The Best Retirement Villages in Portugal: Luxury Hotspots for Retirees

Portugal has championed attracting retirees to its shores, with countless expats from all over the world selecting Portugal as their ideal choice to enjoy their golden years. The best retirement villages in Portugal offer more than just a home. It offers a lifestyle. From luxury properties in gorgeous, peaceful settings to world-class amenities like golf courses, spas, cinemas, and beauty salons, Portugal beckons retirees to its luxury resorts tailored for independent living in retirement.

According to the 2024 retirement rankings by Global Citizens Solutions Global Intelligence Unit, Portugal is the second-best country to retire to in the world, considering the overall quality of life, integration and acceptance, and economics.

Portugal is also among the top five preferred destinations among retirees according to the World Population Review, because of the lower cost of living, but also the factors that make for a comfortable lifestyle in retirement, including healthcare, entertainment, safety, and cultural factors.

Alongside stylish condos and villas, Portugal also has retirement villages and resorts that are growing in popularity and demand. Here, we explore the best places to retire in Portugal and the living options specifically tailored to retirees.

What is senior living in Portugal?

Senior living refers to a variety of housing and medical care options tailored to meet the needs of older adults, typically those aged 65 and older. Senior living communities and facilities are designed to provide a supportive and comfortable environment for seniors, whether they need assistance with daily tasks, specialized medical care, or simply want a more relaxed lifestyle. These options aim to enhance seniors’ quality of life by meeting varying needs in a supportive, engaging setting.

Options include:

• Independent living, for active seniors seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle
• Assisted living, which provides help with daily tasks like bathing and medication management while encouraging independence
• Memorycare facilities for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia, offering specialized support in a secure environment
• Nursing homes providing round-the-clock medical care for those with complex health needs
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) for a full range of care levels

Advantages of Retiring in Portugal

Portugal’s popularity among retirees goes further than just its affordability. It is a utopia of natural landscapes, rich culture, art, and high-quality cuisine. The stunning country also boasts future-forward cities and a host of recreational activities to enjoy in retirement, such as golfing, wine tasting, or simply taking in the sun and waves along the coast.

A Peaceful lifestyle

Portugal is currently the seventh safest country in the world according to the 2024 Global Peace Index and offers a stable socio-economic and political environment, ensuring a location fit for a peaceful retirement. English is also widely spoken in the major cities and regions, making it easier for foreigners to adapt without the pressure of learning a new language before relocating.

Great weather

The weather will vary slightly depending on where you choose to live, but the overall climate in Portugal is pleasantly warm, with an average of over 300 days of summer per year and mild winters with minimal rain. This favorable climate means more time to enjoy hobbies outdoors and to get to know your local community.

Excellent healthcare

Portugal has over 200 hospitals in the country and is ranked 21st in Numbeo’s 2024 mid-year Global Healthcare Index. There are also world-class private healthcare options available at a fraction of the cost you would pay in the US and Western Europe.

The Best Retirement Villages in Portugal

If you are considering a village or resort specifically designed to ensure you make the most of your retirement, the best retirement villages in Portugal will surpass all your expectations. 

Algarve senior living 

When it comes to offering a world-class retirement village, Algarve regions know how to deliver. Retirees might want to look into Monte da Palhagueira, a luxury retirement village and professional nursing home located on sun-soaked hills near Faro in the Algarve.  

This English-speaking retirement village offers tranquil houses, villas, and apartments for independent living with the peace of mind that qualified medical assistance is available if needed. For those who require assisted living support, the nursing home provides 24/7 care from a team of qualified medical staff who are fluent in English. 

This Algarve senior living village has been designed intentionally for those over 55 years old, with 22 acres of artfully landscaped grounds. It offers an ornamental lake, fine dining options, a swimming pool, a clubhouse, and the only consecrated Anglican church in the region. 

Lisbon senior living 

If you prefer to settle in a retirement resort, Life Plan Resorts, situated about a 30-minute drive from Lisbon city center, is the ideal place to retire in style and places an intentional focus on promoting healthy aging.  

The resort offers fine dining restaurants, a 36-hole golf course, fitness activities, beauty facilities, a cinema, and so much more. You will also have access to high-quality assisted living, nursing care, memory and cognitive care, and rehabilitation services, with living options suited to your unique needs. 

Comporta senior living 

Combining near-constant sunshine, luxurious villas, and personalized services, The Cork Tree Residences offers 40 peaceful homes spanning over a 30-hectare estate. This exclusive retirement community offers a thoughtfully designed retreat for retirees, nestled in the picturesque Comporta region of Portugal – affectionately dubbed “The Hamptons of Europe”. 

