12 Best Places to Live Near Porto (For When the City Is Too Much or Too Expensive)

A detailed map of Porto, Portugal, showcases the city's intricate street network, with major roads and intersections highlighted. The map features a minimalistic, light green and cream color scheme and includes a scale indicator in the bottom left corner.

In recent years, Porto has emerged as a prime tourist destination in Portugal, drawing visitors and expats with its rich history, vibrant culture, and picturesque landscapes. However, this surge in popularity has also led to a significant increase in property prices and the overall cost of living within the city. Consequently, many individuals, including expats and students, are exploring alternative places to live near Porto, where they can enjoy a lower cost of living without sacrificing the conveniences and attractions …

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TV in Portugal: What You Can Watch and How to Get American & British Shows

A couple sits on a white couch in a modern living room, watching TV. One holds a remote control, and the other has a laptop. The room features a stone accent wall, sleek furniture, and a black rug on a polished floor.

For those considering a move to Portugal, the country’s television offerings promise a blend of local and international content. Most TV packages, especially when bundled with fibre internet, boast around 150 channels, ensuring a diverse viewing experience. If you opt for a 4G home internet package, you can still expect a respectable lineup of approximately 90 channels.  Beyond the array of Portuguese channels, viewers will be pleased to find familiar English-speaking channels such as Fox News, Fox Comedy, National Geographic, …

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15 Best Places to Live Near Lisbon (But With Easy Access)

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Lisbon, the ever-popular capital of Portugal, has long been a magnet for those seeking a blend of historic charm, vibrant culture, and a laid-back lifestyle. However, as the city centre burgeons with popularity, it’s becoming increasingly expensive and competitive to secure a home within its narrow, cobbled streets. For many, the allure of Lisbon isn’t confined to its central districts. In fact, the towns near Lisbon and neighbourhoods on the outskirts offer a fantastic alternative for those wishing to be …

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6 of The Prettiest Towns on the Algarve

Are you dreaming of a sun-soaked getaway filled with stunning beaches, rich history, and authentic Portuguese charm? Look no further than the Algarve! While this beautiful region has seen its fair share of development, with modern resorts and bustling tourist spots, there are still plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Join us as we explore six of the prettiest and most authentic towns in the Algarve, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and fall in …

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Lisbon VS Porto: Where Should Expats Choose to Live?

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If you’re looking to live in a large Portuguese city, there are really only two options, Lisbon and Porto. Both cities offer a unique blend of tradition and modernity but come with their own distinct characteristics. So which should you pick? Lisbon, the larger of the two, is the political, economic, and cultural centre of Portugal. Situated along the Tagus River, it offers a mix of historic neighbourhoods and new developments, providing a broad range of living options. The city …

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Is there Walmart in Portugal?

A blue Walmart shopping cart is positioned in an empty parking lot in front of a large Walmart store. The sky is clear and sunny, and a tree is partially visible on the left side of the image.

If you’re moving to Portugal from the US, you may be used to certain supermarkets like Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Target, and Whole Foods. Generally speaking, most of these stores don’t have outlets in Europe and that includes Walmart – although there are Costco stores in Spain. Is there a Portuguese equivalent of Walmart? Not really. The nearest is probably one of the larger Continente stores, one of the main supermarket chains in Portugal, as the larger stores tend to have …

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Portugal VS Mexico: Which is Better for Expats?

A picturesque scene of traditional, colorful houses with white walls and blue and yellow accents under a vibrant blue sky. Lush green plants and trees are in the foreground, and a cobblestone path leads to the houses, with a grassy field in the distance.

It might seem unusual to compare life in Mexico and Portugal, but it’s a common comparison for many Americans considering moving abroad, particularly for retirement. In the past, Mexico and other Latin American countries like Panama, Costa Rica, and Ecuador were where most Americans set their sights. Recently, however, more and more Americans have been looking for ways to move to Europe and Portugal has come into the limelight as a place Americans can easily move to. Both offering a …

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16 Honest Reasons People End Up Leaving Portugal

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Thousands of people move to Portugal every year and the vast majority of them end up staying, at least for a good few years. But some people decide that Portugal just isn’t the right fit for them.  The reasons people decide this are endless, and are often very personal, but having spoken to lots of expats who’ve made this big decision, there are a few common reasons.  The purpose of this article isn’t to present a list of reasons you …

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Alentejo Food: 9 Regional Dishes That You Have to Eat

A white plate contains a creamy beige dish garnished with several prawns arranged in a circle. In the center, there is a raw egg yolk. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled throughout the dish, adding a touch of color.

Welcome to the culinary world of the Alentejo, a region in Portugal renowned for its rich gastronomic heritage. Alentejo food reflects the region’s rustic charm, so expect hearty and satisfying dishes that are characterised by bread and meat. Ready? Let’s embark on a journey through Alentejo’s gastronomic delights, and experience the unique flavours and wholesome dishes that make this region a true culinary gem. Açorda à Alentejana Let’s begin our culinary adventure with a classic Alentejo dish, Açorda à Alentejana. …

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Are Cockroaches Common in Portugal?

A woman and a man wearing face masks are in a kitchen. The man, dressed in work attire and holding a spray canister, is inspecting the area under the cabinetry. The woman, wearing a purple top, is crouched beside him, observing the inspection process.

In short, not really. You will see cockroaches every now and then, usually on the street and sometimes inside an apartment, but it is quite rare. Live in Portugal for long enough and you should only see a cockroach one or twice a year. However, it does depend on where you’re living, including the property you live in.  This is in contrast to Spain, particularly the south of Spain, where cockroaches are a much more common occurrence. Here, you will …

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