Portugal has long been a hit with retirees. International Living recently ranked it as the best country in Europe for retirement.

But many of those who move there aren’t seeking to simply put their feet up in the sunshine.

For Patricia Wells, moving to Portugal from the UK in her later years was the start of a new adventure.

Wells explained: “On retirement, we were looking for a challenge in our ‘Third Age’: a new experience, a different culture and the opportunity to acquire another language.”

Patricia is one of a growing cohort of retirees who don’t simply want to stop. They want to rebalance and explore while also being able to socialise, enjoy cultural pursuits and focus of health and fitness.

Portugal has a great deal to offer those looking to do this somewhere tranquil and safe.

The country ranks 7th in the 2024 Global Peace Index, meanwhile, the UK ranks 34th. Portugal also boasts the 16th lowest crime index score in Europe, according to the Numbeo Crime Index. The UK trails behind in 39th place – just four places from the bottom.

In addition to its tranquillity and sunshine, Portugal also offers a wealth of cultural pursuits, with everything from art and music to philosophy held in high regard.

The better weather is, of course, an intrinsic part of the appeal, enabling residents to engage in an active, outdoor lifestyle almost year-round.

Christina Hippisley, General Manager of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, which organises the free-to-attend Moving to Portugal Show and Seminars, has seen a notable shift in recent years when it comes to what retirees are seeking from Portugal. 

She added: “Portugal still ticks all the same boxes in terms of affordability, stunning scenery, outstanding food and wine, and an easy relocation experience, but it now offers something more for those seeking active later living.

“We’ve seen new resorts spring up that cater specifically to those who want to retire, or semi-retire, and in so doing start a whole new adventure.”

Patricia Wells and partner Chris, a retired doctor, have found a place near Lisbon where they plan to settle shortly.

Chris said: “We’re excited to live near Lisbon for cultural and social activities. It is important to have a strategy as we age, and if we become unable to maintain our present levels of self-care.

“We have seen many sad cases where people have had to leave their homes here to return to the UK for their families to care for them. This is often heartbreaking as they leave their familiar surroundings and friends, and it’s very disruptive as they return to a cold and rainy life in the UK.”

For older people, relocating to Portugal is also easy from a visa perspective. The country provides a D7 visa scheme specifically aimed at older movers with a regular passive income.

Under the terms of the visa, they are free to work in Portugal too, providing plenty of flexibility for those who want to rebalance leisure and work without giving up the latter entirely.

When it comes to renting in Portugal prices of course can vary depending on where in the country you are.

According to Housing Anywhere, the average cost of renting in Portugal is lower than France and the Netherlands.

In cities such as Braga you can find furnished rental apartments for around €650 per month. Meanwhile, in the capital Lisbon you can expect to pay €1,000 a month for a furnished studio in the city center.

However, if you’re looking for a more spacious one-bedroom option in the capital it will set you back slightly more at €1,700 a month.

Elsewhere in Porto, you can see an average of €1,200 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center.