Santarém stands as a historic jewel in Portugal’s Ribatejo region, positioned 65 kilometers (40 miles) northeast of Lisbon. This provincial capital, home to around 60,000 residents, combines its rich agricultural heritage with modern amenities, making it an increasingly attractive option for expats seeking authentic Portuguese living. Perched dramatically on a plateau overlooking the Tagus River (Tejo), the city offers spectacular views of the surrounding fertile valleys that have earned it the nickname “Capital of Gothic” due to its impressive medieval architecture. While less frequented by international residents than coastal areas, Santarém provides an genuine Portuguese experience with a growing community of expats who appreciate its slower pace of life, lower cost of living, and strategic location near Lisbon.
Renting & Buying Property
The property market in Santarém offers excellent value compared to Lisbon and coastal regions, making it particularly attractive for those seeking authentic Portuguese living without the premium prices of more tourist-oriented areas.
Buying
Property prices in Santarém range from €70,000 for apartments needing renovation to €350,000 for luxury villas with gardens. Traditional townhouses in the historic center start around €150,000, while modern apartments in newer developments range from €120,000 to €250,000. The area is known for its quintas (country estates) in the surrounding countryside, which can range from €400,000 to over €1 million for extensive properties with land.
Renting
Monthly rental prices are notably lower than in major Portuguese cities. One-bedroom apartments in the city center start at €450, while three-bedroom homes range from €650 to €900. Properties in the historic center or with Tagus River views command premium prices. Outside the city center, prices drop by 20-30%. For more details about renting in Portugal, including your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, check out this comprehensive guide.
Cost of Living
Living expenses in Santarém are significantly lower than in Lisbon or Porto. A couple can live comfortably on €2,000-2,500 per month, including rent. Local markets and supermarkets offer fresh produce at reasonable prices, reflecting the region’s agricultural abundance. Utilities average €100-150 monthly, while dining out costs €30-40 for two people at a mid-range restaurant. Public transportation is affordable, with monthly passes costing around €30.
Can I Move to Santarém?
Portugal offers several visa options for those looking to make Santarém their home:
- EU/EEA/Swiss nationals can move here freely, needing only to register their residence after three months
- The D7 visa suits retirees and those with passive income, requiring proof of sufficient funds to support themselves
- Digital nomads can apply for Portugal’s new Digital Nomad Visa, with Santarém offering an affordable base within easy reach of Lisbon’s tech scene
- The Golden Visa program accepts investments in Portuguese funds, with minimal stay requirements
- Entrepreneurs can pursue the D2 visa, with Santarém’s agricultural sector offering unique business opportunities
For personalized advice on your move to Portugal, contact an immigration specialist.
Attractions
Gothic Heritage
Santarém’s Gothic architecture ranks among Portugal’s finest, with the Igreja da Graça considered a masterpiece of the style. The church houses the tomb of Pedro Álvares Cabral, who discovered Brazil. Visitors and residents alike can explore numerous medieval churches, monasteries, and convents that dot the cityscape.
Jardim das Portas do Sol
This stunning garden offers panoramic views over the Tagus River and surrounding plains. The garden incorporates ruins of the city’s ancient castle and serves as a popular gathering spot for locals. Its café provides a perfect setting for watching sunset over the river valley.
Agricultural Fairs
The National Agricultural Fair, held annually in June, is one of Portugal’s largest agricultural events. It showcases the region’s farming heritage, livestock exhibitions, and local products, drawing visitors from across the country. The fair grounds host various events throughout the year.
Expat Life
The expat community in Santarém, while smaller than in coastal areas, is growing steadily. Most international residents are British, French, and German, drawn by the authentic Portuguese lifestyle and lower living costs. The local Portuguese community is welcoming, though knowing some Portuguese is important for daily life. Regular meetups and cultural events provide opportunities for integration, with the local library hosting language exchange sessions.
Retiring Here
Santarém offers an attractive retirement destination for those seeking a genuine Portuguese experience. The city’s relatively flat historic center makes it accessible for seniors, while excellent healthcare facilities include the district hospital and various private clinics. The lower cost of living allows retirement savings to stretch further, and the central location provides easy access to both Lisbon and the coast. The calm pace of life, combined with year-round cultural activities and markets, suits retirees looking to immerse themselves in Portuguese culture.
