When you think about living in a high-end European location, names like London, Monaco, Cap d’Antibes and Lake Como might spring to mind.
Even if you haven’t visited, these hotspots are so iconic that you’ve surely seen them on the silver screen, or in the pages of glossy lifestyle or travel magazines – so picturing their landmark buildings and natural attractions is simple.
But how does Portugal stack up in comparison when you’re considering migrating someplace that you and your loved ones can live your best lives?
Rather well as it happens — let’s take a look at why moving to Portugal could be an excellent life choice.
Lisbon life
Portuguese capital Lisbon has everything you need from a contemporary European capital – fine cuisine, historic buildings, superb shops and more.
But it’s also an amazing place to live, and has many exclusive neighbourhoods where you’ll feel instantly at home if you appreciate the finer things in life. For instance, Principe Real is a bijou, boho neighbourhood which houses some of the city’s foremost creatives and it has a gorgeous central park and plenty of boutiques and independent artisan shops.
Alternatively, Alfama is the city’s most historical area and it’s a legendary labyrinth of serpentine streets, alleyways and staircases separating charming authentic residences where you can relax in privacy or head out to the terrific traditional restuarants and fado bars.
Tip: stay at chic hotel Memmo Alfama if you want to try before you buy in this neighbourhood.
Yachting set
If you like messing about in the water, Portugal’s the perfect place to live. With its standout maritime history, you’d expect that yacht owners and any type of sailor or seafarer, amateur or professional, are well taken care of here – and you’d be right.
The nation has plenty of well-appointed marinas and yacht harbours where you can safely stow your pride and joy before heading out into the open sea on pleasure trips or more challenging nautical adventures.
The marina at Portomao is a prime example – with 620 moorings or short and long stays and a strategic location as a stopover on the way to the Mediterranean – but there are many more.
Tip: book a berth for your boat on the official Marina de Portomao website.
Investment opportunities
Portugal offers some excellent opportunities for property investment, in terms of both highly desirable residential and commercial properties.
And another benefit of exending your property portfolio here is that it could qualify you for citizenship by investment via the Golden Visa scheme. Purchase a property valued at €500,000, €350,000 or in some cases €280,000, and you can have permanent residency in five years and citizenship shortly thereafter.
The great news is that you don’t need to move to Portugal for good during the five years the process takes – spending a few days there annually is enough to meet requirements.
Tip: realty pros Property Lisbon can advise on properties that meet Golden Visa requirements.
And voila – here you have several sound reasons you should be living in Portugal, just don’t forget our housewarming invitation once you’re settled in!