Pleasant weather

The climate in Portugal is one of the primary factors driving people to relocate there. The majority of the influx appears to be from individuals traveling from nations like the United Kingdom and Ireland, the northern United States, Canada, and northern Europe. Portugal has a Mediterranean climate, though there may be some regional variations.

Portugal does not typically experience extremes in temperature, but there can be variations due to the influences of the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean Sea's foothills to the south. In contrast to the mild to cool, occasionally rainy winters, summers are warm to hot and dry. This depends on which Portugal's region you choose, but climate is mostly kind.

For example, the climate on the islands of the Azores and Madeira is subtropical, with higher average temperatures and less variation than on the mainland, but more variation in precipitation. For many people, the mainly warm and sunny climate is a major draw. Having a cool glass of wine while dining outside in the warm summer evening. There is nothing not to adore!

Sightseeing

Since we relocated to Portugal from the UK, one thing that has surprised us is how the landscape varies depending on where you are. It also varies seasonally.

Even on freeways, the landscape changes significantly as you move further north when traveling from the south to the north. As you depart the Algarve's sandy coast, you pass the hills that divide it from the Alentejo, the region's closest neighbor with a flat landscape and agricultural fields.

In the height of summer, the Algarve may resemble an arid region with sand-covered, dry grasses growing beneath olive trees. The brown land, however, becomes lush green and home to meadows teeming with wildflowers, birds, and butterflies when it rains in the winter and spring.

Of course, don't forget the mountains and beaches. Portugal's landscape is always fascinating and truly has something for everyone, from the Serra da Estrela, Portugal's highest mountain, to the long, golden sand beaches of the Algarve and the west coast.

Security

I can reassure you that there is no need to be concerned if you are considering moving to Portugal but are unsure of its safety. Portugal is regarded as one of the safest nations in Europe and was most recently ranked as the third safest nation in the entire world.

Its long history of political stability and the fact that its overall crime rate is among the lowest in Europe account for this position, which is only surpassed by Iceland and New Zealand. These elements, as well as positive relations with surrounding nations, a low number of terrorist attacks, and violent protests, have helped the nation—which has been among the top 5 since 2016—continue to move up. So security is yet another factor that draws people to this stunning region of Europe.

Quality of Life

The quality of life is Portugal's biggest comparative advantage over other nations. Portugal is a popular retirement destination because of the favorable climate, affordable cost of living, and high standard of living. The same factors influence family decisions.

An active outdoor lifestyle is much more likely to be possible than it was when we lived in Wales, which was wet and windy most of the time. Our primary motivation for relocating to Portugal was to be near my parents, but we also did it to give our son a more active lifestyle. When he was three years old, we realized that the weather had kept him inside for two-thirds of his life. We wanted to change that. It made sense when taken into account early opportunities to learn another language.

Whether they are still working or in their retirement, moving to Portugal allows people to get away from the grind and lead more laid-back lives. The pace of life is undoubtedly slower overall, though there will undoubtedly be occasions when things do not go as expected.

Local food

Another good reason to relocate to Portugal is the abundance and variety of high quality local produce. Oranges from the Algarve have never been tasted by you. or locally gathered and processed olives. Alternatively, homemade bread with sardine pate made locally.

The best fruits and vegetables can be found at fresh markets, which are located in almost every city and town. The largest green peppers I've ever seen and tomatoes the size of a small melon are not unusual sights. It looks kaleidoscopic in color, and you can tell it will be delicious and fresh. It's a real treat for the palate when served with fish that is taken straight from the sea the day it is caught.

And if that weren't enough, one of the national dishes, Bacalhau à Brás, is also very tasty. And of course, no coffee would be complete without a Portuguese delicacy called Pastel de Nata.

Family-friendly

Portugal appeals to more people than just retirees and digital nomads, of course. Children are welcome in Portugal at any hour of the day or night and the country is very family-friendly. If you enter a restaurant after 9pm. Portuguese families with children frequently eat with friends and family on a weekend night. One family has even had four generations eat together until well after 11pm.

Children are welcomed, and no effort is made to welcome families. Even though it was obvious that we were newcomers to the area, the proprietors of the neighborhood businesses and the preschool teacher and her assistants went above and beyond to make our son (and us) feel welcome.