offer. Why we recommend it? 5km north of Cascais "I don't know that I would totally discount the Algarve. Were full-time travel bloggers who have been exploring the world since 2016, visiting 50+ countries across 5 continents along the way. This popular port town is about 8 kilometers from the city center of Porto but can take up to 30 minutes to get there on public transportation. The Silver Coast is a very popular coastal area of Portugal. Best known for being the paddling-off point to the famous Benagil Cave, Carvoeiro is a charming beach town in the Algarve region of Portugal. DO: Go to each square for the architecture, performance arts, shops and cafes. Portugal in March Viana Do Castelo. Why? The rustic appearance of Aljezur is what makes it so special and unique. While there has been somewhat of a sharp increase in crime in the city over the past few years, it is not sharp enough to make a significant difference. The education system is excellent and so is healthcare. Peniche is also famous for the Berlengas Islands, which you can only reach with a 45-minute ferry from Peniche. This off-the-beaten-track destination is an ideal place to stay for travelers who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of Lisbon. Praia da Luz, also just known as Luz, is a delightful seaside town in Portugal located in the Western Algarve. Praia do Norte is the best surfing spot in Portugal and is world-renowned for its monster waves, the biggest on earth! While youre there, be sure to visit the Boca do Inferno and admire the cliffs and cave from above! Related articles: Sagres guide, Sagres is a popular surfing destination, and some of the best swells are in the winter months. Ten minutes south of Caldas da Rainha, there is a new book-themed hotel in the town of Obidos. Traveling during the day is very safe but a fair amount of caution should be practiced at night. Fishing and trade are two of its primary employers. If you are looking for a quick bite then you will love the snacks at Conchinia. This article compiles our favourite beaches from around the country, and provides links to further in-depth guides. Spend your vacation days in Ferragudo, a small fishing village with whitewashed buildings, narrow streets, quaint cafes and seafood restaurants. Why we recommend it? Make sure to explore Albufeiras old town, which is filled with white houses, narrow streets, and lovely churches. The local church in the village is also well worth a visit. Where is it? A weekend in Portugal She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University Across the board, the city ranks high in terms of safety and low in terms of crime. If you wanted to sit down and watch the waves you could always head over to the Polo Norte, they have delicious Portuguese food there. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, Im working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA. The beach is positioned on the mouth of the Lagoa de bidos, and is one of the prettiest natural landscapes of central Portugal. There, you will also find the Anchor Cemetery, which features over 200 anchors placed on the dunes in front of the beach. Get a quote from our partner, PassportCard. Portugal is situated on the Iberian Peninsula, in the south of Europe. One Expat Exchange member offered a great overview of Guimaraes, Portugal, "1. With more than 1,056 miles (1,700km) of coastline, it's the perfect place to travel for sunshine, swimming, surfing or simply exploring coastal towns. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. Albufeira, the Algarve Faro Below is an interactive map displaying the location of the best beaches and resort towns of Portugal. Interestingly, the city has a preserved medieval town. Instead, you will have all the time in the world to enjoy the magnificent views, sample fresh seafood platters, and visit a sandy beach along the Atlantic Ocean. Sagres "Coimbra is a University city and is approx. We've compiled a list of 12 of the best places to live based upon expats' recommendations. Despite being a popular tourist destination, Peniche still has a rustic charm to it. However, a trip here still makes for a great day trip and shouldnt be missed when you head to Figueira da Foz. It all comes down to what you want for a perfect beach holiday. History, beaches, and nightlife - Lagos is rightful popular! English is a language that is widely spoken across this nation. The Praia de Dona Ana is one of the most visually beautiful beaches in our list. It had a nice relaxed feel. It sits along the famous Rota Vicentina trek, a coastal trek packed with beaches and cliffs, and its the starting (or ending) point of the traditional Fishermans Trail hike. Praia da Rocha Also look at casasapo.pt, a housing multi-listing, as you'll then see the lower costs of housing outside of Lisbon, Cascais and Porto, the most expensive areas. Which Italian City Should I Visit? The Praia da Rocha beach is always a hive of activity; there are beach sports, water sports, uber-chic beach clubs, and it even hosts festivals in the summer. Related articles: Praia do Barril Tavira guide, There are