A Guide to the Best Places to Live in Portugal for Americans
Whether you're looking for a beach town, a quiet village, or a city with great infrastructure, Portugal offers a variety of destinations that cater to different lifestyles. From coastal towns to inland villages, each region has its own unique charm and appeal. Here are nine places that real estate experts and travel advisors recommend for those considering a move to Portugal.
Cascais
Cascais is a perfect blend of calm and community, appealing to both younger expats and retirees. Located close enough to Lisbon for day trips but offering a residential and unhurried lifestyle, it provides a great balance between quality of life and practicality. According to Gökçe Emer, director of business development at Get Golden Visa, Cascais has a strong international community, solid international school options, and beaches within walking distance. “It’s a place I’m definitely considering buying a place in a couple of years,” she added.
Madeira
For Americans who want to experience European life slightly closer to home, Madeira is an excellent choice. Jeremy Savory, founder of Millionaire Migrant, highlights the logistical advantage of flying directly to Madeira from the East Coast in under seven hours during certain times of the year. This makes it ideal for those who want to spend more time outdoors, thanks to its abundant hiking and biking trails and stunning beaches.
Tavira
Tavira is the place to be in the Algarve for those who want to avoid the region’s busy tourist hubs. Real estate expert Stephanie Stone-Robb describes it as a pretty little town with cobblestone streets and river views just a short distance from the ocean. Prices here remain reasonable, with livable apartments and a slow pace that never feels sleepy. “Life feels slow but not isolated,” Stone-Robb said.
Vila Nova de Gaia
Another spot Stone-Robb adores is Vila Nova de Gaia, which sits directly across the Douro River from Porto. This means you get the wine cellars, the views, and the restaurants the city is known for, without paying Porto prices. Apartments offer better square-meter-to-euro value than across the river, and detached homes are available here at a lower price point. “It feels residential, grounded, and lived in,” she said.
Setúbal
Want that same vibe closer to Lisbon? Setúbal is that place, and Stone-Robb said that it’s undervalued for how connected and livable it is. It’s a charming coastal city with a strong fishing heritage, and she recommends trying its cuttlefish. From a real estate standpoint, there’s more new construction here than in most comparable towns, which means more options for buyers who want modern finishes at prices that haven’t caught up to Lisbon’s level yet.
Olhão
Olhão is ideal for people who want a little bit of everything. Stone-Robb notes its famous markets and bazaars, working fishing boats, and seafood festival. Homes here are less expensive than in nearby resort towns, and there are plenty of modern apartments and townhomes overlooking the water. For those who want easy access to travel around Europe, or even to the U.S., it is just about 15 minutes away from Faro International Airport.
Faro
For the best of both worlds, consider moving to Faro, which is both a beach town and a real working city. Steven Vigor, a Travel + Leisure A-List advisor, shared that it offers a great balance of midsize city vibrancy with a strong local feel. While the housing market is more competitive and more expensive than some of the smaller towns on this list, it’s still well below Lisbon or Porto levels. For those who want something a little more low-key, Vigor recommended nearby Quarteira. “It’s a smaller town in the Algarve that offers lower living costs while still providing access to everyday services and good infrastructure,” he said.
Matosinhos
The coastal city of Matosinhos is also ideal for “people who want ocean air but still need city convenience,” Stone-Robb said. There’s the beach, metro, restaurants, and hospitals all in one place. Those looking to buy here can choose from modern apartments or classic neighborhoods where residents have lived for decades. “It’s practical coastal living, not resort living, and also borders bougie Foz do Douro without the accompanying price tag.”
Ericeira
Ericeira has long been a favorite town among American expats. Stone-Robb pointed to its cliffs, ocean views, surf breaks, walkable streets, and a lively central market as the likely cause of its popularity. Home prices here run lower than in nearby Cascais despite a similar coastal appeal. “People come for the surf and stay for the charming village life,” she said. As anyone who’s visited can tell you, the vibe here is akin to living in Malibu, which is really all you need to know. 
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