ILA Magazine: Discover the Best Retirement Haven + 14 More Subscribe Now and Save 35% about subscribing to International Living Magazine Almost half of Portugal’s population of 10,300,000 is concentrated between two major metropolitan areas: the capital of Lisbon, and Porto in the north. The remainder of the country’s residents live in cities, towns, and villages of varying sizes. Only a handful of Portugal’s 151 cities hold 100,000 or more residents, and about half range between Read more...
An elderly gentleman wearing a Panama hat and carrying a walking stick strolls leisurely down a cobblestone tree-lined street in a suburb of Lisbon. “That’s what I’m talking about,” says expat Dave Dougherty as he snaps a photo to preserve the moment. “Old World elegance is alive and well here in Estoril.”...
When Keith and I first started to consider an overseas retirement, Portugal wasn’t top of our list. As an International Living magazine subscriber, Keith’s curiosity had been piqued by Ecuador. But, having spent some time there checking it out, he decided that as much as it had to offer, we were better suited to a European lifestyle. We first considered France. We’d visited over the years, I speak the language and other...
Castles, palaces, fortresses and elaborate gardens are dotted throughout all of Portugal, but one town is a virtual cornucopia of them. Architecturally fascinating, culturally rich, it’s a magical place for history buffs, foodies, shopaholics and romantics. It was such a favourite of Lord Byron that he immortalised it in his epic poem, “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage”...
With more than 1,600 kilometres of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal offers a variety of beaches to suit every taste, for sunning, surfing, kayaking, windsailing…you name it. Here’s a look at five great destinations in various regions of the country...
In our hunt for the perfect overseas retirement spot, Keith and I explored all over Europe but the moment we set foot in Portugal, a land of cobblestoned villages, castles and breathtaking beaches, we knew we were home. Here’s just some of the reasons why…
It’s often said a place has something for everyone. That’s not always true. But in the case of Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, you can bet on it. Whether you’re looking for great food, a vibrant nightlife, historical and cultural sites or just the simple life—enjoying lush parks, refreshing fountains and the lure of fresh-roasted coffee and creamy pastries at a sidewalk cafe—this is the place for you.
Michael J. Day zeroed in on Portugal as his overseas destination of choice because it offered him a lifestyle he loved. “It has hiking, mountain biking, surfing and sunny weather,” he says. Portugal also offered him a new language to learn, a calmer lifestyle and a lower cost of living. In fact, Portugal’s cost of Read more...
Mention Portugal and you may think of the Age of Discovery or an endless coastline of craggy Atlantic beaches. Most people think, “Romantic, but probably beyond my budget.” Not so. Start in Lisbon to begin your love affair with Portugal—because that’s exactly what it will be.
Portugal is a predominantly Roman Catholic country with a close-knit family ethic. Its rich culture results from many influences, including Celtic, Lusitanian, Phoenician, Germanic, Visigoth, Viking, Sephardic Jewish and Moorish. In recent decades...