7 Best Towns In Portugal For Retirees

Portugal, a historic country on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain and the Atlantic Ocean, has consistently been ranked among the best places to retire in Europe, and that’s no coincidence. Portugal has a warm, sunny Mediterranean climate, a rapidly growing expat community, world-class infrastructure, and one of the lower costs of living in Europe. In the country’s smaller towns, retirees even have more to enjoy, including a little bit of peace, which can sometimes be hard to find in such a highly sought-after place. Moreover, these towns all have intimate cobblestone streets that promise pleasant walks, alongside several historic attractions, some dating to the Roman Empire, and others highlighting the country’s Moorish history.

Faro

Faro, the capital of the Algarve region in southern Portugal, is one of the best places in all of Europe to retire. Here, retirees will be met with a stunning old town, beautiful beaches, beautiful cathedrals, and lots of great places to eat, like the A do Pinto, which offers delicious seafood and authentic Portuguese flavors. Architecture buffs and history enthusiasts alike will love visiting Faro Cathedral, a majestic Roman Catholic church built in the 13th century that combines various architectural styles, including Gothic and Baroque. The interior of the cathedral is particularly intriguing, with its intricately designed carvings and patterns, plus it features some of the best views of Faro and a stunning bell tower.

This cathedral is at the heart of Old Town Faro, where retirees will enjoy walking on cobbled streets surrounded by medieval walls and lined with attractions such as the statue of King Afonso III, who kicked out the Moors in 1249. Beyond the town’s historic allure, retirees here will be delighted with the beaches in the area, including the nearby Praia de Faro, which stretches around five kilometers on a barrier island and features soft golden sands, beach bars, and turquoise waters ideal for surfing and swimming. On top of that, Faro International Airport is right in this town, meaning easy access to major destinations in Europe and the world.

Silves

This small town in the Algarve region is an ideal place to retire and discover the rich history of Portugal. Once a capital under Moorish rule and the former capital of the Kingdom of Algarve, Silves has witnessed so much and now hosts ancient structures, including Silves Castle, one of the most famous attractions in Portugal. Retiring here means easy access to this stunning Moorish castle, which is a reminder of the area’s Arab occupation between the 8th and 13th centuries.

On another part of town sits the Silves Municipal Archaeology Museum, which tells the human story of the region from the Paleolithic era to the 17th century, and beyond. Among the museum’s collection are Paleolithic tools, Bronze Age pottery, menhirs from the Iron Age, and a well-preserved Moorish well. Meanwhile, Silves is full of hospitable establishments, including several wineries like the Quinta do Frances Winery, where one can relax with high-quality wines and the gorgeous, rural scenery of the Silves Hills. And even though not directly on the coast, Silves is near a couple of exciting beaches, including the Praia Grande de Pera, a large beach offering a quieter atmosphere with no loud bars, soft golden sand, dunes, and lots of birds.

Evora

Evora has always been a place of interest in Europe. In the first century BC, it came under Roman rule, was captured by the Arabs in 715, and was eventually conquered by the Portuguese in 1181. Today, it is the capital of the Alentejo region and a worthy retirement spot in Portugal featuring cozy attractions like the Pastelaria Conventual Pao de Rala, which offers delicious pastries, coffee, and tea.

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, this town is also full of historic treasures that will delight retirees, including the Chapel of Bones. This chapel, located adjacent to the Church of St. Francis, was built in the 16th century with walls made with human bones and skulls, gotten from an estimated 5,000 corpses. The monument was built by Franciscan monks and has an inscription on its door that reads “we bones that are here, await yours.” The town is also the proud home of the Roman Temple of Evora, one of the best-surviving examples of the area’s Roman history. This temple is over 2,000 years old and is believed to have been built during the reign of Caesar Augustus. Retirees are always welcome to tour this temple, located right in the Historic Center of Evora, where a simple stroll feels like a step back in time, with its cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and whitewashed houses designed with azulejos. Notably, the Evora Cathedral is the biggest medieval cathedral in all of Portugal, giving retirees in this town more amazing things to explore.

