Kym S. Says:
My husband and I are planning a scouting trip to Portugal for a few weeks as a place to live part-time. We don’t speak Portuguese, but are quite adventurous. Where would you recommend we go? Should we stay in an Airbnb and rent a car?
IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says:
Hi Kym,
Congratulations on your choice of Portugal as a part-time overseas destination.
A moderate year-round climate, warm welcoming locals, top-notch healthcare, one of the safest countries in the world, and English is widely spoken, too—it’s no wonder we declared Portugal the No. 1 place to retire in our Annual Global Retirement Index 2023.
Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve are the major expat hubs in Portugal that I’d recommend checking out.
Since you’re looking for a part-time base, where you’ll be able to get by easily in English, it could be worth focusing your search on the Algarve.
This southernmost region of Portugal was once a collection of sleepy fishing villages perched on low cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. With an average winter temperature of 60 F, over the last 50-plus years this area has become a legendary resort destination, with lots of expat-friendly communities to explore.
With one long sandy coast running from west to east, it’s not hard for sunseekers to find the ideal spot. The Algarve features seven of the top 10 Portuguese beaches, according to TripAdvisor.
In addition to the coastal area, there is a swath of hilly terrain that traverses the length of the seaside all the way across this lower region of the country. This is also part of the Algarve, and has a more permanent, residential feel to it, contrasted with the resort feel of the coastal towns.
One town you should certainly spend time in is Lagos.
Lagos is a popular coastal town, yet somewhat less touristy than others. The cities next door have points in their favor, such as Portimão which has more of a large city feel and Silves which is a traditional, working-class Portuguese town, but Lagos is the winner in terms of livability and proximity to amenities.
Another benefit to living in the Algarve part-time is that, thanks to its status as a tourist destination, you can rent out your apartment as a short-term vacation let when you’re not using it. As such, Airbnb could be a good option when looking for accommodation during your scouting trip. Another good source of accommodation is Booking.com.
Renting a car could also be good, to give you flexibility when you’re scouting. It would allow you the freedom to explore smaller towns and villages that may not be well served by public transport.
It may be a good idea to have an international driver’s license. Some car rental agencies require them. In the States, you may obtain this from the Automobile Association of America for a small fee if you’re a member, or check your local Department of Motor Vehicles.
Additionally, some providers have a maximum age for renters. It depends on the company but can start as low as 70 years of age. Be sure to check with the company to ensure there are no surprises once you arrive.
All the major rental car companies like Hertz and Avis operate in Portugal, but Europcar often has better rates. Another option is Auto Europe—a website that will search all the car rental companies for you.
For a more detailed dive into our recommended scouting plans for Portugal, check out our Portugal Scouting Trip Itineraries and Travel Guide.
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