Digital Nomad Life
While not a primary digital nomad hub like Lisbon or Porto, Santarém offers advantages for remote workers. The city has reliable fiber-optic internet, and several cafés welcome laptop workers. A new coworking space near the city center provides professional facilities for digital nomads. The lower living costs and proximity to Lisbon (45 minutes by train) make it an attractive base for those who don’t need a bustling tech scene at their doorstep.
Food
- Sopa da Pedra – A hearty bean soup with various meats and vegetables, originating from nearby Almeirim. Legend says a clever monk created it by starting with just a stone.
- Pampilhos – Traditional sweets made from eggs and sugar, shaped like shepherd’s crooks. These treats are a symbol of Santarém’s pastoral heritage.
- Celestes – Delicate convent sweets made from egg yolks and sugar, created by nuns in the region’s monasteries.
Traditional Portuguese dishes are widely available in local restaurants. For those with dietary restrictions, several restaurants in the city center offer vegetarian options, though vegan choices are limited. Gluten-free awareness is growing, but it’s advisable to learn relevant Portuguese phrases for dietary requirements.
Upsides & Downsides Of Living Here
Pros
- Lower cost of living compared to major Portuguese cities
- Authentic Portuguese lifestyle
- Excellent transport connections to Lisbon
- Rich cultural heritage and architecture
- Strong sense of community
- High-quality local produce and wines
Cons
- Fewer English speakers than coastal areas
- Limited international entertainment options
- Hot summers with less coastal breeze
- Smaller expat community
- Fewer international school options
- Some services close during afternoon siesta
Climate
Santarém experiences hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures regularly reach 35°C (95°F), occasionally climbing to 40°C (104°F) in July and August. Winters are mild, with temperatures ranging from 5-15°C (41-59°F). Spring and autumn are pleasant, ideal for outdoor activities. The city receives less rainfall than coastal areas, with most precipitation occurring between October and April.
While there’s no beach nearby, several praias fluviais (river beaches) along the Tagus offer summer cooling opportunities. The Castelo do Bode reservoir, about 30 minutes away, is popular for swimming and water sports.
Will I Need To Learn Portuguese?
In Santarém, learning Portuguese is more important than in tourist areas like the Algarve or Lisbon. While some younger people and those in tourism speak English, daily life often requires basic Portuguese skills. Local government offices, shops, and many restaurants operate primarily in Portuguese. The city offers Portuguese language courses at the local cultural center and library, with private tutors also available.
Learning Portuguese will significantly enhance your experience, allowing you to participate in local events and build stronger connections with neighbors. To get started with learning Portuguese and prepare for potential citizenship requirements, check out this comprehensive guide.
Schools
Santarém offers several educational options:
Public schools provide free education and full Portuguese immersion. The city has multiple primary and secondary schools with good academic standards.
Private schools include Colégio São José, which offers some English-language instruction alongside the Portuguese curriculum.
For international education, families typically consider options in Lisbon, as Santarém doesn’t have international schools.
The city hosts Instituto Politécnico de Santarém, offering higher education in agriculture, education, sports, and business.
For more information about schooling options in Portugal, visit this comprehensive guide.
Getting Around
- Train: Santarém’s train station offers regular services to Lisbon (45 minutes), Porto (2.5 hours), and other major cities
- Bus: Extensive local bus network connects surrounding villages and towns
- Car: Recommended for exploring the region, though the city center is walkable
- Taxis and Uber: Both available, with reasonable rates
- Airport: Lisbon Airport is the nearest major airport, about 75 kilometers away, offering international flights
Day Trips
From Santarém, you can easily explore the Knights Templar city of Tomar, visit the medieval town of Óbidos, or reach the beaches of Nazaré within an hour’s drive. The Tagus wine region surrounds the city, offering numerous vineyard tours. The religious sanctuary of Fátima is just 45 minutes away, while nature enthusiasts can explore the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park.
Similar locations
- Tomar – Another historic city with a similar size and cost of living, but with more tourist appeal due to its Templar castle
- Leiria – Larger university city offering more amenities but maintaining a similar authentic Portuguese atmosphere
- Torres Vedras – Coastal option with comparable prices but more expats and better beach access
- Abrantes – Smaller city with lower costs but fewer amenities and transportation options
- Coimbra – Larger university city with more international influence but higher living costs