Discover The Cheapest Place to Live and Retire in Western Europe—Sophisticated and Historic… Sun-Drenched Portugal

In Portugal, summers are long and costs are low. Café-lined cobblestone streets, ancient Moorish castles and pristine golden-sand beaches beckon. In this sophisticated, low-cost paradise you can enjoy a first-world quality of life…on a budget as low as $2,434 a month.

Portugal

Dear International Living Australia Reader,

Imagine living in the most relaxed, affordable country in Western Europe…a diverse landscape where local markets thrive next to ultra-modern shopping complexes…where ancient palace fortresses cast shadows across bustling cosmopolitan art centres…and where you can sample some of the best surf in the Atlantic one day and sip cool, pure water from a trickling mountain stream the next.

Here you'll find the best of ALL worlds …

…where terms like 'world-class' and 'ultra-affordable' apply to just about everything: ski resorts, golf courses, wineries, fine dining and infrastructure…

…and where some of the world's most sophisticated cities are just a stone's throw from long, empty stretches of beach, quiet country retreats and spectacular national parks—so it's always easy to find your own private slice of peace…

Just ask Jamie L, who left her home in the US to make a new life in Europe. She hadn't planned on settling in Portugal when she first arrived, but was soon seduced by the delectable food and wine, palatial architecture and meandering streets of Porto, Portugal's second-largest city…

"There is just something about this place that hooks you and makes it almost impossible not to stay.

Living here, I can afford to enjoy a coffee and a long talk with a friend in the afternoon sunlight at one of Porto's many outdoor cafes. I can walk through old streets without a destination, knowing I will discover a new set of favourite little corners. Life in Porto is full of these kinds of moments."

Jamie was also amazed at how little she was spending to live here:

"If you want a quick breakfast, you can buy a tosta mista (ham-and-cheese melt) and a galao (latte) for less than $4.30. Or, if you want to enjoy a drink with a friend, a cup of Super Bock—the most popular beer—costs a little over a dollar.

For about $7.25, I can walk away from a family-owned produce shop with a bag full of bananas, grapes, pears, apples, kiwis, plums, garlic, spinach, onions, carrots and cabbage. No matter how many times I buy fresh produce from this place, I am still pleasantly shocked every time I get the bill."

Portugal's cost of housing is another bonus that's hard to resist: Jamie lives in a charming Portuguese house with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large foyer, living room, kitchen, dining room, studio and balcony. The rent, including expenses, comes to around $1,030 a month. And if you only need a single room, Jamie says it's common to be able to find a place for less than $277 a month.

"For someone who was paying $1,980 per month for a room in a 2-bedroom apartment [back home] this dramatic decrease in living expenses has allowed me to spend less time working just to pay the rent…and more time actually living and experiencing life."

And in Portugal, You're Ideally Placed to Explore The Rest of Europe, Including Your Near Neighbours: Spain, France and The UK

But here's the thing…you may want to stay just where you are, since as soon as you step outside Portugal's borders, you'll be spending more money…because this off-the-radar country is definitely the cheapest spot in Western Europe.

Kevin Casey, a globe-trotting copywriter who regularly travels to Europe for lengthy stays, was pleasantly surprised at the costs when he first visited Portugal:

"As a digital nomad, I spend months at a time in different parts of Europe and all around the world, but when I made my first trip to Portugal, I was blown away. I'd been to Spain, and found Portugal cheaper—especially in day-to-day things like groceries, getting around, entertainment, meals out and places to stay.

I'd heard that Spain was the most economical place to go in Western Europe, but Portugal beats it hands down, especially when compared to cities like Madrid. There may be parts of Spain that are cheaper than Portugal, but overall, it's no contest: Portugal was definitely more affordable for me—and the Wi-Fi was totally reliable everywhere I went, which is important for a writer. On the Continent, you'd have to travel across to Slovakia, Romania, Poland or other parts of Eastern Europe to find a cost of living that rivals Portugal."

According to long-term Portugal resident Tricia Pimental, Portugal's cost of living is calculated to be more than a third lower than that of Australia.