hundreds of fishing anchors lined in the sands of the Praia do Barril. Many travelers opt to stay in Porto Moniz or Sao Vicente for their trip, but if youre looking to stay in Seixal, Casa das Videiras is a top-rated, budget-friendly option! It's also pretty close to Lisbon," said one visitor. Nazars other (and most famous) beach is Praia do Norte, situated around a headland from the city beach. Best Words to describe it? Hop on a bus from Faro to Lagoa for just 6. Beautiful Coastal Towns in Northern Portugal, Best Beach Towns Near Lisbon (Central Portugal), Amazing Algarve Beach Towns to Visit (Southern Portugal), Stunning Seaside Towns in Madeira, Portugal, Map of the Best Beach Towns in Portugal (Mainland), Inside Livraria Bertrand, Lisbon: The Oldest Bookstore in the World, Gorgeous Gimmelwald, Switzerland: A Quick Travel Guide, How to Eat Pizza in Italy: 13 Practical Tips (+ Toppings Guide! Praia da Luz Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn. Maia is a city and municipality in thePorto Metropolitan Area. Thanks to the sea, fresh fish is often on the menu. One tip: Those who like to sunbathe au natural are in luck here, because Adegas Beach is the place to do it in this corner of the Algarve. Luz has two wonderful beaches, Praia da Luz (or Luz Beach) and Praia Prainha. Depending on how far you go, the walk between these 2 Portugal beach towns takes about an hour. Portugal in September Where is it? There are many expats and digital nomads here who are always open to meeting new people. Get up to 10% off on your policy now. Let's take a look at thesix hotspots that you must visit in Portugal. Where is it? A mere 45-minute drive by car lies the quaint seaside town of Sesimbra, home to some of thebest beaches near Lisbon, and in fact in the country! Summer is great for kayaking, stand-up paddling, or motorized sports such as wakeboarding, tubing, or driving a jet ski when the ocean is flat. We were only there in the summer, so can't speak to how it would be in winter. Apart from the two main beaches already listed, many visitors flock to Sesimbra to visit the beautiful Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo beach which can be reached on foot, which should take you just under an hour. East Algarve, 5km from Tavira How much money do I need to retire in Portugal? 8 Charming Seaside Towns in the U.K. for Beautiful Beaches, Delicious Seafood, and Nautical Pubs. Portimois located in the southern part of Portugal in theAlgarve region. Clara conventl; Historico by Papaboa on Rua de Val Donas--sit outside!- but there are oh, so many others.". Women should have absolutely no reason to feel unsafe when walking alone during the day or evening in this city. Summary: Culture vultures can visit cool museums like Casas das Historias Paula Rego and the Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum. A little further out, along the coast set in the Arrabida National Park is where youll find two other beaches, often considered some of the best in Portugal, Praia do Portinho da Arrabida and Praia de Galapinhos. Is Rotorua Worth Visiting? Its got choices in the north of the country, where the lush green hills that border Galicia roll into a wild ocean, along with choices in the south, the place for classic R&R trips of endless sun and glassy waves. If youre looking for the best beach towns in Portugal, you have to add Angra do Herosmo to your bucket list. 23. Cascais Cascais has a touch of class. Seixal is small and has just over 650 residents and has been made famous as the premier surfing spot on Madeira for beginners. Presently the AGS Group has over 141 locations in more than 95 countries and has one of the largest networks in the international removals industry. A beautiful architecture, excellent gastronomy, has good people, is small and has sea and is 50 minutes, in good and cheap transport, (train) Braga, Guimaraes, Aveiro, Viana do Castelo. However, the main reason why most tourists come to Cascais are the fabulous beaches. Drive all the way to the southwestern point of Portugal, and youll find the tiny town of Sagres. Pay a visit to Praia dos Pescadores, Praia da Rainha, or Praia da Duquesa and enjoy swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. For ease of navigating this map, weve opted only to include the best beach towns in Portugals mainland here. Praia Dona Ana width: 100%; Picturesque, unspoilt and beauty So it will be easy to go for the day to sight see or shop or concerts, or catch a cruise ship! Lovely Nazar, located roughly halfway between Lisbon and Porto, has a bit of everything one looks for in the perfect Portugal beach town. Many expats also choose to live north of Lisbon - there are small fishing villages, coastal cities and inland cities and villages. Top 10 beaches in Portugal 1) Praia do Creiro (Sesimbra) 2) Praia do Almograve (Alentejo) 3) Praia do Guincho (Cascais) 4) Praia Dona Ana (Lagos) 5) Praia da Rocha 6) Tria Peninsula (Setubal) 7) Praia do Senhor da Pedra (Porto) 8) Praia da Mareta (Sagres) 9) Praia do Barril (Tavira) 10) Foz do Arelho Obidos) Top 10 Towns for a Beach Holiday Guincho is a wild and