The cobblestone streets of Porto, the buzzing capital of Lisbon, and the golden beaches of the Algarve have captivated many with dreams of a Portuguese life. But before you pack your bags for a permanent move, there’s a crucial step that separates the dreamers from those that become future expats: the scouting trip.
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What Is (and Isn’t) a Scouting Trip
A scouting trip is not a vacation – it’s a focused, purposeful investigation into whether Portugal aligns with your vision of a new life abroad. While tourists might be content sipping vinho verde and photographing azulejos, your scouting mission requires a different mindset. You’re here to envision your daily life, understand the practicalities of living in Portugal, and make informed decisions about your potential new home.
Primary Objectives
- Determine if Portugal is right for you and your family
- Choose the specific region or city where you’d want to live
- Gather practical information for your eventual move
- Make professional connections and begin administrative processes (optional)
Planning Your Trip
Plan to spend at least 2-4 weeks exploring potential areas, if you can. This might seem like a long time, but it’s necessary to get beyond the surface-level tourist experience and truly understand what daily life might be like.
When it comes to accommodation, forget hotels. Instead, book Airbnbs or apartment rentals in residential areas. This gives you a much better sense of what it’s like to actually live in an area rather than just visit it. You’ll want to spend enough time in each location – at least 4-5 days – to develop a real feel for the rhythm of life there.
Transportation planning is crucial for a successful scouting trip. Most international flights arrive in either Porto or Lisbon, so you’ll likely want to plan your itinerary around these hubs. If you’re interested in exploring Madeira or the Azores, you’ll need to factor in additional internal flights from these airports.
While Portugal’s major cities have excellent public transportation, having a car gives you the freedom to explore potential areas outside city centers. Plus, it lets you experience driving in Portugal – something that might be part of your daily life if you choose to live outside an urban area.
It’s also a good idea to listen to podcasts and YouTube videos from people who’ve already made the move. Portugalist is a great resource for this.
Regional Exploration: A Strategic Approach
Each region of Portugal offers something unique, and it’s worth taking time to explore several areas before making a decision. In major cities like Lisbon and Porto, focus on exploring different neighborhoods during both day and evening hours. Pay attention to noise levels, parking situations, and the general vibe of each area. Consider how easy it would be to handle daily tasks like grocery shopping or getting to a gym.
In coastal areas like the Algarve or Silver Coast, consider the impact of seasonal tourism. A location that seems perfect in spring might be overwhelmingly crowded in summer or too quiet in winter. Visit during different times of day and think about what life would be like year-round.
Where to Visit in Portugal
Before diving into specific neighborhoods or properties, you’ll want to decide which region of Portugal best suits your lifestyle. Each area has its distinct character, advantages, and potential drawbacks. Here’s a guide to Portugal’s most popular expat destinations, each worth considering during your scouting trip.
The Algarve
The Algarve has long been Portugal’s premier expat destination, and it’s easy to see why. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, golden beaches stretching along the southern coast, and a well-established international community, it offers an enviable lifestyle that many dream of.
The region is particularly attractive to families, thanks to its selection of international schools and English-speaking services. You’ll find everything from bustling tourist towns like Albufeira to more traditional Portuguese cities like Tavira, and quieter inland spots like Silves or Monchique that strike a balance between the two.
However, the Algarve’s international appeal comes with trade-offs. Some find the heavy tourist presence and high concentration of English-speaking residents detracts from the authentic Portuguese experience they’re seeking. Summer crowds can be overwhelming, while some coastal areas grow remarkably quiet in winter. Property prices, particularly in prime locations, reflect the area’s popularity.
Lisbon
Portugal’s capital pulses with energy, attracting a younger, often professional crowd drawn to its startup scene, cultural offerings, and urban lifestyle. Lisbon offers the perfect blend of historic charm and modern convenience, with countless restaurants, cultural venues, and co-working spaces.
The trade-off comes in cost – Lisbon’s property prices and general living costs are the highest in Portugal. The city can also feel overwhelmed with tourists during peak season, particularly in historic areas like Chiado and Baixa. However, residential neighborhoods like Campo de Ourique or Alvalade offer a more authentic experience while maintaining easy access to the city center.
The Silver Coast
For those seeking a more Portuguese experience without sacrificing coastal living, the Silver Coast (Costa da Prata) offers an appealing alternative to the Algarve. Stretching north from Lisbon to Porto, this region offers dramatic coastlines, medieval towns, and significantly lower property prices.
