The mild climate, year-round sunshine, 800 km plus of stunning beaches, diversity of landscapes, unique cultural heritage, cuisine, fine wines and the warmth of the Portuguese people, nicely summarize why so many chose Portugal as their holiday home or to set up their permanent residence.
1. Portuguese Lifestyle
Climate
The climate varies significantly from region to region. Continental Portugal weather is influenced by the terrain, latitude and proximity to the sea which makes for mild winters, especially in the Algarve. On the Islands – the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira - the climate is characterized by balmy temperatures year round in the first case, and subtropical characteristics, in the second case.
Golf
According to tLeadingcourses.com, a prominent website that compares golf courses in Europe, Portugal ranks top of the list for anyone planning a golf getaway. Some of the reasons highlighted include the pleasant weather, beautiful coastal villages and the high quality of the golf courses in Portugal which us widely recognized as one of the world’s top golfing destinations.
Beaches
With more than 1800 kilometres of a wide variety of beaches to choose from, in Portugal you’ll find a beach to suit every fancy. Portugal has a wealth of white, soft sand beaches with transparent waters, often surrounded by pine tree forests or cliffs. It is recognized as a premier destination for water sports like surf and windsurf so whether you are looking for adventure or tranquillity, between the North and the Algarve there is a beach for you.
Portugal was awarded Europe’s Leading Destination 2020 under the 27th edition of the World Travel Awards, for the 4th year running. Other awards include Europe’s Leading Island Destination 2020 (Madeira), for the 5th year running, Europe’s Leading Beach Destination 2020 (Algarve), for the 3rd year running, Best Adventure Travel Destination in Europe 2020 (Azores).
Awards
Arc Properties / Why Portugal?
Cuisine
Rich, varied, complex and simple, the Portuguese culinary experience is vast and highly recommended. According to The Guardian, Lisbon, currently, provides one of the most exciting gastronomic scenes in Europe, offering a mixture of innovative and traditional cuisine in restaurants led by acclaimed chefs. But there is so much more to try…
Rich, varied, complex and simple, the Portuguese culinary experience is vast and highly recommended. According to The Guardian, Lisbon, currently, provides one of the most exciting gastronomic scenes in Europe, offering a mixture of innovative and traditional cuisine in restaurants led by acclaimed chefs. But there is so much more to try…
Rich, varied, complex and simple, the Portuguese culinary experience is vast and highly recommended. According to The Guardian, Lisbon, currently, provides one of the most exciting gastronomic scenes in Europe, offering a mixture of innovative and traditional cuisine in restaurants led by acclaimed chefs. But there is so much more to try…
Geography
Located in Europe’s most southeast region, Portugal also comprises the islands of Madeira and Azores, located in the Atlantic Ocean. On the European continent, Portugal is spread over 88.889 sq km (218 km wide and 561 km in length, including 832 km of Atlantic coast and 1.215 km of land borders with Spain).
Portugal is an excellent country to invest, do business and live in. There is no doubt that Portugal is still a rising star and continues to attract international investment.
2. A Great Investment
Arc Properties / Why Portugal?
Highly skilled talent, world-class infrastructure, the eclimate and easy access to markets, are among the many factors that have contributed to a continuous and constant flow of investments in different economic sectors in recent years. Geography, political stability, and low operational risk are highly valued by investors because they trust a country that is open to foreign investment from around the world, according to Luís Castro Henriques, President and CEO of AICEP.
Despite the recent health crisis we experienced in the very recent past, which has threatened the dynamism and vivacity that the real estate market experienced until 2019, several factors remain that make Portugal, and Lisbon in particular, so attractive for investment, especially for foreign investment.
International real estate investors as well as foreign citizens residing in Portugal, attracted by foreign investment programs such as Golden Visa and the NHR – Non-Habitual Resident taxation regime, have been at the forefront of attracting over 25 billion euros of foreign investment between 2014 and 2019. Additionally, the real real estate market and national real estate investment markets have already proven their ability not only to recover bu in fact be one of the first sectors to emerge after a crisis. In Portugal Global.
Political stability and low risk of operations
Real Estate Investment
Startups: it's good to start in Portugal
Golden Visa
Portugal is a safe and accessible country – it ranks no. 3 of the 163 countries that comprise the Global Peace Index 2020, offering a high quality of life, solid infrastructure, excellent climate and good health and education systems.
Portugal's Golden Visa program, which began in October 2012, is one of the most popular when it comes to obtaining residency through investments in Europe and the world. It provides a range of relatively affordable investment options to choose from when obtaining your residence permit, requiring only a 7 day stay per year which allows access, without the need for a visa, to any of the Schengen Area states and allows Portuguese citizenship within a period of five or six years.