untamed beach that forms part of a coastline of massive headlands, jagged rocks and exposed cliffs. Neighbors would offer me fruit and vegetables from their garden on a regular basis and I was so touched with their generosity and kindness that I felt at home so, I am moving there in the next few weeks. The most charming town of the eastern Algarve, The religious centre of Portugal and likeable city, Extravagant palaces, opulent villas, and stunning scenery, Delightful beach town, which is a favourite with the Portuguese, The classic Portuguese walled town, owned by the Queen of Portugal, Authentic Portugal on the undiscovered Alentejo coastline, Experience true Portugal in this busy fishing port, A charming town, famed for the worlds highest surfing waves, The charismatic and undiscovered north of Portugal, The finest resort town of the Lisbon coastline, The ancient stronghold of the Knights Templar, The capital of the Alentejo region is steeped in history, The largest and liveliest resort town of the Algarve, The birthplace of Portugal and pretty city, A complete list of all of our guides to Portugal, 1 week in Portugal . They include Lisbon, Cascais, Lagos, Tavira, Ericeira, Caldas da Rainha, Tomar, Nazare, Coimbra, Porto, Guimaraes and Braga. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Albufeira is one of the most famous beach towns in the Algarve. Best for families: Praia do Senhor da Pedra, Vila Nova de Gaia This is one of the prettiest beaches in Northern Portugal - and even Europe. Looking for a different kind of experience on the water? Where are the best places to live in Portugal? Suited for? Though it is a top surfing destination, there are a lot of things to do in Ericeira for non-surfers too. One of the first places tohead toin Seixal is Praia do Porto, the most famous beach in the town. It is one of the oldest cities in Portugal and offers affordable living in a smaller type of city. If you have a long stroll in mind, you can even walk all the way from Cascais to Estoril (home to the casino that inspired James Bond) along the sea. Between Sesimbra and Setubal For this article, we have included beaches covering the whole of Portugal, and tried to provide a mixture of different beach styles (scenery, surfing, family-friendly or relaxing). For the best view in Nazar, ride the funicular up to the neighborhood of Sitio. Its wild and expansive with no facilities. The capital of the Azores archipelago is one of the most picturesque destinations in Portugal. Unspoilt, calm and history Instagram-famous Praia do Camilo, spacious Meira Praia, and Praia dos Estudantes are some of the best beaches in Lagos to enjoy. This seaside town has retained much of its ancient heritage. Local Porto residents love going to Matosihnos during the hot summer days because it is so easily accessible from Porto. Its easy to go on a day trip to Faro or Portimo, for example. ), What to Buy in Portugal: 21+ Best Portugal Souvenirs, 17 Best Things to Do in Lagos, Portugal (+ Nearby! Portugal in December, Albufeira Staying in town is more affordable, but its a fair distance away from the beach. Around the beach youll find lots of cute cafes, restaurants and bars, where you can refuel after a long day in the waves. You will have an opportunity to see many buildings and churches that date back to the Moorish era. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International GET A QUOTE, One expat who made the move to Portugal fell in love with Cascais, "The Lisboa area was delightful but we were sold when we took a train from Lisboa to Cascais. Suited for? Looking for the best beach towns in Portugal for your next trip? "We travelled extensively around Portugal, and although we wanted to live in the far north it was too cold in winter so we travelled further south and loved Tomar with its peaceful atmosphere, good connections, good shopping for my wife, good facilities and excellent access," wrote one expat who moved to Tomar. However you decide to spend your time in Matosinhos, it sure will be a great day of sunshine and adventure! From Carvoeiro, you can easily take day trips to explore other places in the Algarve. To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map. and Mass Market Marketing. Like so many churches in the Algarve, you would easily pass this church, not knowing what beauty is hidden inside. Both property and violent crimes are very low and women traveling in this city are relatively safe. Surfing, hiking, nature How to Get Here: The airport closest to Cascais is located in Lisbon of course, about 22 miles (36 kilometers) away. My monthly cost of living in Lisbon is half of New York's and the quality of life has tripled. If you're favorite isn't on the list, please take a few minutes to post it below. Lining the sand dunes are hundreds of rusting anchors (the Cemitrio das ncoras), a memorial to the abandoned tuna fishing community, which was based on the Praia do Barril until the 1960s. The city is most notable for several factors, such as its colonial history, Fado music, and ornate architecture.
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