Living in Portimão – Everything you need to know

  • 5 July, 23

Portimão is the second largest city in the western Algarve region of southern Portugal, once known as a popular fishing village, this place has since become beloved tourism destination in the Algarve region. With a population of 65,000, but the population quickly goes up during the peak summer months. Furthermore, with about 300 days of sunshine a year, Portimão is a city where you don’t need to turn the heating on.

What is living in Portimão like?

To live in Portimão is to enjoy 8km of beaches of fine golden sand. Portimão promises plenty of sunshine all year around. This allows you to explore your outdoor activities whenever you want. In fact, this is the idea place to stay on a vacation in Portimão, you can enjoy the best of Algarve nature, from the famous Praia da Rocha to Praia do Vau, Praia dos Três Castelos, Praia de Alvor, Praia do Alemão, etc.

In addition, there’s so much to love about this town. There’s a fantastic fish market where you can get fresh supplies anytime. Portimão is an idea location for visting other towns using the available public transportation.

Who lives in Portimão?

Generally, the people who entire Algarve region come from all walks of life in over the world. This can be proven that Portimão is a popular tourist hub and one of the world’s most famous destinations.

Because Portimão is a large city where can get around using public transportation, bus, trains, near shopping malls, medical, and dental clinics, it attracts many expats come to live.

What is the cost of living in Portimão?

Generally, the cost of living in the Algarve region is higher than national average. However, when compared to other cities around the world, the cost of living in Portimão as an expat is considerably more affordable.

For instance, according to numbeo, a family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,786 EUR without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 511 EUR without rent. Consumer Prices including rent in Portimao are 61.0% lower than in London.

Safety living in Portimão

Portugal is one of the safest destinations in Europe. In fact, Portugal is ranked sixth according to the Global Peace Index 2022, behind Iceland, New Zealand, Ireland, Denmark, and Austria. According to numbeo, Portimão has the crime indes with 17.38 and safety index with 82.62. While Portugal is relatively safe, there are isolated incidents of petty theft like pickpocketing and muggings. Other than that, you will find life quite calm and peaceful during your stay in Portimão.