Political stability, excellent quality of life and security, as well as global, top-ranking universities and strong incentives in the production sector, are some of the driving forces that increasingly attract startup companies in the IT sector. With a growing ecosystem of competitive startups, Portugal currently occupies a leading role in entrepreneurship in Europe. According to a recent study, Portugal is hub for more than 2000 startups, 33% of which operate in the IT sector.
Portugal ranks 5th out of 59 destinations in the Expat Insider 2021 survey, with the best performance in the Quality-of-Life Index (3rd), just behind Taiwan (1st) and Austria (2nd).
3. Quality of Life
Arc Properties / Why Portugal?
Ahead of the game
For the seventh time, InterNations, the world's largest expat community with some 4 million members, has published its Expat Insider survey. With more than 12,000 respondents, this is one of the most extensive surveys on living and working abroad, sharing insights into the lives of expatriates in 59 destinations. Portugal ranks 5th out of 59 destinations under the Expat Insider 2021 survey, with the best performance in the Quality-of-Life Index (3rd), just behind Taiwan (1st) and Austria (2nd).
Happiness and well-being
The country ranks third in the Personal Happiness subcategory, with 84% of expatriates satisfied with their life in general (vs. 75% globally). In addition, 87% of expats are satisfied with local leisure options (vs. 72% globally) and 90% say the same about the climate (vs. 66% globally).
The country has attracted many people from all over the world, by the levels of security, health, and tranquility.
Security, above all
According to Global Data Bank indicators for 2019, life expectancy in Portugal was 81 years, slightly above the European average.
In addition, it is one of the safest countries in the world - in 2021, it was ranked as the 4th safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index. Portugal is also one of the three countries with the smallest number of violence cases in the European Union, according to a report on crime by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, and is a fantastic destination for nature lovers.
Health for all
All residents in Portugal have access to quality and low-cost public health systems, subsidized by the State. The Portuguese public education system is also recognized for its quality, because it is not only free, but also accepts all children and adolescents in Portugal, regardless of nationality or legal status.
Effervescent, dominated by the river and its photogenic light. A rich culture, cuisine and leisure. How can you not fall in love with Lisbon?
Lisbon
Arc Properties / Why Lisbon?
Seven cinematic hills overlooking the Tagus River, postcard perfect cobble stone alleyways, ancient ruins and white domed cathedrals – a captivating mis-enscene created over centuries – reads the Lonely Planet guide.
Old neighborhoods, narrow alleyways and courtyards, cobblestone sidewalks that are still made by hand, facades that speak the languages of diverse styles and colors, clothes lines, voices buzzing, luxury shops on wide avenues, lookout points, marinas, restaurants and bars, museums, and churches... there is so much to write about. Lisbon is one of the most exciting cities in Europe.
Its seven hills are softened by the urban landscape, which provide a sensitive glimpse into all the transformations that have taken place over centuries. These same hills ensure that all of these dynamics are reserved and kept within the city limits, attracting evermore shows and important sports competitions which bring visitors and young people of all nationalities settling down to work here for long periods of time, as well as a significant number of foreigners swapping their hometown for the wonderful and always warm Lisbon.
Blessed by geography, the blue sky and its special light, Lisbon and its surrounding areas offer some of the most beautiful landscapes. From the Arrábida mountain range to Guincho beach, next to Cascais, the historical monuments in Sintra and the first-rate waves of Ericeira, the positives abound and are highly recommended.
Beyond Lisbon
Arc Properties / Why Lisbon?
Cascais & Estoril
Cascais had an important expansion in the 19th century, but it was in the second half of the 20th century that the village became a popular summer resort, attracting the more curious strollers when access was made easier by the inauguration of the Railway line between Pedrouços and Cascais in 1889. Today, Cascais is a lively and cosmopolitan destination, that maintains its aristocratic character. A multinational destination populated by a wealth of nationalities who have chosen this location for their holiday or permanent residence. Cascais has parks, an international marina, golf courses within walking distance of the city center, beaches, restaurants, cafes and terraces, luxury hotels and many landmarks, like Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth), among others. Fresh fish and seafood, the sun and laid-back style are some of the features that attract more and more tourists and visitors.
Ericeira
The fishing village, located about 50 km from Lisbon, which saw a remarkable expansion the 20th century, witnessed by locals and generations of beach goers, maintains its original character and a very own atmosphere is.
Its beaches are very popular during the summer, and are considered the best at European level for surfing, including the Ribeira d'Ilhas Beach, where one of the World Surfing Championship events is held every year.
