Choosing the right place to live, as a family, can make a big difference to your everyday life.

Portugal offers a wide variety of lifestyles, from busy urban centres with international schools and excellent transport connections to quieter coastal towns and smaller cities surrounded by nature. The best place for your family will depend on your priorities, including schools, housing, commute times, outdoor spaces and your preferred pace of life.

If you are looking into moving to Portugal with children, here are some of the best places to consider.

1. Braga

Located in northern Portugal, Braga is one of the country’s most interesting options for families looking for a balance between city amenities and a calmer lifestyle.

The city has a compact centre, plenty of green spaces, schools, healthcare facilities, shops, restaurants and sports facilities.

Braga can also be an attractive option for families who do not need to live in a major metropolitan centre, but want to be close to one. Its connection to Porto is great and the city remains extremely accessible when needed, while everyday life in Braga can feel more manageable.

Housing can also be more accessible than in some of Portugal’s most expensive locations.

For international families, it is worth considering that there are fewer international education options than in the Lisbon area. However, families who are comfortable with Portuguese-language education may find Braga particularly appealing.

2. Aveiro

Known for its canals, colourful buildings and traditional moliceiro boats, Aveiro is a charming city with a lot to offer families.

One of its biggest advantages is its location. Aveiro combines the convenience of a smaller city with easy access to the Atlantic coast. Beaches such as Costa Nova and Praia da Barra are close enough for regular trips without requiring families to live in one of Portugal’s busiest tourist destinations.

The city itself is relatively compact, making many everyday activities easier to manage. Families can find schools, healthcare services, shops, restaurants and cultural activities within the city, while the railway connection gives convenient access to other parts of the country.

For families moving from abroad, one consideration is that the international school and employment options are more limited than in larger metropolitan areas. Aveiro can therefore be particularly attractive for remote workers or families who already have their work and education arrangements in place.

3. Coimbra

Situated between Lisbon and Porto, Coimbra is one of Portugal’s most well-known university cities and an appealing option for families looking for a quieter place to live.

Education is naturally one of Coimbra’s strengths. The city is home to the historic University of Coimbra and has a strong academic identity that influences the city’s atmosphere.

Beyond education, Coimbra offers healthcare facilities, schools, parks, cultural activities and everyday services. Its relatively compact size can also make daily routines easier than in larger cities.

Another advantage is its central location. Families can reach both Lisbon and Porto when necessary, while the surrounding region offers beaches, nature and smaller towns to explore at the weekend.

Coimbra is particularly interesting for families who value education and culture but do not need to live in one of Portugal’s largest cities. Recent comparisons also highlight its combination of education, healthcare and relatively manageable living costs.

4. Leiria

Leiria is one of those cities that can easily be overlooked when people first start researching Portugal, but it can be a very practical choice for families.

Located in central Portugal, Leiria offers many of the services associated with a larger city while maintaining a more manageable scale and cost of living. Families can find schools, healthcare facilities, supermarkets, restaurants, sports facilities and cultural activities without necessarily dealing with the congestion of a major metropolitan area.

Its location is another advantage. Leiria is relatively close to the Atlantic coast and has good road connections to other parts of Portugal, including Lisbon, making it possible to enjoy both city life and weekend trips to the beach or surrounding areas.

The city has previously performed particularly well in quality-of-life comparisons among Portuguese district capitals, with residents highlighting areas such as environment, mobility, culture and leisure.

5. Viseu

For families who prioritise peace and a slower pace of life, Viseu is well worth considering.

Located in central Portugal, Viseu offers a different lifestyle from the country’s coastal cities. It is surrounded by nature and has a relatively compact urban environment, while still providing schools, healthcare, shops, restaurants, parks and cultural activities.

The city can be particularly attractive to families who work remotely or do not need to commute regularly to Lisbon or Porto.

Living in Viseu also means experiencing a more traditional side of Portugal. The international community is smaller than in the country’s most popular relocation destinations, which can be an advantage for families looking to integrate more deeply into local life.

The trade-off is that there are fewer international schools and fewer opportunities for English-speaking professionals working in certain sectors, so it is important to consider work and education arrangements before choosing the location.

Viseu has also featured strongly in quality-of-life surveys, alongside Leiria and Braga.

6. Guimarães

Guimarães combines historic character with the practical advantages of a modern Portuguese city.

Known for its UNESCO-listed historic centre, the city has a strong sense of identity and community. But beyond its historic streets and monuments, Guimarães has residential neighbourhoods, schools, healthcare services, parks, sports facilities and everyday amenities.

Its proximity to Braga is another advantage. Families can enjoy the quieter scale of Guimarães while remaining within easy reach of a larger city when they need additional services or activities.

For families moving from abroad, Guimarães can also offer an opportunity to experience a more local side of Portugal. The international community is smaller than in the country’s most established expat destinations, meaning Portuguese will generally play a bigger role in everyday life.

7. Cascais and Oeiras

For families who want access to the capital without living in a major city, Cascais and Oeiras offer a very different lifestyle.

Cascais is particularly known for its beaches, green spaces and international community. Oeiras has a more residential and business-oriented character and can be convenient for families who need to travel between the capital and the Cascais area.

Both locations offer a wide range of everyday services and schools. The wider Cascais-Oeiras area is also one of the strongest parts of Portugal for families looking for international and bilingual education, although school availability, location and admissions should always be researched before choosing a home.

The main consideration is housing cost. Properties in Cascais and Oeiras are generally more expensive than in many of the smaller cities on this list.

8. Faro

The Algarve is one of Portugal’s most popular regions for international families, particularly for those who prioritise sunshine, beaches and outdoor activities.

Faro can be a particularly practical option for families looking for year-round living. As the regional capital, it offers schools, healthcare facilities, shops, restaurants and other everyday services, as well as an international airport and connections to the rest of the Algarve.

Beyond Faro, towns such as Loulé, Tavira and Lagos offer different versions of Algarve living. Some are more residential, while others have stronger tourism and international communities.

One thing families should keep in mind is seasonality. An area that feels peaceful during winter can become considerably busier during the summer months. Housing availability and prices can also vary significantly depending on the location.

Education is another factor to research carefully, particularly for families looking for international schooling. The Algarve has options, but the choice is more limited than in the Lisbon area.

How to Choose the Right Place for Your Family

There is no single “best” place to live in Portugal. The right choice depends on what your family needs from everyday life.

Before deciding on a location, consider:

Schools

If you have children, schools should be one of the first things you research. Consider the type of education you want, the language of instruction, school fees and how far the school is from your potential home.

Housing

Your budget will have a major influence on where you can live. Think about whether you need multiple bedrooms, outdoor space, parking, air conditioning or proximity to public transport.

Commute

A property that looks perfect online may not be practical if you spend hours commuting every day. Consider where you and your children need to go regularly and check the actual journey time.

Healthcare

Access to healthcare is another important consideration for families. Larger cities and metropolitan areas generally offer a wider range of hospitals, clinics and specialist services.

Lifestyle

Think about what you want your weekends to look like. Do you want to walk to restaurants and museums? Spend afternoons at the beach? Have a garden? Go hiking? Your ideal location will depend on these everyday preferences.

Community

Moving to a new country can be easier when you have access to a community. Areas with larger international populations can provide opportunities to meet other families and make the transition easier, particularly during the first few months.

Ready to Find Your Family Home in Portugal?

Choosing the right location is an important part of your relocation journey. From finding the right neighbourhood to understanding the local rental market and arranging property viewings, having support on the ground can make the process much easier.

At EasyRelocation, we help families moving to Portugal find a home that matches their needs, lifestyle and budget.

Relocating to Portugal has never been easier.

Get in touch with our team and let us help you find your new home in Portugal.