Slow Travel through Portugal Q&A
Portugal is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, with a mild climate and a rich history that dates back to Roman times. It's also one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe for expats—especially for anyone who wants to work remotely. If you're looking for a place where you can live cheaply while still being able to enjoy all the benefits of modern life, Portugal might just be your new home.
What is the history of Portugal?
The history of Portugal starts in the early 11th century, when the Kingdom of the Algarve was established by Vímara Peres on the southern coast of the Iberian Peninsula and the historical link between Portugal and Spain was formed. The area's early history is marked by Lusitanian (Celtic peoples) and Carthaginian settlements in colonial times, with Punic influence in the south. Roman incursions followed, with Conii and then Suebi under King Hermeric, who established a short-lived kingdom in what is now northern Portugal.
The Portuguese Republic is a country located mostly on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. It is the westernmost sovereign state of mainland Europe, being bordered to the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean and to the north and east by Spain. At a total area of 92,090 km2 (35,560 sq mi), Portugal's territory also includes two archipelagos in the Atlantic: The Azores and Madeira.
What is the cost of living in Portugal?
The cost of living in Portugal is relatively low, which is good news if you're thinking about moving there.
According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Portugal is actually lower than that of the United States. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon is €650 per month, or about $750. In comparison, an average U.S. one-bedroom apartment costs about $1,200 per month.
The average cost of food in Portugal is also lower than it is in America: Numbeo estimates that groceries will run you just €2.50 per day (about $3). To give you some perspective: The average American spends $5 on groceries each day.
The biggest difference between living in Portugal and living in the U.S., however, will likely be transportation costs: According to Numbeo's data, it costs around $1 per day to get around by bus or metro—and that's if you're lucky enough to have a job close enough to your house that you don't need a car!
What type of food should I try in Portugal?
There are so many delicious foods to try in Portugal, but some of the most quintessential are:
Bacalhau a Bras (Codfish), which is prepared with boiled potatoes and onions. It's served with fresh orange slices and wine vinegar.
Guloseimas (sweet treats) like Pastel de Nata (custard tart) and Pasteis de Nata (custard cakes). These desserts are made from egg yolks, sugar and flour, often topped with a sprinkling of cinnamon or nuts.
Cataplana (seafood stew), which is cooked in a copper dish with tomatoes, onions and herbs. You can find this dish in most Portuguese restaurants or at home!
Does Portugal have a large expat community?
Portugal does have a thriving expat community. In fact, it's one of the most popular places for expats to move abroad. There are many reasons for this popularity, but the main one is that Portugal offers a quality of life that many other countries do not.
For example, it's easy to find good jobs in Portugal and many expats have found work at multinational corporations like Google, Facebook, and Amazon. The cost of living is also lower than many other places in Europe and there are lots of things to do outside of work if you like to stay active or enjoy culture.
With all these benefits combined with its beautiful scenery and rich history as an imperial power, Portugal has become a top destination for expats looking for somewhere new!
Is Portugal good for digital nomads?
There are lots of reasons why Portugal is a great place to live as a digital nomad:
- The weather is mild and sunny, with little variation between seasons.
- The food is incredible. From the freshest seafood to traditional Portuguese dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, you'll never be hungry in Portugal.
- There's an abundance of work-from-home jobs available in Portugal—and they pay really well! You can find job listings for remote positions on websites like Indeed or Monster. Just keep in mind that some companies will only hire candidates who have already lived in Portugal for at least six months.
- Portugal has a very low cost of living and cheap housing options. If you're planning on staying there long term and want to own your own home instead of renting one out from someone else (like most people do), then this could be a big draw for you—it'll allow you to save more money while still enjoying all the amenities that come with living in such an amazing place!
Does Portugal have co-working spaces?
Yes!
Portugal does have co-working spaces, and they are a great way to get started with the country's startup scene.
Co-working spaces are businesses that provide shared office space for people who need a place to work outside of their home or dorm room but don't want to go all-in on renting an office space. Co-working spaces typically offer desk space, conference rooms, printers, wifi, and more.
Getting involved with a co-working space is a great way to meet other entrepreneurs in Portugal who are working on similar projects and can help you grow your business.
You can find them in the major cities, like Lisbon and Porto, which are hubs for startups.
Does Portugal have a digital nomad visa program?
Yes, Portugal has a digital nomad visa.
