Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Along the Tagus Waterfront in Lisbon


10 Best Places for Families to Live in Portugal

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Allianz Care
Allianz Care

Summary: In this article, we highlight some of the best places for international families to live in Portugal.

If you're dreaming about moving with your family to Portugal and haven't decided where to live, here are some of the best places for international families to live in Portugal.

Lisbon

Lisbon

Lisbon is a great place for international families to live, offering a wide range of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. For children, the city is home to several museums with dedicated children's activities, such as the Lisbon Oceanarium, which offers interactive exhibits and educational programs about marine life. The Pavilion of Knowledge - Ciência Viva is another great option, providing hands-on science and technology exhibits for kids. Lisbon also boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, including the expansive Monsanto Forest Park and the beautiful Jardim da Estrela, both perfect for family picnics and outdoor activities. For sports enthusiasts, the city offers several athletic facilities that welcome families. The Lisbon Sports Club, for example, offers a variety of sports programs for children, including golf, tennis, and swimming. The city also has several public pools, such as the Piscina Municipal de Alvalade, which is family-friendly. Additionally, there are numerous sports clubs that cater to kids, like the Benfica Soccer School and the Lisbon Rugby Youth Academy. With its rich culture, friendly locals, and plethora of family-friendly amenities, Lisbon is a great place for international families to call home.

"My vastly improved diet. Without any actual effort, I’ve lost 25 pounds since I got here, which I attribute to eatting a lot more fresh fruit and vegetables and walking on cobblestoned up and downhill sidewalks. The extreme level of consideration for other people among the Portuguese. Because of an obstruction in the left venticle of my heart, I have to stop and catch my breath about every block, and I had to learn almost immediately how to say “I’m OK. I’ve got water. I just need to take a short rest before I move on,” because people stop all the time to ask," said one expat living in Lisbon.

Porto

Porto

Porto is a good destination for international families to reside, offering a plethora of activities and facilities suitable for all ages. For children, the city hosts several museums with dedicated children's activities, such as the World of Discoveries, an interactive museum and theme park that recreates the journeys of Portuguese explorers. The Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art also offers educational programs and workshops for kids. Porto is rich in parks and recreational areas, including the Crystal Palace Gardens and the City Park, both ideal for family outings and outdoor activities. For those interested in sports, the city provides several athletic facilities that welcome families. The Porto City Park Tennis Club, for example, offers a variety of sports programs for children, including tennis and swimming. The city also has several public pools, such as the Piscina Municipal de Campanhã, which is family-friendly. Additionally, there are numerous sports clubs that cater to kids, like the Dragon Force Football School and the Porto Cricket and Lawn Tennis Club. With its vibrant culture, welcoming locals, and an array of family-friendly amenities, Porto is an ideal place for international families to settle down.

GeoBlueGeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlueGeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote

Cascais

Cascais

Cascais is a good place for international families to live, offering a variety of activities and facilities for all ages. For children, the city is home to several museums with dedicated children's activities, such as the Paula Rego House of Stories, which offers art workshops for kids. The Museum of the Sea also provides educational programs about marine life. Cascais is rich in parks and recreational areas, including the Marechal Carmona Park and the Boca do Inferno, both ideal for family outings and outdoor activities. For sports enthusiasts, the city offers several athletic facilities that welcome families. The Quinta da Marinha Sports Club, for example, offers a variety of sports programs for children, including golf, tennis, and swimming. The city also has several public pools, such as the Piscina Oceanica de Oeiras, which is family-friendly. Additionally, there are numerous sports clubs that cater to kids, like the Cascais Rugby Club and the Cascais Basketball School. With its vibrant culture, friendly locals, and an array of family-friendly amenities, Cascais is a good place for international families to settle down.

Sintra

Sintra is an ideal place for international families to live, offering a multitude of activities and facilities for all ages. For children, the town is home to several museums with dedicated children's activities, such as the Toy Museum, which offers a fascinating collection of toys from different eras. The Sintra Science Center also provides educational programs and interactive exhibits for kids. Sintra is abundant in parks and recreational areas, including the Pena Park and the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, both ideal for family outings and outdoor activities. For those interested in sports, the town provides several athletic facilities that welcome families. The Penha Longa Resort, for example, offers a variety of sports programs for children, including golf, tennis, and swimming. The town also has several public pools, such as the Piscina Municipal de Sintra, which is family-friendly. Additionally, there are numerous sports clubs that cater to kids, like the Sintra Football Club and the Sintra Tennis Club. With its rich culture, welcoming locals, and an array of family-friendly amenities, Sintra is an excellent place for international families to settle down.

Portugal Residency AdvisorsPortugal Residency Advisors
Connect

Portugal Residency Advisors is a full-service consulting firm dedicated to providing personalized services to individuals and families seeking to relocate to Portugal. With a team of experienced professionals and strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to assist clients with all aspects of the relocation process.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Portugal Residency AdvisorsPortugal Residency Advisors

Portugal Residency Advisors is a full-service consulting firm dedicated to providing personalized services to individuals and families seeking to relocate to Portugal. With a team of experienced professionals and strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to assist clients with all aspects of the relocation process.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Faro

Faro

Faro is a good choice for international families looking for a new place to call home. The city offers a variety of activities and facilities suitable for all ages. For children, Faro is home to several museums with dedicated children's activities, such as the Algarve Regional Museum, which offers educational programs and interactive exhibits for kids. The city is also rich in parks and recreational areas, including the Ria Formosa Natural Park and the Faro Island Beach, both ideal for family outings and outdoor activities. For sports enthusiasts, Faro provides several athletic facilities that welcome families. The Faro Municipal Swimming Pools, for example, offer a variety of programs for children, including swimming lessons and water aerobics. The city also has several sports clubs that cater to kids, like the Faro Rugby Club and the Faro Tennis Club. With its vibrant culture, friendly locals, and an array of family-friendly amenities, Faro is a great place for international families to settle down.

