Vonita C. Says:
My husband and I are in the beginning stages of gearing up for retirement.
We are thinking that over the next five years we would start visiting different countries for a month at a time. What is the best way to go about spending a month in Portugal?
Should we rent via Airbnb or is there something else?
IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says:
Hi Vonita,
With a full month to work with, you have the opportunity to see more of Portugal than most visitors ever see, and perhaps even more than most Portuguese, who tend to stay close to home.
Portugal is very diverse, with sun and sand to the south in the Algarve and greener, more mountainous regions to the north.
I would advise following an itinerary to check out various parts of the country to find a place to suit you. For this, Airbnb and Booking.com will be your best options to find accommodation.
Culturally, Portugal is a diverse country with a delightful mix of locals and foreigners from around the world. Big cities, like Lisbon and Porto for instance, offer a different vibe than rural areas where life moves slowly. It’s easier to find English speaking locals in the larger cities and throughout the Algarve due to the influx of tourists that frequent these areas.
The primary thing for you as a potential expat is to experience the differences in pace, temperature, humidity, and proximity to the coastline or countryside. Most expats also seek out well established expat communities where meeting like-minded people can make the transition to a new country easier.
We have a pre-planned itinerary that will help you cover all the areas you need to see. .
You may notice the absence of some of the more touristy destinations and “must-see” places, such as the palace town of Sintra. This is so you can spend more time in places where a prospective resident might actually want to live.
These itineraries are designed for you to scout a place to call home, rather than gain a tourists’-eye view of Portugal.
Best of luck with your scouting and I hope you find the spot that’s right for you!