A walk around Ericeira is also an excellent opportunity to taste the varied dishes of seafood and fresh fish, a gastronomic specialty of the region.
Sintra
Sintra, the UNESCO world heritage village at the foot of the mountains that bear the same name, is home to important geographical, natural, and architectural treasures. Its forest, rich in Atlantic and Mediterranean species, marks the transition between the country’s northern and southern vegetation, and is a part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
Always appreciated by kings and aristocrats, lauded by writers and poets, Sintra has a remarkable collection of chalets, farms, and palaces, including the picturesque Pena, Seteais which has been converted into a luxurious Hotel, and Monserrate, famous for its gardens with unique exotic species.
Sintra’s pastries are also renowned, especially Travesseiros and Queijadas. The village is the perfect starting point to discover some of Portugal’s most emblematic sites, such as Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of the European continent, Colares, and the picture perfect village of Azenhas do Mar, as well as the pristine beaches Praia das Maçãs e Praia Grande.
Azeitão
Located in the Natural Park of Serra da Arrábida, this area is home to several characteristic villages, such as Vila Fresca and Vila Nogueira, and here several noble families settled for the summer, building remarkable farms, and manor homes. In addition to the visit to Azeitão, where you can taste the many products of the region, such as cheeses, the famous pies and wines, Azeitão also attracts visitors to the beach stunning beach of Portinho da Arrábida with vistas stretching as far out as Troia. And, not far away, Sesimbra, known for the quality of its pies and seafood and its quaint Marina is also close by.
Located in the Natural Park of Serra da Arrábida, this area is home to several genuine villages, such as Vila Fresca and Vila Nogueira, and noteworthy aristocratic family villas, farms, and manor homes. In addition to the visit to Azeitão, where you can taste the many products of the region, such as cheeses, famous pies and wines, Azeitão also attracts visitors to the beach stunning beach of Portinho with vistas stretching as far out as Troia. Sesimbra, known for the quality of its pies and seafood and its quaint Marina is also close by.
Located in the Natural Park of Serra da Arrábida, this area is home to several characteristic villages, such as Vila Fresca and Vila Nogueira, and here several noble families settled for the summer, building remarkable farms, and manor homes. In addition to the visit to Azeitão, where you can taste the many products of the region, such as cheeses, the famous pies and wines, Azeitão also attracts visitors to the beach stunning beach of Portinho da Arrábida with vistas stretching as far out as Troia. And, not far away, Sesimbra, known for the quality of its pies and seafood and its quaint Marina is also close by.
Comporta
A refuge for on the edge of the Atlantic and the perfect destination for a family holiday, for its vast stretches of beaches extending beyond where the eyes cans see, has been increasingly sought after by celebrities from the worlds of fashion, art and cinema. Located at the southern end of the Troia Peninsula, on the limits of the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, its beach, surrounded by virgin pine forests remains pristine and the original dune vegetation has been preserved. It’s idylic landscape, made up of rice fields, ocean, dunes and pine forest are the perfect backdrop to the hippy-chic atmosphere, unique, reserved and very exclusive artmosphere.
The distance between North and South, which can be traveled in one day, should not be measured in time, but in the natural richness, wow factor and endless attractions.
Up North, Down South
Arc Properties / Why Lisbon?
Porto
The ambiance, culture, architectural heritage, sea and river make up the city, and its surroundings, which has been welcoming tourists and new residents, with its natural beauty and historical richness.
Algarve
Just three hours away from Lisbon, Porto extends along the Douro River estuary. It’s small dimensions, when compared to Lisbon, traditional and welcoming nature give it a very special vibe.
Classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts narrow and historic streets, steep slopes and picturesque buildings, as well as renowned cuisine, museums and parks, many seaside and riverside terraces, boutique hotels, fashion and alternative design shops, internationally renowned art galleries and all the natural surroundings that make this city a special place.
The cliffs, sea coves, golden sandy beaches, dramatic bays and islands that nod in the direction of the Caribbean, food, golf courses designed by some of the world's most famous landscape architects, marinas and many walking tracks to discover, attract millions of visitors to the sunny Algarve every year. Surrounded to the west and south by the Atlantic, the southern region of the country is a paradise for lovers of sailing, surfing, swimming or diving in temperate waters. Luxurious villas and resorts, an increasingly careful urban planning, along with all the attractions, including a vibrant nightlife, with beach bars and open air nightclubs, in addition to the many natural treasures, which extend from the beauty of the Ria Formosa Natural Park to historic villages, mountains and carob fields, almond trees and citrus orchards, make the Algarve region a mandatory destination in everyone's bucket list .