7 Welcoming Towns to Retire in Portugal

When looking for a nice place to retire, you might consider Portugal. The excellent weather, beautiful scenery, good food, and low cost of living make the country an attractive choice for retirement. While many retirees might look to more well-known cities, such as Lisbon, Portugal's towns are arguably better places for retirement. Many are quiet and tranquil and are filled with historic buildings and beautiful architecture representing each region's unique history and culture. There are beaches and an abundance of birds in many of Portugal's towns. Let's explore seven of the most welcoming towns to retire in Portugal.

Évora

Évora is a charming historic town, perfect for history-buff retirees who want to live somewhere with stunning surroundings. Évora is a UNESCO Site with a rich Roman and medieval heritage. Enjoy the history that's all around you by visiting the Roman Temple and the Cathedral of Évora. The museum has extensive exhibits showcasing the town's past, and the streets in Évora are pretty and perfect for strolling around. There are many cute shops and eateries to enjoy, too. Visit the town's main square to shop and see the unique 16th-century Henriquina Fountain.

Sines

Sines is a town for surfing, fishing, and exploring local history and culture. Retirees who like to surf will love this town; it is a prime spot for surfing. Some of the most popular beaches for surfing are Vale Figueira, São Torpes, Praia Grande de Porto Covo, Ilha do Pessegueiro, and Praia dos Buizinhos, which features a magnificent cove hemmed by cliffs that are perfect for exploration.

Beyond beaches and surfing, Sines is famous as the traditional birthplace of the explorer Vasco da Gama. Today there is a monument celebrating him that faces the sea just next to the west tower of Sines Castle. You can also learn more about the town's past at the Museu de Sines. There are many historical buildings around town that add to Sines' character. Not far from the city center, you'll find the ruins of Miróbriga, an old Roman town long abandoned but which remains available for exploration.

Vila Franca de Xira

Just outside Portugal's capital, Lisbon, is Vila Franca de Xira. Known for its wetlands, birds, farmland, and wine, this is the town for people who want a simple life in retirement. Visit the Parque Linear Ribeirinho Estuário do Tejo to stroll boardwalks through wetlands. Art lovers will enjoy the town's Museu do Neo-Realismo. Just west of Vila Franca de Xira are hills covered in vines. Arruda dos Vinho is the main village known for wines in the area and it is only about 11 miles as the crow flies from Vila Franca de Xira. This is the perfect spot to go wine-tasting. The region is mostly known for its red wines. While Vila Franca de Xira offers a slower pace of life, the town is still close to the big city. The Linha de Azambuja is a commuter train with frequent runs, offering an easy way to get in and out of Lisbon.

Lagos

Lagos is a beautiful town in Portugal with windswept dunes and natural grottoes. The sunny weather, scenic beaches, and relaxed lifestyle make this a great destination for retirees. There are many beaches in Lagos with stunning views. A natural wonder you will find at one of the beaches is the Ponta da Piedade. This area has cliffs, outcrops, and stacks of red and yellow limestone that tower above magnificent turquoise waters. Next to Ponta de Piedade is Praia do Camilo. This is a stunning cove you can explore. There is a wooden staircase leading down to the cove. Enjoy walking around Old Lagos to see beautiful architecture and historic sites.

Visit the Museu Municipal Dr. Jose Formosinho to learn more about the area's history. In the town's center, there is also a science museum—Lagos Ciência Viva Science Centre-to enjoy. Something to know about Lagos is that the area's beauty attracts many tourists in the summer. Sometimes the downtown area can get rowdy and music can be heard playing throughout the night. Those looking for a quiet retirement will want to find a place away from the town's center.

Tavira

Known by many as the “Venice of the Algarve," Tavira is a romantic town on the banks of the Gilão River. The town is a fishing village with beaches to relax on and lots of wildlife to see. The Praia da Ilha de Tavira is the beach nearest to the town, located on a barrier island separate from the mainland. To get to the beach there is a ferry that travels back and forth throughout the day. Another great beach in town is the Praia do Barril, which has a long and wide belt of white sand, with rows of lawn chairs making it the perfect place to unwind. There you'll also find the curious Cemitério das Âncoras (Anchor Cemetery).

Walking around town, you will see many historic buildings including the Castle of Tavira and the mid-16th century Igreja da Misericórdia church. Tavira has a lot of bird traffic throughout the year since it's next to the beautiful Ria Formosa National Park. The park features 65 square miles of water channels, islands, salt pans, beaches, and shellfish beds. There are over 200 species of birds that can be spotted in the park, making it a birders paradise. Some unusual species of birds you can find include purple herons, western swamphens (considered the symbol of the park), and flamingos.

Madeira

Madeira—officially the Autonomous Region of Madeira—is closer to Africa than Europe. Just off the coast of Morocco, it has a lower cost of living than many other towns in the country. This makes it especially attractive to digital nomads and those looking to retire. The island is full of natural beauty. Besides being surrounded by the ocean, it is full of subtropical laurel forests. Enjoy the variety of plant life at one of its botanical gardens. The tropical gardens at Monte Palace Madeira and Madeira Botanical Garden are two of the most popular. Nature lovers will love hiking around the area. In Madeira's east, you can hike on the nature reserve next to volcanic rock. The rock has a reddish hue and the soil in the area allows unusual flowering plants like cardoons to flourish. For even more spectacular views, head to Madeira's tallest mountain: Pico Ruivo. Many of the hikes there are walkable and afford stunning rocky mountain views. In Funchal, the capital and biggest city on the island, try getting around by one of the cable cars. These cars go on the same route as the old steam railway line. For those looking to retire to spend some extra time on the green, Madeira is the place for you. Madeira is becoming a trendy golfing destination. It was nominated as one of the "World's Best Emerging Golf Destination" by World Golf Awards.

Setúbal

Setúbal is the destination for a relaxed atmosphere and easy access to seafood and wine. The port town is along the Sado River estuary and has an industrial history. Setúbal past is evident in some of the town's unique buildings. Some of the most spectacular places to visit include the Monastery of Jesus and the Castelo de Palmela, an ancient castle. The town's center has pedestrian-friendly streets, which are perfect for a stroll to enjoy the town's atmosphere, historic buildings and shops. Setúbal is home to some scenic places, including the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve and Arrábida Natural Park. These are great places to hike. To enjoy fresh, local seafood, go to the Mercado do Livramento market. This is considered by many to be one of the best markets for seafood in all of Portugal.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Portugal is a stunning country with a lot to offer retirees. These Portugal towns are some of the best places to retire and offer something for everyone, including those who need access to low housing prices, top-notch hospitals, and outstanding amenities. Beach bums will love the turquoise waters in Lagos. History buffs, on the other hand, will enjoy all the historical buildings and monuments in Évora. Whether you are looking for a remote wilderness paradise or a bustling beach town, these Portuguese towns are great retirement destinations. Once you arrive, the beautiful weather and friendly community will confirm you made the right choice in your retirement destination.