The most popular country to retire is Portugal

10 Reasons Why Portugal Is the Best Place to Retire

Retiring abroad can be a great way to enjoy a new culture, lower costs of living, and beautiful weather. If you’re considering retiring abroad, you might want to check out Portugal. Portugal is an idyllic country for retirees and has become increasingly popular in recent years. With its low cost of living, delicious food and wine, friendly people, low taxes, central location in Europe, good weather, rich culture and history, good health care, and low crime rate, it’s no wonder why. This small western European country has a lot to offer ex-pats, making it an ideal destination for those looking to retire in comfort and luxury. Here are ten reasons why Portugal is an excellent place for retirement.

Affordable Cost of Living

Portugal is a great place to retire on a budget. Portugal is an affordable country to live in compared to many other European countries. The cost of living can vary depending on where you live in the country. Overall, it’s generally lower than in other European countries. For example, the cost of rent in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is generally lower than in other European cities. Large cities like Paris or London, are more expensive than Lisbon or Porto. Although if you move to the interior of Portugal, in smaller villages, the cost of living is much lower. 

Budget Friendly

The cost of groceries and other necessities is also generally lower in Portugal. Fresh produce is bought by Portuguese daily and the abundance and low cost means eating healthy is a huge plus. This can make it a great place to retire if you’re on a fixed income. In Portugal you want to stretch your retirement savings further. The country’s cost of living is well below the European average. Portugal is way cheaper than other popular retirement destinations like Spain, France, Italy, Thailand, and Bali. The cost of living in Portugal is 60% lower than in the United States and 30% lower than in the U.K. 

The low cost of living in Portugal means retirees can stretch their retirement funds. This is attractive as often have more money to enjoy their golden years. This was a very important factor for me when I decided to make Portugal mine forever home. This can be especially helpful for those who aren’t receiving a pension and are on a fixed income. Portugal has also become a popular place for retirees to move because of the Pension Privilege. The law that grants retirees visa-free entry to the country. This law is designed to attract foreign retirees and help boost the country’s economy.

Delicious Food and Wine

Portugal’s rich culture and history are reflected in its flavorful food and wine. I have yet to meet a tourist who has tasted traditional Portuguese dishes and did not like them. One of the most popular types of food in Portugal is seafood. The most famous are Sardines, and codfish. Sardines can be fried or barbequed and served with Broa, a Portuguese cornbread, and Caldo Verde a vegetable soup. With codfish, as they say, in Portugal, there are 1001 ways to cook it and they all are delicious.  Octopus and shrimp are among the most prevalent types of seafood. However, many other types of fresh seafood and fish are caught fresh daily and can be found on menus.

The traditional dishes of Portugal

Portuguese cuisine is a real treat for the senses as it is always very tasteful. The amount of the spices and fresh ingredients used. From hearty stews to freshly caught seafood, you can find a wide variety of dishes that are sure to please. Traditional dishes like Cozido à Portuguesa, Açorda de Marisco, and Peixinhos da Horta are especially popular with locals. But the tourists looking to experience authentic Portuguese cuisine love it. TasteAtlas has released their World’s Best Dish Ranking for 2022 and Portugal, not surprisingly has four in the top 100. Of course, no meal in Portugal would be complete without some delicious wine. Portugal is well known for its port wines. Portugal is a country that produces a wide range of both red and white wines.  

It is surprising to many tourists the price and how delicious the wines are. For less than 5 euros, one can buy a decent bottle of wine. So if you’re looking for a truly authentic experience, you can’t go wrong with Portuguese cuisine. From stews to seafood, you’re sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds. Bom aproveito. Portugal is also known for its delicious pastries and desserts, like the famous pastel de nata (egg tart). Regarding wine, Portugal is known for producing rich, robust red and fruity white wines. Leading Portuguese wine producers to include Vinhos Corgo, Teixeira, and Herdade do Correio.

