Latest Articles - Page 11

Are Mosquitoes A Problem in Portugal?

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Mosquitoes are a part of life in Portugal, especially during the warmer months, and many people—particularly those living near still water—notice an increase in bites in summer. Traditionally, mosquitoes have been more of a nuisance than a genuine public health concern. However, recent monitoring by the health authorities shows that one invasive species, the Aedes albopictus mosquito (often called the “tiger mosquito”), is slowly expanding its range within Portugal. Important 2025 Update According to the Directorate-General of Health (DGS), the …

A wide, sandy beach under a clear blue sky with gentle waves breaking onshore. In the background, there’s a rocky hill with numerous buildings perched on top, and more buildings spread along the coastline, giving a picturesque coastal town view.

Imagine waking up to the sound of Atlantic waves, strolling along golden sandy beaches, and immersing yourself in authentic Portuguese culture. This is the essence of life on Portugal’s Silver Coast, or Costa de Prata. Stretching roughly 150 kilometres (93 miles) north from Lisbon, this picturesque region offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and modern amenities. The Silver Coast is home to a diverse array of towns and cities, each with its own unique character. From the …

A family of four sits on a sandy beach in front of a white cottage with green shutters. The mother and father, both smiling, have their three children with them: a baby on the father's lap, a young boy sitting beside them, and an older girl leaning into the mother.

Portugal is a fantastic place for families. In fact, a recent study ranked Funchal in Madeira and Lisbon, the capital city, first and third as the top places to raise a family in the whole of Europe. Porto also made the list at 22. The study, which focused on factors like education, health and safety, and lifestyle and leisure, listed 30 cities around Europe and it’s just one of many studies that say Portugal is a great place to raise …

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Portugal is still a very affordable country by Western European standards, but the cost of living has increased over the past few years — in particular, the cost of renting and buying a property. This is especially true in Lisbon, which has become one of the most desirable places to live in Portugal, but those increasing costs are also increasing all over the rest of the country, particularly in Porto and the Algarve. Looking at the cheapest places to rent …

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If you’re thinking about moving to Portugal, you are probably wondering how much money you need to have in order to live there. This is quite a difficult question to answer, but it can be broken down into two parts: Income Requirements for Residency Moving to Portugal long-term involves obtaining residency there. There are different processes depending on whether you hold EU/EEA/Swiss citizenship (e.g. you have a French or Irish passport) or whether you hold a citizenship from the rest …

An elderly couple stands in shallow ocean water, holding hands and leaning back, with smiles on their faces. Both wear light blue tops and light-colored pants, enjoying a playful moment on a sunny day at the beach. The sky is clear with a few clouds.

Have you heard about the D7, sometimes known as Portugal’s retirement visa? If you’re reading this article, you probably have and you’re wondering where should I retire to in Portugal? In theory, you could move anywhere in Portugal. Yes, there are some parts which are more popular with retirees (like the Algarve and Silver Coast, for example) but that doesn’t mean you have to move there. You could move to somewhere more remote like the far north of Northern Portugal …

A small train station with two rail tracks and platforms. The station building is white with a red-tiled roof. There are electric lines above the tracks and a signal light. The sky is mostly clear with a few clouds, and trees are visible in the background.

Living in the Algarve without a car is possible, but some towns make it much easier than others. Many people assume public transportation in Portugal is excellent everywhere just because it is Europe. The reality in the Algarve is a little different: public transportation is okay, towns are often walkable, and you can get by without a car in the right place, but you need to choose carefully. For most people, being car-free in the Algarve means four things matter …

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If your goal is to go about your day-to-day life speaking in Portuguese, you’ll want to aim for a C1 or C2 level of Portuguese. These are the advanced levels of language learning, according to the CEFR scale, with the C2 level essentially being native fluency. At this level, you’ll be able to read complex texts and discuss complex subjects in both social and professional settings. Most language learners end up plateauing at the intermediate level so you’ll be well …

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A B2 level of Portuguese is a fantastic level to aim for. It isn’t as daunting as the C1, which can often take years to achieve, but it’s something that some people will be able to achieve in less than a year. Having a B2 or upper-intermediate level of Portuguese will give you the skills and confidence to speak Portuguese at quite a confident level. You may still struggle with accents, certain vocabulary or phrases, and expressing yourself as comfortably …

A man in a plaid shirt sits in a library, reading a book and holding a pencil to his mouth. He is surrounded by shelves filled with books, with a tall stack of books beside him on the table. The atmosphere is studious and quiet.

While a lot of people aim for an A2 level of Portuguese, as this is the level needed to obtain Portuguese citizenship, aiming for a B1 or lower-intermediate is a lot more practical if you’re going to be spending a lot of time in Portugal. Ideally, you should use this as a stepping stone to work towards a B2 level of Portuguese. With a B1 level, you’ll be able to have slightly more complex conversations and understand a lot more …

Are Mosquitoes A Problem in Portugal?

Living on Portugal’s Silver Coast: The Honest Alternative to the Algarve

7 Great Places for Families Moving to Portugal

Where Are the Cheapest Places to Live in Portugal?

How Much Income Do You Need to Live in Portugal?

11 of the Best Places to Retire to in Portugal

Best Places to Live in the Algarve Without a Car

Learning Portuguese to C1 (Advanced) Level

Learning Portuguese to B2 (Upper-Intermediate) Level

Learning Portuguese to B1 (Lower-intermediate) Level