Honest Advice for Moving Parents
Moving to Portugal as a family comes with both big opportunities and complex decisions. From school options and healthcare to finding a neighborhood where kids can safely play outside, the landscape varies greatly depending on where you choose to settle. This guide gives you a grounded, insider look at what life is really like across Portugal’s most family-friendly areas—without the sugarcoating.
What Are the Best Places to Live in Portugal for Families?
Portugal is often praised for its safety, healthcare, public transport, and sunny climate. But when you’re moving with kids, your priorities shift: good schools, green spaces, low crime rates, and a strong sense of community come first.
Let’s explore both well-known and underrated family-friendly areas to help you choose the right fit.
Popular Family-Friendly Areas in Portugal
Lisbon – City Comfort Meets Family Needs
Why families choose it: Great international schools, cultural attractions, and quick access to beaches and green spaces.
Top neighborhoods:
- Parque das Nações: Modern, riverside, with parks and activities for kids. Education highlight: Redbridge School, a bilingual international school focused on creativity, ecology, and inquiry-based learning.
- Campo de Ourique: Residential and calm with a strong community feel.
- Alfama: Full of culture and charm; walkable, though some streets are hilly.
Things to consider: High cost of living and housing shortages in popular districts.
Porto – Slower-Paced but Fully Equipped
Why families choose it: Manageable size, rich history, green areas, and a strong local vibe.
Top neighborhoods:
- Foz do Douro: Beach access, quiet, ideal for active families. Education highlight: Oporto British School, one of the oldest British international schools in continental Europe.
- Boavista: Central, schools and parks nearby.
- Miragaia: Riverfront charm with access to shops and cafes.
Note: Slightly more affordable than Lisbon, but still competitive.
Cascais – Suburban Coastal Living
Why families choose it: International schools, beaches, green parks, and a calm lifestyle.
Top neighborhoods:
- Cascais Centre: Central and vibrant.
- Estoril: Elegant, quiet, and safe. Education highlight: St. Julian’s School, offering a British and international curriculum and a strong expat community.
- Alcabideche: Affordable and residential.
Bonus: Just 30–40 minutes from Lisbon by train.
Sintra – Nature, History & Tranquility
Why families choose it: Ideal for outdoor-loving families. Great hiking, castles, and a peaceful pace.
Top neighborhoods:
- Sintra Town: Cultural heritage, lots of tourists.
- Colares: Rural vibe, nature access. Education highlight: Hypha International School, a nature-based micro-school nestled in the Sintra forest, known for its forest-school model and outdoor learning. While not open to casual visitors, it’s a remarkable educational option for families who prioritize innovative, nature-connected learning environments., a small 16th-century monastery built into the forest, offering a magical, off-the-beaten-path experience for families.
- Areeiro: More affordable, still close to amenities.
Braga – Culture, Affordability & Greenery
Why families choose it: Low cost of living, good healthcare, many parks and playgrounds.
Top areas:
- City Center: Easy access to schools and culture.
- Nogueira & Gualtar: Suburban and peaceful. Education highlight: Colégio Dom Diogo de Sousa, a reputable local private school with strong academic results.
Coimbra – Education Meets Charm
Why families choose it: Strong schools, parks, and a family-focused atmosphere.
Top neighborhoods:
- Santo António dos Olivais: Residential and green.
- City Center: Vibrant and walkable. Education highlight: Colégio Rainha Santa Isabel, known for academic excellence and student support.
Underrated Family-Friendly Areas in Portugal
Viseu – A Green, Affordable Gem
Why: Low cost of living, lots of parks, good schools.
Top areas: City Center, Fornos de Algodres.
Education highlight: Externato Infante Dom Henrique, a respected private school offering pre-K to high school education.
Évora – Historic, Calm, and Rich in Culture
Why: Rural charm with good healthcare and education.
Top areas: Évora Town, Vila Viçosa.
Education highlight: Colégio Canossiano de Évora, known for a nurturing environment and strong values-based education.
Bragança – Nature, Community, and Quiet
Why: Mountains, forests, and strong community feel.
Top areas: City Center, Parada.
Education highlight: Instituto Politécnico de Bragança – Escola Básica Aplicada, offering training schools and educational outreach programs for families.
Guarda – For Mountain Lovers
Why: Peaceful, scenic, with low costs.
Top areas: Guarda City Center, Cavadoude.
Education highlight: Escola Secundária Afonso de Albuquerque, one of the city’s most established public secondary schools.
Celorico da Beira – Quiet and Safe
Why: Ideal for rural living, close to Serra da Estrela.
Top areas: Celorico da Beira Town, Lameiras.
Education highlight: Agrupamento de Escolas de Celorico da Beira, a consolidated public education group from kindergarten to secondary level.
Tomar – Small-Town Charm with Big Heritage
Why: History, green spaces, and a relaxed lifestyle.
Top areas: City Center, Pedreira.
Education highlight: Colégio Nun’Álvares de Tomar, combining tradition and innovation in its academic offer.
Castelo Branco – Safe and Budget-Friendly
Why: Family-focused and surrounded by nature.
Top areas: City Center, Lardosa.
Education highlight: Escola Básica e Secundária Amato Lusitano, with a focus on inclusive learning and community integration.
Ready to Dig Deeper?
- Get the Family Relocation Guide
- Read: How to Enroll Your Child in a Portuguese School
