Life in Portugal: discover 6 good reasons to start a new life in Portugal
Tens of thousands of ex-pats move to Portugal every year. In 2007, this country had 10,617,575 inhabitants, of which 332,137 were legal immigrants. Most expats come from Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, Ukraine, Romania, Moldova, and the UK. What exactly is it that attracts so many people to this country? Here are six reasons to start a new life in Portugal:
Breathtaking beauty
From churches and small fishing villages to golf courses, castles, and pristine beaches, Portugal offers a wide range of attractions. There is a right balance between the rustic beauty of the country and modern elements and a vibrant nightlife. A strict national program preserves areas of particular biological interest.
Recreational activities
For active people and retirees, there is a lot to do: sailing, cycling, diving, swimming, and golf. For Portugal and Spain, golf is a more prominent attraction than the beach. The golf courses in the Algarve offer variety in terms of quality, price, and difficulty. There are excellent facilities for mountain biking, squash, tennis, rock climbing, and karting. You can also indulge in bird watching, visit theme parks, and attend concerts.
People and community
The Portuguese are friendly and welcoming. Must speak English. They are some of the most beautiful, most polite, and relaxed people you will ever meet. This country has a culture where people keep things going and have a more relaxed pace of life.
Low costs
Portugal is one of the cheapest countries in the European Union. Real estate prices are similar to those in Spain. Necessary costs of living such as public transport, health care, and property taxes are low. Most of the services are cheaper than in Northern Europe. Local food and drinks are also inexpensive. Expats who settle in Portugal benefit from an income tax exemption for ten years.
Location
If you live in Portugal, all of Europe’s major cities are on your doorstep. You can get to London, Paris, Prague, Switzerland, Seville, Madrid or Barcelona in one day. Located in southwestern Europe, this country borders the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west, and Spain to the north and east. There are 82,900 kilometers of highways, 3,319 kilometers of railways, and 65 airports.
Quality of life
Warm weather and security are just two of the factors that contribute to a high quality of life in Portugal. Recreation, leisure, human rights, and a stable economy make this country one of the best places to live in Europe. Portugal is home to beautiful museums, natural parks, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