Stacked up against the rest of Western Europe, this expat haven also comes out on top for affordability with a first-world lifestyle…

In France, for instance, you'll expect to pay nearly 50% more for groceries and restaurant meals than in Portugal…

A meal for two in a mid-range restaurant in Portugal is only €47 compared to €78 in France. Or want to enjoy a local beer in Portugal, you'll pay only €2.30, that's 70% less than the cost of a local beer in France, which is €7.80.

Even Spain-long considered the ultimate bargain destination by European travellers and expats—has a cost of living index and rental prices around 12% higher than those in Portugal. In late 2017, Numbeo figures showed the following rental property price differences between Portugal and Spain:

…and if you're after a beach hideaway and are comparing Portugal's Algarve region in the south of the country with Spain's Costa del Sol, the news is just as good: based on a recent study of nearly 9,000 houses on a popular Spanish real estate website, average property prices along the Costa del Sol run at $556,347, while another real estate company lists average prices in the Algarve at $350,752—with over half of the available house listings coming in at under $285,035.

Imagine enjoying a leisurely two-course dinner with a glass of wine and dessert for only $17 per person…at these kinds of prices, it's easy to see why Portugal should be one of the first countries on your retirement radar, especially if you're on a fixed income.

Of course, some parts of Portugal will cost more than others. A meal in Lisbon or Porto will cost you more than one in the quieter Alentejo region, for example…that's to be expected….but even in Portugal's main cosmopolitan areas, you'll still pay less than other cities such as London, Paris or even Madrid:

And here's the clincher—you don't even need to be based in a large Portuguese city to immerse yourself in enchanting old-world culture, fresh, wholesome food and stunning scenery…because it's absolutely EVERYWHERE.

Tricia says, "After moving to Portugal, we found we could live on approximately one-third of what it had cost us in a small town in north-central Utah. An expat with a source of income from a private enterprise, retirement fund or savings will discover that the cost of living is remarkably low. In the palace town of Mafra, a half-hour drive from the capital of Lisbon, a one-bedroom apartment can be had for a few hundred dollars per month.

Need more room, or prefer privacy? A three-level, four-bedroom, four-bath detached home with a churrascaria (a separate structure containing a built-in barbecue) and a garden with fruit trees costs approximately $1,4595 per month. A house fitting this description would probably sell for less than $340,000. Expect to pay about $224 per month for water, gas, and electricity combined."

Tricia recommends renting in or near a Portuguese beach city if you're looking to 'test the waters' (literally and figuratively!) before committing to a longer stay. For her, rock-bottom prices were only part of Portugal's appeal:

"Fresh seafood is everywhere, and there are organic sections in many supermarkets if you can't make it to the local farmer's market. Wonderful wines abound. A bottle that elsewhere might run $34 in a store and $54 to $68 in a restaurant runs about $11 on a Portuguese store shelf, with a good table wine under $7.

As—or more-important—as the affordability factor, though, is the overall quality of life offered by this gem of a nation. Its people are patient yet proud. They understand the meaning of family, tradition and hard work. They love music. They love language."

Here, You'll Enjoy a Similar Level of Amenities To What You're Used To In Australia But At a Fraction Of The Cost… Including Reliable Public Transport, Superb Healthcare, High-speed Internet and Great Shopping

What makes Portugal such a desirable destination for travellers, digital nomads, expats and retirees? It's the fact that even though you're paying much less than you may be used to, you're not sacrificing your quality of life. You still have some of the most efficient infrastructure and modern living in Europe…coupled with a slower pace that lets you truly appreciate each day.

What does 'quality of life' really mean in Portugal? It means you can:

Living in Portugal gives you an abundance of choices: you can base yourself in a sleepy fishing village, a thriving beach resort, a mountain retreat or in the heart of vibrant Lisbon—where the restaurants, museums and attractions rival anything else in Europe. Whatever private hideaway you choose, you're sure to make new friends quickly…because Portuguese people are some of the most relaxed, family-oriented, helpful and courteous people you'll meet anywhere.