Friendly People

Portuguese people are known for being friendly and welcoming, which can make it easier for you when you are in Portugal. They are very proud of their country and will welcome you into their own homes to taste their specialties. Whether you’re chatting with locals at the market or enjoying a cup of coffee at a cafe, you’ll likely find that people are happy to talk to you and help you out. This can be especially helpful if you’re new to the country and are still learning your way around. From personal experience, the majority of the younger generation do speak English, including other languages, which is a pleasant surprise to many tourists. Portugal is home to some of the friendliest people in the world. 

Portuguese people are very sociable and casual; they like to enjoy life, relax, and have fun. Throughout the year but especially in warmer weather, you will find the restaurants and cafes buzzing with the locals, spending time with family and friends. There is an abundance of places to socialize, restaurants, bars, and local cafes where the older men still play cards or dominos, and I must admit, they do take these games very seriously. As an ex-pat in Portugal, you’ll enjoy the close-knit community, like-minded retirees, and warm sense of belonging that comes from living in a friendly and inviting place. You’ll also find that Portuguese people are very welcoming.

Low Taxes

The tax rate in Portugal is generally lower than in many other European countries, The price you see on the sticker price of goods in supermarkets, is the price you will pay, unlike Canada where I’m from, there is no GST, (goods and services tax). According to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the average tax rate in Portugal (measured as the total tax revenue as a percentage of gross domestic product) was 33.7% in 2019. Portugal has a low tax rate for retirees, with the highest rate being 20%.

Taxes are imposed on income, goods, and services, and the sales tax rate is a low 23%. , the government offers a generous tax allowance for ex-pats. For example, if you earn a pension in Portugal, then you won’t have to pay any taxes on that income. Portugal also has a favorable tax treaty with the United States, a big factor in the increased interest of many Americans looking at Portugal as a favorite retirement destination.

Central Location in Europe

Portugal’s location in Europe is very central, meaning that tourists from many other countries can fly directly, without any stopovers. The country is easily accessible by land, sea, and air. For those tourists that enjoy boat cruises, Lisbon is a starting point for many of the famous European destination cruising. Many tourists come to Portugal because it’s a great stopping point on their way to other countries in Europe. Perfect for retiring individuals, with the main airports being in Lisbon and Porto. The country is also a good base for exploring Africa and Southern Europe, including Spain, France, Italy, and Morocco. 

Transportation within Portugal

Portugal has a well-developed transportation system. The roads are some of the best in Europe but don’t forget that payment is at toll booths. In most rental cars come equipped with automatic readouts. From Porto to Vila do Conde where I live, is about 25 kilometers. This distance can be travelled in 20 or less as the roads are in great shape. Whether you’re traveling by car, bus, or train, you’ll find it easy to get around the country. This can be especially helpful if you’re retired and don’t want to worry about driving long distan1 Euro.

One of my favorite ways to get around Portugal is by train, they are reliable, clean, economical, and quick. From Porto to Lisbon a regular ticket costs about 15 euros. Once in Portugal, I suggest getting the CP rail application. It’s free and will make booking train trips much easier, as it comes in different languages.

Good Weather

Portugal has a warm Mediterranean climate, which makes it a great place to retire, especially in the winter, and say goodbye to winter jackets and boots. The country experiences mild and temperate weather, which is due to the Gulf Stream. Portugal has a warm, Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. The average temperature in Portugal ranges from about 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to about 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. This makes it a great place to retire if you enjoy warm weather and spending time outdoors. 

This summer 2022, the summer was paradise, we had very little rain, and plenty of sunshine, but this fall we had lots of rain, more than normal by all accounts, but so far, in early January 2023 the normal daily temperature ranges from 11 at night to 15 to 17 degrees during the day. You can spend your days lounging on the beach, hiking through the beautiful countryside, or exploring the many outdoor markets and festivals that take place throughout the year. The only time you might want to avoid retiring to Portugal is during the rainy season, which lasts from October to March. During this time you’ll see plenty of rainfall, making it a bit harder to get around.

Rich Culture and History

Portugal has a fascinating and rich culture and history. The country is bound together by many celebrations and festivals, including the famous Fado music festival, the Ponte de 25 de Abril Bridge Festival, and the Entrudo ritual. In my city, in mid-June, they have the Catholic Festival where the streets are decorated with flower petals, a unique experience. There is as well the Festival of Beer and Seafood, another amazing experience for tourists, and locals alike. There are also numerous museums in every village in Portugal, covering topics such as art, history, science, nature, and the history of winemaking. 

The country has a long and storied past, and you’ll find many interesting historical landmarks and cultural attractions to explore, like walking on cobblestone narrow roads, seems like around every corner there are stone sculptures and churches hundreds of years old. Some of the most popular cultural attractions in Portugal include the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, the São Francisco Church in Porto, and the Castle of Guimarães, to name a few. In addition to these cultural landmarks, you’ll find a wide variety of museums, galleries, and other cultural attractions throughout the country. Places to visit in Portugal include the capital city of Lisbon, the seaside city of Porto, the historic city of Évora, and the islands of Madeira and the Azores.

Good Health Care

Portugal has a good healthcare system and excellent medical facilities. Most ex-pats choose to retire to Portugal because they can receive excellent medical care at a low cost. Portugal boasts some of the best doctors in Europe. If you decide to retire to Portugal and need medical care, you can expect to pay a low cost for medical treatment. The healthcare system in Portugal is generally of high quality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Portugal ranks 22nd out of 191 countries in terms of overall healthcare quality, and ranks 27th in the world, for 2023. 

The country has a network of hospitals and clinics that are well-equipped to handle a wide range of medical needs. You can receive basic medical care for free under the Universal Health Care system. If you need more advanced or specialized medical care, then you will likely have to pay I bought insurance through a Portuguese bank and I pay 110 euros yearly. Insurance for a foreigner in Portugal is also an option and very economical. Portugal’s public health system is one of the best in Europe, with over 80% of the population being satisfied with the quality of medical care they receive.

Low Crime Rate

Portugal has one of the lowest crime rates. It has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, making it a safe place to retire. In the capital city of Lisbon, you have a 1 in 1,000 chance of being the victim of a crime. In other parts of Portugal, the crime rate is even lower. I’ve been living in Portugal for 2.5 years and have never had any incidents or felt unsafe anytime in general, you don’t need to worry about being robbed or becoming a victim of violent crime when living in Portugal. It’s one of those rare places where many people don’t lock their doors or lock their cars. 

While you do have to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid being robbed, this is mainly in the bigger cities, and the likelihood of this happening is low. Most crimes occur in tourist areas, such as at train stations or in parking lots. You can further reduce your risk of becoming a victim of a crime by using common sense, avoiding deserted areas, and keeping your valuables out of sight. Overall Portugal is very safe, but of course not immune to the occasional crime.

Ideal Destination for Retirees

One of the main reasons that Portugal is such a popular country for retirees is its warm and sunny climate. Located along the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters, although keep in mind that there are no guarantees. This makes it a great place to spend your retirement years enjoying outdoor activities and soaking up the sun. Another reason tourists and retirees find Portugal so appealing to live and retire is its affordable cost of living. While prices for goods and services are generally lower in Portugal compared to other Western European countries, the country still offers a high standard of living. 

Budget friendly Portugal

This means that you can live comfortably in Portugal on a budget, especially if you are receiving a pension or other form of retirement income. A fundamental reason for retirees to move to Portugal has to be the high-quality healthcare system that is accessible and affordable. The country has many modern hospitals and clinics, and the government provides universal healthcare coverage to all citizens and residents. This means you can have peace of mind knowing that you will have access to good medical care if needed. 

Finally, Portugal has a strong ex-pat community, which means that it is a welcoming place for foreigners. The country has a long history of welcoming immigrants and has a diverse population. This makes it easy for retirees from other countries to feel at home in Portugal and find a sense of community. All of these factors combined make Portugal a great place to retire and enjoy your golden year

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