Residents can enjoy a mix of relaxing activities, from gardening and golf, ensuring a lifestyle that suits diverse preferences. A cutting-edge greenhouse using aeroponic technology, along with free-range animals, and access to fresh fish, provides organic, locally sourced, high-quality food to residents. Blending sustainability with comfort, The Cork Tree Residences deliver an exceptional retirement living experience. 

Cascais senior living   

Libervita Senior Co-Living in Cascais is a luxury care home in Portugal that redefines luxury retirement living with its elegant design and community-focused approach. Set on a serene 12,600 square meter estate, it features 15 modern villas offering spacious single or double rooms with premium amenities, including heated floors, air conditioning, and private kitchens. 

This exclusive retreat blends independence with first-class services, such as on-site nursing care, physiotherapy, a gym, a pool, and a spa. Residents can also enjoy curated activities like gardening and art workshops, creating an enriching lifestyle of comfort.  

How to Retire in Portugal

To retire in Portugal and stay in the country long-term, you will need a Portuguese residency visa. Fortunately, this process is straightforward, but it may take some time to complete. There are several visa options to consider for non-EU residents, including the Portugal Golden Visa and the D7 Visa.

Portugal D7 Visa

The Portugal D7 Visa, commonly known as the Portugal retirement visa or the passive income visa is a smart strategy for you if you want to move to Portugal but are not ready to make a significant investment in the country through the Portugal Golden Visa.

You will qualify for this visa if you have sufficient passive income and can afford retirement comfortably. Your passive income can be from an offshore pension scheme, retirement savings, or any other social security benefits in your home country.

The requirements for this visa are:

• Be a non-EU national
• Earn a passive income of at least €820 per month (this can be from pension income, social security benefit, transferable equity, real estate, intellectual property, or financial equity)
• Show proof of where you will live in Portugal
• Be willing to reside for more than 183 consecutive days per calendar year in Portugal

Portugal Golden Visa Program

The Portugal Golden Visa is a five-year residency-by-investment scheme for non-EU nationals with minimum investment requirements starting from €250,000. If you have enough finances to invest in Portugal, the Golden Visa Program can be the best option to retire in Portugal.

The current investment options are as follows:

• Scientific research: A minimum €500,000 investment in science or technology research.
• Subscription to a qualified investment fund: Contribute at least €500,000.
• Job creation: The incorporation of a company and the creation of ten jobs worth at least €500,000.
• Donation: Make a minimum €250,000 donation to support the arts or the restoration of national heritage.

There are other residency and visa options available to allow you to live in Portugal in addition to the D7 Visa and Portugal Golden Visa. For a more in-depth overview, our Portuguese residency article will be able to give you further insight. You can also contact our residency partner, Global Citizen Solutions, for a personalized analysis of your needs.

Let Us Help Find Your Dream Home to Retire in Portugal

As you can see, Portugal is in many ways, the perfect location to enjoy your golden years in style, whether you are looking to hone your golf skills, delight in a new culture, or simply soak up the sunshine. With top-quality, affordable healthcare options and an array of stunning locations to choose from, retirees from across the world have set Portugal in their sights.

If you are ready to start your journey to retirement in Portugal, we have streamlined the process to ensure your move is stress-free. Get in touch with our team of local experts who are able to offer advice and guidance tailored to your unique needs.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You 

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that is based in Lisbon. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property through to property acquisition, we have you covered throughout the process.

If you are looking to purchase property in Portugal, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of skilled experts is available to solve all your real estate doubts, helping you with the property search and offering insightful expertise and strategic advice.

Why choose Goldcrest?

• Local knowledge: With offices located across Portugal, our presence nationwide allows us to assist you personally across the country.
• Independent service: As an independent buying agent, we do not represent any development or project. Our service is entirely tailored toward each individual client, providing you with everything you need to secure the perfect property at the best possible price. As an impartial advisor on the market, we work solely on behalf of our client and provide a service tailored to your needs and requirements.
• Streamlined process: Our real estate agents speak English and Portuguese, and our service is completely focused on providing you with a hassle-free buying experience, saving you time.
• Experienced team: Our expert real estate team has a vast local knowledge of the Portuguese property market. We have cutting-edge technology and metasearch tools at your disposal to provide full market coverage, ensuring the best investment choices and negotiated prices.
• Network of partners: We have a close network of partners, including lawyers, property management services, builders, architects, designers, and landscape gardeners, again saving you time and hassle by providing you with trusted experts in their field of work.