The Best Retirement Communities in Portugal

What is a retirement community in Portugal?

A retirement community is a residence for senior living. Sometimes called a retirement village or a housing complex, it is a place where older adults choose to retire out of convenience. These complexes offer in-home support, modern amenities, events, activities, and excursions.

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 homes and their 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 retirees seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle
• Memory care facilities for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia, offering specialized support in a secure environment
• Nursing homes provide round-the-clock medical care for those with complex health needs
• Continuing Care Communities (CCRCs) for a full range of care levels catering to low to high-care residents.

The Portuguese Senior Living Market

Portugal, along with Italy, has the largest share of seniors (over the age of 65) in Europe. Alongside this, Portugal as a retirement destination has attracted foreign retirees, particularly in coastal areas such as the Algarve.

As such, there is great potential in the real estate sector to meet the requirements of senior citizens, with the senior living sector being a specialized sector with specific requirements. It includes catering to retirees across cultural backgrounds, healthcare needs, personal preferences, and care necessities.

According to the latest JLL Senior Living Report, since 2018, a total of around €185M in investments has been allocated to his sector, to help support and provide the care that the elderly population requires. Drawing conclusions from the report on Senior Living Portugal, we can see this in the increase in retirement communities and care homes across the country.

Advantages of Retiring in Portugal

Portugal’s popularity among retirees goes beyond 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 recreational activities 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 2025 Global Peace Index. It 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. There are 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 and is ranked 23rd in Numbeo’s 2025 mid-year Global Healthcare Index. World-class private healthcare options are also available at a fraction of the cost in the US and Western Europe.

Types of Retirement Living Options in Portugal

From luxury retirement communities for retirees needing assisted living to independent living, below we outline the main types of options for retirement living in Portugal.

These communities have different residential buildings, like private apartments, townhouses, or detached houses. Bear in mind that there is some crossover in the examples given. For example, Life Plan Resorts is also a luxury retirement community Portugal project.

Cost of Retirement Villages in Portugal

Portugal is an affordable place to live as a retiree, as living costs are cheaper than in much of Western Europe and the United States. But the total costs vary based on where you live and the type of housing you choose.

The cost of retirement villages in Portugal varies, depending on the home and level of care, but usually falls between €1,500 to €3,000 a month, with luxury retirement homes ranging from €3,000 to €6,o00+.

Living in rural areas or smaller towns

Retirees who prefer to live in quieter areas, like a smaller town, can live comfortably on €1,400 to €1,800 per month. This includes groceries, rent, eating out, local transportation, and utility prices. However, if you choose to live in a rural area, you are less likely to find English-speaking care homes in Portugal.

Living in big cities

Major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro are more expensive for seniors. To support yourself and cover all the necessary expenses, you will need at least €1,800 to €3,200 per month in these cities. There are popular Portugal retirement homes in Porto and Lisbon, as well as large expat communities.

Housing costs

The cost of housing varies for retirees. You can expect:

• Buying property: The average asking price in Lisbon is €6,934 per square meter. In the Greater Lisbon Area, it costs about €4,935 per square meter. Prices are constantly increasing and are subject to change.
• Renting property: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon city center is €1,395 or €1,041 outside the center.

If buying property, you will also need to take into account property purchase taxes (IMT and Stamp Duty) and annual property taxes (IMI).

You can read our article on buying property in Lisbon to learn the latest prices and market trends if you are considering purchasing a home in the Portuguese capital.

The Best Retirement Villages in Portugal

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

Algarve senior living

Several excellent retirement villages abroad exist in Portugal, with the Algarve region being particularly popular due to its climate, cost of living, and strong expat presence.

The Algarve region in general offers a wide array of options, from lively coastal towns to more tranquil inland areas.

Retirees might want to look into Monte da Palhagueira, a luxury retirement village and professional nursing home with 24/7 care, located on sun-soaked hills near Faro in the Algarve.

This community offers independent assisted living in Portugal, and nursing services, all within a beautifully landscaped setting. It’s conveniently located near shops, the beach, and public transport, and it has a strong focus on creating a welcoming, home-like atmosphere.

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.