If you're looking for a place to work remotely that's also full of culture and outdoor activities, Portugal might be the place for you! The country has been known for its vibrant culture for centuries, and it continues to be a destination for travelers from around the world. It also offers plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the natural world—you can hike through forests and mountain sides or go surfing in one of its many beaches.
But what makes Portugal truly unique is its digital nomad visa program. In fact, it's one of only two countries in Europe with a digital nomad visa program (the other being Estonia). If you want to live in Portugal but still be able to travel around Europe for business purposes (or just for fun), this is your chance!
What are the best beaches in Portugal?
Portugal is known for its beaches, and for good reason: the country has some of the most beautiful, pristine beaches in the world. No matter what region you're looking for, you'll find a beach that meets your needs—whether it's a calm spot with crystal-clear waters and white sand, or a party scene where people are dancing under the stars.
Here are our 5 picks for the best beaches in Portugal:
- Praia da Figueira da Foz
- Praia do Castelo de Guincho
- Praia de Bexiga (Albufeira)
- Praia do Tonel
- Praia de Paredes de Baixo
What are the best things to do in Porto?
Porto is a city known for its incredible food and wine, but it's also home to tons of other things to do. Here are 5 things you have to do in Porto:
- Walk along the banks of the Douro River and enjoy the view of the waterway and old port buildings.
- Visit the Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves. It houses an impressive collection of modern art from around the world.
- Take a boat ride down the Douro River and learn about Porto's history from a local guide who will give you his or her own perspective on this historic city.
- Go to the beach at Praia da Ribeira (also known as "Beach Park") for a day of sunbathing, swimming, and surfing (if you're brave enough!).
- Have dinner at O Fábrica, where you'll dine on traditional Portuguese cuisine while surrounded by beautiful tile work that dates back hundreds of years
What are the best things to do in Lisbon?
Whether you're just passing through or wanting to make Lisbon your home, there are plenty of things to do in the city. Here are some things to do in Lisbon:
Get lost in the Alfama neighborhood - The Alfama is one of Lisbon's oldest neighborhoods and it's also one of my favorites. The narrow streets, winding staircases, and colorful buildings make for an enchanting experience that you'll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Plus, there are tons of cafes where you can stop for a cup of coffee or drink as you wander around.
Visit the Jeronimos Monastery - This monastery was built in the 15th century and it's still an active place of worship today. If you're lucky enough to visit during mass, it'll be one of your most memorable experiences in Lisbon. But even if you don't get to see any services while you're there, it's still worth checking out because it's so beautiful inside!
Eat at any number of delicious restaurants - You won't have trouble finding a great place to eat in Lisbon—there are tons of options all over town! And since Portuguese food is some of the best on earth, eating out here should be high on the list of things to do.
Which airlines fly direct to Portugal?
Here are the airlines that fly direct to Lisbon: Aer Lingus (LIS), American Airlines (LIS), British Airways (LIS), Delta Air Lines (LIS), Iberia Airlines (LIS), Jet2 (LIS), Ryanair (LIS).
Here are the airlines that fly direct to Porto: Aer Lingus (OPO), British Airways (OPO), EasyJet (OPO).
Is it true that Portugal decriminalized all drugs?
Portugal decriminalized all drugs in 2001. This means that drugs are still illegal, but they're not criminalized. They aren't classified as crimes, and there are no prison sentences for drug use. Instead, people caught with small amounts of drugs are sent to treatment programs, where they can learn about their addiction and how to overcome it.
The results of this system have been positive: Portugal's rate of drug use has decreased by half since 2001, and drug-related deaths have dropped by 25%.
How long does it take to learn Portuguese?
Learning Portuguese is a long journey, but it's also one that's incredibly rewarding.
The most important thing to know is that no matter how much time you put into learning Portuguese, you'll never be able to get it right. You'll always have room for improvement, and you'll always be able to be more fluent in the language. That's just part of what makes learning a new language so exciting!
So how long does it take to learn Portuguese? It depends on who you ask. Some people say that if you dedicate yourself to learning the language for one hour per day for five days per week for six months, then by the end of those six months, you should have a good grasp of Portuguese grammar and pronunciation—and even some conversational skills. Others argue that two days per week for eight weeks will do the trick. Still others say that if you're willing to put in 40 hours per week for three months straight, then by the end of it all, your Portuguese should be pretty solid!
What's important here is not just how much time someone spends learning Portuguese—it's also about how much effort they put into learning it well. Learning a new language takes dedication and practice; there's no way around it!