Lagos

Lagos is a vibrant and beautiful coastal city perfect for retirees in Portugal. This town is home to around a dozen beaches, including world-famous ones like Praia Dona Ana, where golden sands meet stunning cliffs, and calm turquoise water. This beach is an amazing place to spend sunny afternoons in Lagos, plus it is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Besides the beaches, Lagos has other coastal attractions that will delight retirees, with the Ponta da Piedade being the most popular. Located at the southernmost tip of Lagos, this headland is characterized by stunning rock formations, coves, and caves, and offers activities, such as kayaking, boating, and hiking on a cliff-top boardwalk with spectacular views. In the meantime, the Old Town is always a great place to explore with its cobbled streets, historic walls, and local establishments like the Casa do Prego, which serves authentic Portuguese and Mediterranean food. Just across this restaurant is the Lagos Cultural Center, where one can catch live performances and explore art exhibitions.

Ericeira

Ericeira is a small town on the west coast of Portugal with big surprises. Located around 45 minutes from Lisbon, one will find several excellent surf beaches, from the Praia dos Pescadores, which is perfect for beginner surfers and swimming, to Praia da Ribeira d’ilhas, which boasts consistent waves suitable for all skill levels.

Outside surfing, Ericeira will delight retirees with family-friendly attractions such as the Santa Marta Park. This park is a gathering spot for everybody, including children, as it has a playground, alongside tennis courts, a skating rink, and a mini golf course. Furthermore, Ericeira is a paradise for strolling, with an intimate town center lined with white-washed buildings, beautiful trees, and cozy establishments, including Tik Tak, a restaurant in the area serving delicious Portuguese food.

Estoril

Estoril is the perfect place for retirees seeking a luxurious lifestyle in Portugal. The town is located on Cascais Bay, just 15 miles from Lisbon, and boasts a strong expat community, grand hotels, premium real estate, and amenities that support an upscale lifestyle. For starters, this town is home to Casino Estoril, one of the largest in Europe. This sprawling casino is a worthy place to spend time and money, with its gaming rooms equipped with state-of-the-art machines and tables, bars offering live music, and an art gallery featuring stunning art exhibits. The casino even hosts the Estoril Mandarim, which is considered one of the best Cantonese restaurants in Portugal.

Beside this casino is the Palacio Estoril Hotel, a world-famous luxury hotel with manicured gardens, elegant rooms with sea views, and the 18-hole Estoril Golf Club, where retirees can unwind with a round of golf and gorgeous views of lush trees and the Atlantic. Meanwhile, the Tamariz Beach, just nearby, is a great place to relax and enjoy some seaside fun as it boasts soft golden sand and calm water ideal for swimming.

Tavira

Tavira is a small historic community in Portugal’s Algarve, perfect for retirees seeking a peaceful life near the border with Spain. Populated by fewer than 30,000, this town is known for its laid-back atmosphere, traditional Portuguese feel, and exciting attractions. Retirees here will love strolling through the town’s peaceful cobbled streets, often flanked by white-washed buildings, and historic structures such as the Castelo de Tavira, which stands as a testament to the area’s long history. Established and used by the Moors for defense between the 11th and 13th centuries, this castle now lies in ruins and is open for tours to see its beautiful gardens, stone walls and steps, and battlements, with impressive views. Tavira’s charming streets also hide a couple of cozy local spots, including the beloved Restaurante Come na Gaveta, where tapas and other delicious food meet with a heart-warming service and Iberian wines.

Moreover, the area boasts several beaches, including the Tavira Island Beach, which can be reached via a short ferry from town. This beach is incredibly popular and considered one of the best in the Algarve, with its long stretch of golden sands, calm turquoise water, and a decent number of restaurants and cafes. On top of that, the town is a paradise for shopping, featuring the Centro Comercial Tavira Plaza, a vibrant shopping center with a wide selection of shops, restaurants, and services.

Why These Portuguese Towns Appeal to Retirees

In these towns in Portugal, retirees will enjoy more than just abundant sunshine, great food, and intimate streets, but also some of the most affordable living costs in Europe. Besides, these towns boast sizable expat populations, with people speaking various languages, especially Portuguese and English. That said, retirees who speak only English or other languages are advised to learn basic Portuguese phrases like obrigado and ola, which translate to thank you and hello respectively.