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

Other options in the Algarve include:

• Quinta da Fonte Living: This British-run retirement home in Portugal is within walking distance of shops and the beach. It offers a supportive environment, caring staff, and a variety of activities.
• Monte Rei: This exclusive residential community is nestled in 1,000 acres of countryside and overlooks the award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course in the Eastern Algarve.
• Algarve Senior Living: This is the Algarve’s first primarily rental-based accommodation solution for seniors. You’ll find independent apartments and villas across the Algarve, including Lagos and Portimão.  
• Palmares: Although not a retirement home, Palmares offers exceptional residences and an elevated lifestyle, including golf and premium hospitality.
• Carvoeiro: For those seeking peace and quiet, Carvoeiro could be the perfect location for those seeking a small town close to the ocean, with excellent gastronomy and exceptional beaches close at hand.

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 access high-quality nursing care, memory and cognitive care, and rehabilitation services, with living options suited to your unique needs. Terra Bella residences and club are also coming soon. They are exclusive eco-luxury residences close to Lisbon, poised for those seeking the high life.

Comporta senior living

Combining near-constant sunshine, luxurious villas, and personalized services, The Cork Tree Residences offers 40 peaceful homes spanning 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”.

This luxury retirement village combines architectural sophistication with the surrounding natural beauty. It offers both independent and more hands-on options in a secure environment.

Residents can enjoy a mix of relaxing activities, from gardening to 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 delivers 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 with spacious single or double rooms and 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.

Other locations

For those seeking more affordable homes in Portugal, consider towns and cities such as Setúbal (about an hour south of Lisbon), Caldas da Rainha (on the Silver Coast), Coimbra or Santarém in Central Portugal, or northern Portugal, in cities such as Braga and Guimarães, or close to the famous Douro Valley. However, Portugal’s retirement communities away from major cities are less likely to use English, so settling there as a foreigner can be difficult.

The islands of Madeira and the Azores could also present good options to retirees, with Madeira being the more developed of the two. The Azores could be a good option for active retirees.

How to Retire in Portugal

You will need a Portuguese residency visa to retire in Portugal and stay in the country long-term. 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 for long-term residence.

You will qualify for this visa if you have sufficient passive income and can afford retirement comfortably.

Your passive income can be from a pension scheme, retirement savings, or any other social security benefits in your home country.

You will need to apply for the D7 Visa at the Portuguese Embassy in your home country. Once accepted, you can then enter Portugal, after which you will have an appointment with AIMA (Portuguese Integration, Immigration, and Asylum), where you will have your biometric data taken. Your residence permit will be sent to you after your appointment.

The requirements for this visa are:

• Be a non-EU national
• Earn a passive income of at least €870 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 for retiring in Portugal.

The current investment options are as follows:

• Scientific research: A minimum of €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 donation of €250,000 to support the arts or the restoration of national heritage.

In addition to the D7 Visa and Portugal Golden Visa, there are other residency and visa options available to allow you to live in Portugal. You can contact our residency partner, Global Citizen Solutions, for a personalized analysis based on your needs.

Once you have moved to Portugal, you will need to get a NIF (Portuguese tax number), which is required to make any major financial transactions in the country, including opening a bank account and buying property.

A Comparative Guide to the Best Retirement Locations in Portugal

The best place to retire is up to you, and it depends on the lifestyle, weather, and facilities you want. The most popular spots usually fit into the following main categories:

Pros & Cons of Retiring in a Community vs Traditional Home

Some seniors choose to stay in their own homes, while others move into retirement communities. Each option has advantages and disadvantages.

Retiring in a community

Pros

• You don’t have to worry about the household.
• You are constantly surrounded by people.
• It feels a lot safer, as most communities have security guards, monitoring, and emergency call systems.
• You can rely on nurses and wellness staff.

Cons

• The initial and ongoing fees are very high.
• Some communities have visiting hours.
• It can take months to adjust.

Retiring in a traditional home

Pros

• You stay in a house and a neighborhood that feels familiar.
• You can stick to your own routine.
• You retain full ownership and equity of the property.
• Your family can visit and stay as much as they want.

Cons

• It lacks safety and nursing care.
• You must coordinate services for property maintenance.
• You are less likely to socialize.

Let Us Help Find Your Dream Home to Retire in Portugal

As you can see, Portugal can be the perfect location to enjoy your golden years, 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, retirees worldwide have set Portugal in their sights.

If you are ready to buy a dream home to retire in Portugal, or find a lovely apartment to rent, we can streamline the process for you. As buyer’s agents, Goldcrest works exclusively for the buyer. We provide off-market properties and local market insight in regions like the Algarve, Cascais, Estoril, Porto, and Lisbon.

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.