In this enchanting expat oasis, there's so much to see and do…

So What's The Hardest Part About Living In Portugal? It Could Be Deciding In Which Stunning Part of The Country To Base Yourself…

Whether you're just conducting a short-term 'recon mission' to explore the possibilities or thinking seriously about moving to Portugal, you'll find no shortage of spectacular locations, lifestyles and options to choose from. Although you can expect to pay more in major cities in general, a couple could live quite comfortably on about $2,221 (€1,500) per month.

Low-key beach and riverside living…

In the wind-surfing hotspot of Esposende (pop. 56,000) on the 'Green Coast' of northern Portugal, you'll discover a laid-back lifestyle along the Rio Cavado with fine dining, a romantic lighthouse and uncrowded beaches, where a 3-bedroom apartment rents for $446-$500 a month…or you can buy a one-bedroom apartment for just under $149,000.

A recent real estate listing offered a large 3-bedroom, 3-bath home-close to town, one kilometre from the beach and surrounded by over 4,000 square metres of property—for $817 per month. If you like to be away from the hustle and bustle of city life and slow your pace right down, Esposende is well worth a look.

Gourmet delight…

Or sample life in Vila Nova de Famalicão, a pleasant inland town of 133,000 people just a half-hour drive northeast of Porto…where you'll have access to two international airports, over a hundred cafes and restaurants and a weekly farmer's market. Slip into Tentacaões Gourmet shop for a chat with Elsa (she speaks excellent English) and grab a homemade pastry, a cup of strong, fresh coffee, a glass of wine or some chocolate fettuccine.

For a 2-bedroom apartment in this part of the country, monthly rent is around $595-$817, with purchase prices between $118,901 and $208,077. A 3-bedroom, 2-bath apartment was recently listed for $127,819. Life is good…and good value…in this quiet town 25 kilometres from the beach.

Porto paradise…

Life in this chic, historic city has everything you could ask for: a vibrant seaside ambience, friendly locals, mild weather and quality food and wine at appealing prices.

Wind through the maze of medieval alleys in the Ribeira district in your search for a new restaurant…visit a wine bar along the Douro River to sample world-renowned port and then stroll across the famous Dom Luis I bridge. Lose yourself in leafy parks, beautiful churches and elegant public buildings…

Portugal's second-largest city is popular with expats and known for its year-round livability and pleasing blend of cosmopolitan sophistication and old-word ambience. When International Living's European Correspondent Glynna Prentice recently visited, she discovered an exciting range of affordable housing options:

"In an upscale residential neighbourhood just north of Boavista, an elegant, modern 3-bedroom, 2-bath apartment with lots of light, a huge living room with balcony, hardwood floors throughout and 160 square metres of space is currently for sale for $237,654.

Prefer to live in central Porto? If you're after a well-located one-bedroom/one bathroom apartment, one was recently on offer in the upscale Aliados region. With wooden floors and a small balcony, this apartment puts you right in the action in Porto. Its asking price: just $77,286.

Central Porto is home to only about 250,000 people, giving it a small-city, manageable feel (the greater Porto area is home to 1.5 million). You can stroll from the outskirts of the old city down to the waterfront—the Cais da Ribeira—in as little as twenty minutes."

Glynna says that for shopping and entertainment, the Matosinhos neighbourhood—not far from the airport—is an attractive choice. It's conveniently close to Norte Shopping, a giant complex with 267 stores, 30 restaurants, 8 cinema screens, childcare facilities and a health and fitness club. A 5-bedroom, 2-bathroom house there was recently on the market for $312,116.

Your own secret mountain hideaway…

Want to start your new life surrounded by mountains, farms and parks? Then take a look at Guarda—the highest city in Portugal at 1,012 metres. Here in the country's interior, you're only a couple of hours from Porto but you'll feel a world away, with 20 frontier castles to explore and all the fresh air you can handle.

There is currently a finely renovated home available there for $200,646 with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and handy access to river beaches, mountain hiking and the Guarda centre.

A rich life at low cost in Portugal's capital…

Portugal's largest city, Lisbon, is one of Western Europe's jewels…where every neighbourhood seems to offer stunning views and you can choose between the culture and history of Belem, the sizzling nightlife of Bica and Barrio Alto or the bedroom communities of Oerras or Loures—where daily life is less frenetic but you're still close to everything. In Lisbon you may have to pay a bit more…but you get more convenience, entertainment, infrastructure and nightlife for your money.

