Portugal has become one of the most sought-after expat destinations in the world.
Geographically, this country packs a punch.
Portugal includes the Hawaii-like Madeira archipelago, islands marked by sharp green cliffs and overflowing with bright tropical flowers… the dry, chaparral-covered hills of the Algarve reminiscent of Morocco… and the verdant peaks of Northern Portugal, where the conditions are just right to produce the world-famous vinho verde wine.
Portugal’s 1,115 miles of coastline are tranquil in some places, with soft, golden sands and placid waters, and dramatic in others, with turbulent waters producing the biggest waves ever surfed anywhere.
Portugal has a mild, almost Mediterranean climate with more than 300 days of sunshine annually meaning you can look forward to loads of time outdoors year-round.
Portugal’s history is rich, with Roman, Celtic, and Islamic influences. As one of the oldest countries in Western Europe, architectural marvels and landmarks hide around every bend in the road.
The sunny Algarve in Portugal’s south boasts beautiful Blue Flag beaches with sparkling waters and limestone grottoes reachable only by boat. The Algarve’s coastal areas are dense with tourists, but you can easily slip away and find yourself surrounded by peaceful countryside or the white-washed cottages of a traditional village where you’ll feel transported back in time.
The Algarve is also a golfer’s paradise, with some of Europe’s finest championship courses. And across the country are nature reserves, hiking trails, beautiful mountains, and coastal paths waiting to be discovered.
Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, remains one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. This is a city of grandeur and charm perched elegantly on the banks of the Tagus River. This strategic location allowed the city to flourish. Its immense plazas are bordered by pastel stone structures and jacaranda trees.
In the north, Porto beckons visitors with its colorful historic center, cobbled streets, world-class food and wine, and riverfront scenery. Known for its enchanting Douro Valley and port wine, this is the oldest demarcated wine-producing region in the world.
The Portuguese people are gracious and unassuming and speak English at a high level. Their modern culture is eclectic and innovative, producing forward-thinking social and economic policies and unique styles of fashion, music, gastronomy, and art.
Portugal is one the world’s safest, most peaceful countries, and it’s as turn-key as Europe gets if you’d like to establish residency.
As global interest in Portugal has exploded, most of the attention has been on the Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto, all top options for reinventing your life at any age.
You’ll find large expat communities, English-speaking locals, and every manner of recreational activity.
The downside is that the popularity of these areas has driven up prices. To live comfortably in these parts of this country, you need a monthly budget of at least $2,500.
So we’ve gone in search of more affordable corners of this glorious country… like Braga.
Braga offers an authentically Portuguese and tranquil lifestyle that can be much more affordable than life in the better-known expat and retiree hubs.
Braga’s key appeal comes from its historic center, a dense, buzzy neighborhood of cafés, restaurants, boutiques, churches, supermarkets, businesses, hotels, and private homes. This is a city of narrow lanes and lively plazas hemmed in by baroque churches and other historic structures.
Braga was once surrounded by medieval walls. A surviving Renaissance gate announces the entrance to the city’s pedestrianized historic heart. It’s a pleasant place to wander, watch the passing show, and enjoy lunch on a sunny outdoor cafe terrace.
Here’s what else you should know about this number-one choice on the Continent…
1. English-Speaking Expats
English is the second-most-spoken language in Portugal. It’s taught from an early age in schools. Most people, especially the younger generation, speak it at a high conversational level. You can get by with English alone in Braga and shouldn’t have a problem finding English-speaking doctors, real estate agents, and lawyers, as well as English-language media.
2. Walkability
Braga is a small city with a population of less than 200,000 people. It’s compact and pedestrian-friendly so you can easily get by without a car and make your way around on foot. The city also has a well-developed public transportation system
3. An Active Social Life
Braga is the center of Portugal’s Minho region, famous for outstanding natural beauty, with lush landscapes, mountains, river valleys, and a rugged Atlantic coastline.
Braga residents take advantage of all this natural beauty with walks, hikes, cycles, and drives in the countryside, plus excursions into the nearby national parks.
Braga is also a university town meaning the ambiance is always lively, with people out enjoying the gastronomic offerings, parks, and plazas.
Braga’s expat community is smaller than those in the Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto, but that’s part of its appeal. That said, you won’t be isolated here as an expat; there’s an active community of international folks who organize social activities, making it easy to make connections.
4. Personal Safet
Portugal is extremely safe, ranking seventh in the Global Peace Index. Living in Braga, crime would not be a concern.
5. A Rich Cultural Experience
Thanks to its many churches and religious sites from the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary and Sé de Braga Cathedral, Braga is considered the Rome of Portugal. Pilgrims have journeyed here for centuries, and the sound of church bells is a constant companion,
But life in Braga is not all about religion. The Portuguese love a good party, and the events calendar in Braga is packed with festivals, concerts, and exhibitions, many multi-day affairs featuring live music, performances, and costumes.
Great fun for all and free.
Until next time,
Founding Publisher, Overseas Opportunity Letter