The climate here is different from the Algarve – winters are cooler and wetter, especially as you move northward. However, many find the more temperate climate preferable to the Algarve’s intense summer heat. Cities like Aveiro, known as the “Venice of Portugal,” and the university town of Coimbra offer rich cultural experiences and more affordable living options.
Porto
Porto, Portugal’s second city, offers a compelling mix of historic beauty, cultural richness, and lower living costs than Lisbon. The city has a more compact, manageable feel while maintaining excellent amenities and transportation links.
Winter brings more rainfall here than in the south, and the humidity can be noticeable. However, many find this creates a cozy atmosphere that pairs perfectly with Porto’s famous port wine and hearty northern Portuguese cuisine. The city’s smaller size makes it easier to become part of the community, and property prices remain more reasonable than in Lisbon.
Madeira
This autonomous region offers a unique proposition: year-round mild temperatures, stunning natural beauty, and a slower pace of life. Funchal, the capital, provides city amenities while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere, and the island’s network of levada walking trails offers unparalleled outdoor opportunities.
However, island living isn’t for everyone. While Madeira has good connections to mainland Portugal and Europe, some find the island lifestyle limiting over time. It’s essential to spend enough time here during your scouting trip to determine if island living suits you.
Braga
Often overlooked by expats, Braga offers an attractive combination of history, culture, and livability. As Portugal’s third-largest city, it provides excellent amenities while maintaining a more intimate feel than Lisbon or Porto. The city’s relatively flat terrain makes it unusually walkable for a Portuguese city, and its proximity to Peneda-Gerês National Park appeals to outdoor enthusiasts.
While winters are colder and wetter than in the south, many find the trade-off worthwhile for the lower living costs and more authentic Portuguese experience.
Ericeira
This former fishing village has transformed into a hub for digital nomads and surf enthusiasts. Located just 45 minutes from Lisbon, Ericeira offers a perfect blend of beach living and accessibility to the capital’s amenities. The town has developed a sophisticated atmosphere with upscale restaurants and boutiques while maintaining its traditional Portuguese character.
The popularity comes at a price – rental costs are higher than in many other coastal areas, and competition for long-term rentals can be fierce. However, for those seeking an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle with a strong expat community, Ericeira offers a compelling package.
Essential Experiences
Living somewhere is vastly different from visiting, so focus on everyday experiences. Go grocery shopping at different stores – try both major supermarkets like Continente and Pingo Doce as well as local markets. Cook meals in your accommodation rather than eating out constantly. Use public transportation, visit pharmacies and healthcare facilities, and test out the internet connectivity in different areas.
If you have specific dietary requirements, such as being vegan or gluten-free, spend time investigating food options. Visit specialty food shops such as Celeiro and try local restaurants to ensure you can maintain your dietary preferences in Portugal.
Professional Connections and Administrative Tasks
A scouting trip is also an opportunity to begin handling practical matters. Many people choose to open a bank account in person, meet with immigration lawyers, or consult with accountants. If you have children, visiting potential schools is crucial – both international and local options deserve consideration.
Property viewing, even if you’re not ready to buy, provides valuable insights into the local real estate market and typical Portuguese homes. Schedule appointments with several real estate agents to learn about different areas and price points. This is especially important if you’re planning to apply for a D7 visa or similar residency permit that requires proof of accommodation.
Community Integration
Understanding the social fabric of your potential new home is crucial. Attend expat meetups, visit local community centers, and spend time in Portuguese-speaking environments. This gives you a sense of the potential social network you could build and helps you gauge how comfortable you’d be integrating into the local community.
If learning Portuguese is part of your plan, try to speak Portuguese whenever you can. Yes it’s daunting, but you’re going to have to try at some point – and the Portuguese love people that try. 50 Languages is a useful resource for getting the basics.
Making Your Decision
Throughout your trip, keep asking yourself two fundamental questions: Could you live here year-round? And if so, which specific area feels most suitable? Keep a journal of your impressions, take photos, and record practical details like prices. This documentation will be invaluable when making your final decision.
Remember that no location will be perfect, but your goal is to find the place that best matches your needs and lifestyle preferences. Pay attention to potential deal-breakers: if you need to work remotely, reliable internet is non-negotiable. If you have children, proximity to suitable schools might be your top priority.
Key factors to document for each area:
- Cost of living (housing, food, utilities)
- Access to healthcare facilities
- Transportation options
- Community atmosphere
- Proximity to amenities
- Noise levels and general environment
- Internet reliability
- Seasonal variations
A well-planned scouting trip is an investment in your future life in Portugal. Take the time to do it thoroughly, and you’ll be much better prepared for a successful transition to Portuguese life.