Some typical Lisbon real estate options:

A two-bedroom, furnished apartment in a remodelled building in historic Chiado, close to the Metro and some of Lisbon's best restaurants, was listed for $1,561 per month. In the upscale Alcantara area, a refurbished 2-bedroom apartment was on offer for $1,040 a month.

In the prime residential area of Restelo, you're close to trains, schools and beaches, so how about a 4-bedroom villa with garage and views of the river, ocean, city and mountains…all for $884,329? Or maybe you'd prefer the trendy Benfica area, where a remodelled, semi-detached 4-bedroom home in great condition can be bought for $549,770.

One of the best things about Lisbon is how easy it is to get around…whether you own a car or not. If you like, you can forget about driving, live like a local and hop on the trams instead!

Affordable luxury on 'the Portuguese Riviera'….

31 Kilometres west of Lisbon, the popular tourist and expat hub of Cascais has all the grandeur and elegance of the French Riviera…but at much lower prices. Being close to the palaces and castles of historical Sintra, the capital of Lisbon and the wild beauty of Guincho beach, this seaside oasis is ideally located and welcoming, as Colleen M discovered when she visited with her family…

"Our typical spring day in Cascais consisted of rich coffee and delicious homemade Portuguese tarts at Bijou de Cascais. For under $14, our family of five could enjoy coffee on the patio in the golden morning sun. After an afternoon beach walk, we might find ourselves dining al fresco at Cafe Galeria's raw foods bar.

Our children would wrap themselves in the blankets provided, get comfy in the handmade furniture and sip fresh fruit smoothies as the stars became visible over the darkening Atlantic Ocean."

Colleen says that finding an apartment here is much easier than on the French or Italian Riviera, and the friendly locals and chilled-out atmosphere create a warm, authentic feel.

"A two-bedroom apartment near the Cascais marina can be rented for about $2,040 a month, with all the amenities like a pool, parking and a patio included. A comparable apartment in Nice, France would easily set you back $4,000 a month."

Other real estate examples from this area include a 5-bedroom duplex near the beach with a little garden for $796,346, a 3-bedroom apartment for sale at $176,801 and a nice two-bedroom apartment between Estoril and Cascais that's renting for $1,114 a month.

The Algarve: Sun, Sand and Sparkling Scenery In Southernmost Portugal…

If an average winter temperature of 25°C sounds like your style, then set yourself up in the Algarve. Once just a collection of sleepy fishing villages perched on low cliffs, this region is now a legendary destination for global sun-seekers, golfers and active expats…a place where every beach town is as attractive as the next and bright sunshine is the norm.

Dine with friends on the cliff tops…

Along the numerous sand coves lining the Portimao coastline, you can spend your days beach-hopping and then your nights relaxing at Praia da Rocha's cliff-top promenade, where the restaurants and nightclubs buzz and the views are divine.

Typical rentals in the area run about $669 a month for a studio apartment and twice that for a one-bedroom. Recently, a one-bedroom on the marina slope with 65 square metres of living space was for sale at $148,572.

Albufeira is the largest of the Algarve resort towns, but relaxing here is easy too. Rental property prices vary considerably, but recent offerings include one-bedrooms between $669 and $891 and three-bedrooms from $1,189 to $1,783 per month.

In Faro, you have access to an international airport but are still smack dab in the middle of some the loveliest beaches on the coast. Faro exudes a less touristy, more local vibe and is worth checking out for real estate bargains. A recent offering, just five minutes from town, was a small farm with orange orchard—for sale or rent. Boasting a two-bedroom home on a little over one hector (three acres) of land, its selling price was $289,715…or you could rent it instead for $891 a month.

For a quieter, more low-key lifestyle, try the charming little town of Tavira, just 25 kilometres west of the Spanish border; it's the perfect base for exploring the eastern Algarve. Here, a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment just listed for $891 per month or $176,286 to buy—this could be your own private oasis, away from the bustle of the central Algarve.