Coimbra

Coimbra

Coimbra is a fantastic destination for international families seeking a vibrant and welcoming community. The city is home to several museums that offer children's activities, such as the Science Museum of the University of Coimbra, which provides educational programs and interactive exhibits for kids. Coimbra is also rich in parks and recreational areas, including the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra and the Mata Nacional do Choupal, both perfect for family outings and outdoor activities. For those interested in sports, the city provides several athletic facilities that welcome families. The Municipal Stadium of Coimbra, for example, offers a variety of sports programs for children, including football and athletics. The city also has several public pools, such as the Piscina Municipal de Coimbra, which is family-friendly. Additionally, there are numerous sports clubs that cater to kids, like the Coimbra Rugby Club and the Coimbra Tennis Club. With its rich culture, friendly locals, and an array of family-friendly amenities, Coimbra is a wonderful place for international families to settle down.

GeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

Learn MoreGet Quote

GeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

Learn MoreGet Quote

Evora

Evora is a delightful destination for international families seeking a culturally rich and welcoming community. The city boasts several museums that offer children's activities, such as the Evora Museum, which provides educational programs and interactive exhibits for kids. Evora is also abundant in parks and recreational areas, including the Jardim Publico de Evora and the Ecopark Azaruja, both perfect for family outings and outdoor activities. For sports enthusiasts, the city provides several athletic facilities that welcome families. The Piscina Municipal de Evora, for example, offers a variety of programs for children, including swimming lessons and water aerobics. The city also has several sports clubs that cater to kids, like the Evora Rugby Club and the Evora Tennis Club. With its vibrant culture, friendly locals, and an array of family-friendly amenities, Evora is a great place for international families to settle down.

Funchal

Funchal is a good destination for international families seeking a vibrant and welcoming community. The city is home to several museums that offer children's activities, such as the Madeira Story Centre, which provides educational programs and interactive exhibits for kids. Funchal is also rich in parks and recreational areas, including the Santa Catarina Park and the Quinta Magnolia Park, both perfect for family outings and outdoor activities. For those interested in sports, the city provides several athletic facilities that welcome families. The Piscina Olímpica do Funchal, for example, offers a variety of sports programs for children, including swimming lessons and water aerobics. The city also has several sports clubs that cater to kids, like the Marítimo da Madeira Club and the Nacional da Madeira Club, which offer football programs for children. With its rich culture, friendly locals, and an array of family-friendly amenities, Funchal is an ideal place for international families to settle down.

Portugal Residency AdvisorsPortugal Residency Advisors
Connect

Portugal Residency Advisors is a full-service consulting firm dedicated to providing personalized services to individuals and families seeking to relocate to Portugal. With a team of experienced professionals and strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to assist clients with all aspects of the relocation process.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Portugal Residency AdvisorsPortugal Residency Advisors

Portugal Residency Advisors is a full-service consulting firm dedicated to providing personalized services to individuals and families seeking to relocate to Portugal. With a team of experienced professionals and strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to assist clients with all aspects of the relocation process.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Guimaraes

Guimaraes is an excellent choice for international families seeking a culturally rich and welcoming community. The city is home to several museums that offer children's activities, such as the Alberto Sampaio Museum, which provides educational programs and interactive exhibits for kids. Guimaraes is also abundant in parks and recreational areas, including the Parque da Cidade and the Monte Latito, both perfect for family outings and outdoor activities. For sports enthusiasts, the city provides several athletic facilities that welcome families. The Piscina Municipal de Guimaraes, for example, offers a variety of programs for children, including swimming lessons and water aerobics. The city also has several sports clubs that cater to kids, like the Guimaraes Football Club and the Guimaraes Tennis Club. With its vibrant culture, friendly locals, and an array of family-friendly amenities, Guimaraes is a good place for international families to settle down.

Viseu

Viseu is a great destination for international families seeking a vibrant and welcoming community. The city is home to several museums that offer children's activities, such as the Museu Almeida Moreira, which provides educational programs and interactive exhibits for kids. Viseu is also rich in parks and recreational areas, including the Parque Aquilino Ribeiro and the Cava de Viriato, both perfect for family outings and outdoor activities. For those interested in sports, the city provides several athletic facilities that welcome families. The Piscina Municipal de Viseu, for example, offers a variety of sports programs for children, including swimming lessons and water aerobics. The city also has several sports clubs that cater to kids, like the Viseu United Football Club and the Viseu Tennis Club, which offer sports programs for children. With its rich culture, friendly locals, and an array of family-friendly amenities, Viseu is a wonderful place for international families to settle down.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


Allianz Care
Allianz Care

Allianz Care
Allianz Care

Along the Tagus Waterfront in Lisbon

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute to Portugal Network Contribute
Help others in Portugal by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.

Allianz Care
Allianz Care

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal