What made the beginning harder than we expected
(Weather, location, and unrealistic assumptions)
Portugal is usually associated with sunshine, calm, and an easygoing lifestyle. And yes, all of that exists.
But we moved in November.
There were sunny days, of course. We even went to the beach. But when the wind started blowing, it felt like it could physically lift me, the stroller, and every optimistic thought I had about our decision.
Sun. Wind. Rain. Sometimes all in the same hour.
Location matters more than people admit when relocating to Portugal with kids. We chose Ericeira — charming, coastal, postcard-perfect. Also windy, touristic, and not ideal as a first landing spot with a small child and no car.
One thing Portugal immediately did right: food
I still remember the fruit section in Intermarché.
My child was staring at it.
I was staring harder.
Coming from Eastern Europe, where winter fruit usually means apples, pears, and imports with no taste, the quality of food genuinely surprised me. And it still does.
For families, this matters more than it seems at first. It’s not just about variety — it’s about taste, texture, and how naturally fresh food fits into daily life in Portugal.
On this front, expectations were fully met.
Housing: where reality hit first
(Renting in Portugal with kids is not what you think)
Our housing story followed a very common pattern.
My husband came first, found a rental, and then we joined him. The first place was… acceptable. Part of a touristic complex — lively in summer, empty in winter.
It didn’t take long to realize it didn’t feel like home.
So we searched again and found what looked like the dream:
- a house
- a yard
- a fireplace
- a small Portuguese village
Perfect timing for our first Christmas in Portugal.
Then winter arrived properly.
The fireplace smoked.
There was no real heating system.
Electric radiators didn’t stand a chance in a poorly insulated house.
The landlords suddenly became distant.
And when the rain came, it didn’t just stay outside. It came inside the house.
What followed were months of tension, pressure, and eventually a lawyer — just to recover the deposit.
Things I learned the hard way:
- Fresh paint can hide more than it shows
- Village houses are often charming, but poorly insulated
- Friendly landlords are not always transparent ones
- Contracts matter — emotionally and legally
- In Portugal, charm and comfort don’t always align at lower rental budgets
This was one of the biggest adjustments in our first months living in Portugal as a family.
Things we thought would be fine (and weren’t)
We underestimated how much housing quality affects mental health — especially when you have children.
We also assumed:
- “Portugal is warm” means warm houses
- coastal life would feel relaxing from day one
- not having a car at the beginning would be manageable
None of these turned out to be true for us. They’re not deal-breakers.
But they are stress multipliers — and those add up quickly when you’re relocating with kids.
Looking back, this is what I would do differently
If I could rewind those first months, I’d change a few priorities:
- I’d choose insulation and heating over aesthetics
- I’d avoid coastal towns as a first landing spot
- I’d assume every cost has a “Portugal-specific extra”
- I’d ask uncomfortable questions earlier — and in writing
I wouldn’t cancel the move.
But I would arrive better informed and less idealistic.
The quiet good that balanced everything
(Community and human kindness)
Despite the housing experience, the people quietly restored our trust.
Our son was just over one year old. We barely spoke Portuguese. And still, neighbors found ways to make us feel less alone.
One man used to leave a bag of oranges at our gate every time he went to his garden. No explanations. No expectations.
Over time, we met people who disappointed us too. But the majority of Portuguese locals we truly got to know were kind, grounded, and genuinely helpful.
Things I didn’t expect to love: markets and winter nature
I didn’t think large traditional markets still existed at this scale.
In Portugal, they do.
You can find everything in one place: live chickens, seedlings, food, clothes, furniture. For families, markets are not just practical — they’re cultural immersion without effort.
And then there’s winter nature.
While houses can be cold, the landscape turns intensely green. If you come from a colder country, watching nature come alive in November does something to you. It pulls you outside. It gives energy back.
A small disappointment (and yes, this is subjective)
This might be unpopular, but Portuguese desserts never really won me over.
Pastel de nata. Bolo de arroz. I tried them all — famous places, local bakeries. For me, they rely heavily on sugar and less on creativity. This is personal taste, of course, but it stood out as an unexpected downside.
The costs we didn’t fully calculate
(Hidden cost of living in Portugal for families)
We researched rent, food, and kindergarten.
What we didn’t calculate well enough:
- car-related costs
- insurance
- fuel
- small household appliances
- basic tech
Even now, many of our tech purchases still come from Amazon Spain.
The cost of living in Portugal for families is reasonable — but only if you look beyond the obvious categories.
If you’re planning this move with kids, you’ll probably recognize yourself
This experience tends to resonate with families who:
- are in the research phase of relocating to Portugal
- want realistic context, not glossy promises
- value comfort and emotional stability alongside lifestyle
- are moving with children, not just suitcases
If you’re looking for perfection, Portugal might frustrate you.
If you’re looking for a place that slowly teaches you how to live differently — with patience, trade-offs, and small rewards — it might fit better than expected.
One last thing
Portugal didn’t disappoint us.
But it did correct us.
And after speaking with many other families who moved to Portugal with kids, I’ve learned this story isn’t unique — it’s just rarely explained honestly.
If you want more realistic insights about family life in Portugal — real mistakes, quiet wins, and decisions shaped by lived experience —
I’ve put everything into a practical guide for families moving to Portugal.
No hype.
Just clarity, context, and things I wish I had known earlier.