So… What's The Best 'First Step' Towards Living Your Dream Life In Sophisticated, Low-cost Portugal?

If you've ever thought about making a major, positive change in your life and living in a sun-soaked place that lets you stretch your dollars…while enjoying sophisticated living in the midst of medieval history, natural splendour, a laid-back beach lifestyle and first-world infrastructure…well, that place is Portugal…and the time is now.

As the mainstream media continues to spread the word about the benefits of retiring to Portugal, this country's charms and affordability won't stay a secret for long. It's inevitable…the bargains you can still find in Portugal today WILL NOT last forever. But if you act now, you can still make Portugal your idyllic new home…at prices you never thought possible…provided you don't wait too long.

All you need to make it happen is the insider knowledge that can help you answer all the important questions, like:

To provide definitive, no-fluff, real-world answers to these questions…and hundreds more… we've created the most comprehensive guide to living, retiring and travelling in Portugal ever...an all-new, completely up to date, meticulously researched Portugal resource that leaves no stone unturned in providing you with all the vital information necessary to make this Western European nation your new part-time or full-time home.

This isn't a run-of-the-mill travel guide. It's a whole world away from The Lonely Planet or The Rough Guides. It's like nothing you've ever seen before…a jam-packed compendium of insider information, boots-on-the-ground details and must-have resources that you simply won't find anywhere else…a fully-loaded report that takes you by the hand and leads you through every single step you need to take to get your new life in Portugal off to a roaring start…even if you have no experience in living abroad.

The Most Complete Guide to Travelling, Living and Retiring in Portugal We've Ever Published

We've drawn upon the latest resources, compiled the most pertinent firsthand information, gathered the most indispensable contacts and picked the brains of seasoned expats and retirees living in Portugal RIGHT NOW to give you the kind of deep, how-to insights that leave ordinary travel guides in the dust.

This amazing resource is called The Old World Charms of Portugal: Europe's Little-Known, Low-Cost Retirement Haven…

…and it gives you everything you need to start your own Portugal journey, whether your goals are travel, short- or long-term living or retirement in this welcoming country. You won't find a more current or comprehensive guide to today's Portugal anywhere because it doesn't exist.

We've done all the hard work for you, so you don't have to wonder about the steps you need to take to make your European dream a reality.

Meet Your Own Personal Guide to The Wonders Of Life In Portugal

When Tricia Pimenthal and her husband decided to move overseas in 2012, they looked at a number of options: Ecuador, Colombia, Spain, France…even Malta. They'd holidayed in Portugal and remembered how exciting and different their experiences were.

They sat in rapt attention as a fadista in a rural village near Porto bared her soul, singing of the glory of Portugal. They puzzled at youngsters joining a festival parade at midnight…on a school night! They watched fishermen bringing ashore their catch of sardinhas and carapau.

And they quickly realised something…in the midst all this country's cultural richness, they found that for lodging and meals, they were only spending a slim percentage of what they'd experienced in other European countries…or back home for that matter.

So they decided to return.

"That's when life changed from relishing a few weeks of holiday to living a casual lifestyle in a place more budget-friendly and accommodating than we'd ever imagined", Tricia says.

After moving to Portugal, Tricia discovered they could live on approximately a third of what it had cost them at home.

When Tricia graduated with a B.A. in French, she began to travel…to France, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Turkey, Israel, Russia, the Baltic states and most of Europe. She's the author of three award-winning books, including A Movable Marriage: A Memoir.

And she is also the author of The Old World Charms of Portugal: Europe's Little-Known, Low-Cost Retirement Haven… your personal resource for starting a new life in Portugal.

Who better to guide you carefully through the adventure of living in Portugal than someone who has made the move herself…and absolutely loves it there?

It's like having your own professional Portugal consultant on hand to answer all the critical questions and provide the latest on-the-ground advice. Except you don't have to pay thousands in consultancy fees to access this once-in-a-lifetime compilation of essential Portugal information…not even close…it's available to you for so much less than that.

The scores of cookie-cutter travel guides on the market…the thousands of online articles about the attractions of Portugal…the barrage of media articles about this increasingly popular country…

None of them compare to our latest and greatest all-in-one resource to breathtaking Portugal.

