Some of the best cities in Portugal

Albufeira Sea View

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Recent studies aimed at finding the most desirable locations in Portugal have come to some predictable conclusions. The larger cities in the country have a higher quality of life and the region of Algarve has many of the cities found in the top 30 of this study. This list is compiled based on the economy, jobs, infrastructure and the overall livability of the city in question. There are also some surprises on this list, which shows that the economic climate in Portugal could change in the coming years.

Lisbon

The most desirable location in Portugal is Lisbon, which is the largest city and the country's capital. Lisbon is well beyond the average gross domestic product average in the European Union, making it one of the wealthier cities on the continent. In addition, the city is responsible for 45 percent of the entire country's gross domestic product, which shows why the city is such a good choice.

It is also important to realize that the per capita GDP is growing rapidly in the city, which is making the city an even better choice going forward. Much of this money is generated through the city's seaport, although the Lisbon Stock Exchange and the city's other industries provide great livings for a number of people.

Lisbon also makes a great deal of money through tourism, which strengthens the city’s economy. At the same time, however, Lisbon is overcrowded at times, which has led to some tourists seeking out other location in the country to visit.

Oporto

The second best place to live in Portugal is also the city's second largest city: Oporto. This city has a diverse economy because there are so many different industries that make their home in the area. Many major corporations, such as Bial, BPI, Porto Editora, Sonae and Unicer have their headquarters in the city, which helps the economy greatly.

The Douro River is another reason for the strong economy in Oporto, since goods can travel easily inland through the river. This is one reason why Oporto was established in the first place, as it allowed for the easy transport of people and goods to other cities in the country.

A major reason for Oporto’s livability rating is the money that comes from tourism. The city is a World Heritage Site, as many ancient buildings remain to this day. Countless people visit the city annually, which has put a strain on some of these tourist locations. At the same time, it provides an influx of money for the city, which is definitely needed.

Albufeira

One surprise on the list was Albufeira, which is now the third most desirable location in Portugal. The main reason for this city’s increase in popularity is the commitment it has made to housing. There is a wide variety of social housing complexes for the elderly and young people, which is very important in the current economic climate.

The city has also made a strong investment in things like culture, education and urban cleanliness. When you visit a city like Lisbon, you are sure to be blown away by everything that it has to offer. At the same time, city officials have a difficult time keeping the city clean because of how many people pass through daily. This is not an issue in Albufeira, as it is perhaps the cleanest urban area in the country.

Another issue to consider is how well Albufeira takes care of its citizens. Currently, the city provides meals to about 2,800 students daily, which provides them with the necessary nutrition. The city is the only location in the country to have hired a nutritionist to come up with guidelines for these meals, to ensure that these meals are nutritious and are served with food safety in mind.

Tourism has become a major industry in Albufeira, which has led to economic growth. This growth was accomplished through the creation of an Albufeira brand, which means that the city is advertising itself as something different from the rest of the country. This was a risky proposition, as it meant distancing itself from popular tourist destinations like Lisbon, but it appears to have paid off for the smaller city.

Living in Portugal

Residents of Portugal have many different options, with each of them having a great climate and the potential to bring in tourist money. Choosing where to live in Portugal requires research, since most will want to find a location with both history and a strong economy. If the economy in Portugal continues to evolve, the list of great places to live will become even longer.


For more information on Portugal explore the PortugalProperty.com website or call us on +44 (0) 800 014 8201 or email us at info@portugalproperty.com

Published in: Guide to Portugal / Portuguese Life