It Couldn't Be Easier—Or More Affordable—To Get Started!

We've created this power-packed Portugal Report to help our readers save time, money and aggravation when planning their own Portugal adventure. The hard-won advice and insider travel secrets you'll discover in its pages are every bit as unique and affordable as Portugal itself—and the tips, tricks and wealth of information it contains will give you a huge edge over anyone who is trying to 'wing it' in a move to Portugal.

There has never been a living, travelling and retirement resource to Portugal like this…here's just a taste of what you'll discover when you get your hands on this incredibly powerful resource:

So how much does it cost to get your hands on this ultra-powerful Portugal resource?

The amount of effort that has gone into putting together The Old World Charms of Portugal: Europe's Little-Known, Low-Cost Retirement Haven… might make you think we're going to ask you to pay hundreds of dollars for the crucial firsthand information and cutting-edge insights it contains.

But we're not going to ask you to do that.

Because we want to make your Portugal plans as affordable as possible…

…and we want there to be no barriers between you and an exciting new life in one of the most extraordinary, livable and low-cost countries on earth.

That's why we've decided that this incredible resource can be yours today for only $69.

That's right…for $69, you can have all the information at your fingertips to discover the affordable wonders of life in Portugal…with all the specific steps spelled out so you can start your new Portuguese adventure whenever you're ready.

It's all here…everything you need to know…and EXACTLY what you need to do to make your dreams a reality…

Order The Old World Charms of Portugal: Europe's Little-Known, Low-Cost Retirement Haven And You'll Also Get A Complimentary Bonus Report…

When you order The Old World Charms of Portugal: Europe's Little-Known, Low-Cost Retirement Haven…, you'll have everything you need to start planning your dream life in sunny, low-cost Portugal. Plus, we'll also send you a special bonus report, 4 of Portugal's Best-Kept Secrets. In it you'll learn more about this country's gorgeous hidden treasures, from Algarve beaches and budget-friendly cities to the tranquil country life of the Alentejo region. Discover festivals for every taste…check out our insider guide to hassle-free renting in Lisbon…and much more.

If this extra report were to go on sale in International Living Australia's Bookstore, we would charge $29.95 for it. But we're offering it as a special bonus for readers who order The Old World Charms of Portugal: Europe's Little-Known, Low-Cost Retirement Haven… Yes, you read that right—you'll receive our all-inclusive, one-of-a-kind Portugal Report PLUS our FREE bonus report 4 of Portugal's Best-Kept Secrets…all for the unbelievably low price of $69.

And As Always, Your Satisfaction is GUARANTEED

I'm so confident that The Old World Charms of Portugal: Europe's Little-Known, Low-Cost Retirement Haven… will help you realise your dream life in Portugal that I'll offer you this guarantee:

If, for any reason, you're not completely happy with your The Old World Charms of Portugal, just let us know within 30 days. You have our 30-day no-hassle money back guarantee…

We'll refund your $69, no questions asked…

Once you read about everything Portugal has to offer…and read the stories about the people who are living the good life there, I expect I'll meet you in Portugal someday very soon. I look forward to it!

So what are you waiting for? Portugal's low-cost, old-world charms are waiting for you!

You've got nothing to lose…and so much to gain.

You won't find information like this anywhere else…at any price.

To order, simply click on the link below and follow the instructions.

Order The Old World Charms of Portugal Now

It could be one of the smartest decisions you make this year…or in your entire life.

Sincerely,

Jackie Flynn

Jackie Flynn
Publisher, International Living

Order The Old World Charms of Portugal Now

P.S. The comprehensive and all-inclusive The Old World Charms of Portugal: Europe's Little-Known, Low-Cost Retirement Haven is not available anywhere else…at any price. If you're interested in living the laid-back, low-cost European lifestyle (full or part-time) but not interested in paying typical European prices, Portugal should definitely be front and center on your radar.

Order now and we'll also send you the special bonus report, 4 of Portugal's Best-Kept Secrets, for FREE.

Order The Old World Charms of Portugal Now