Since the doors to Portugal property investment immigration were opened, there has been a steady stream of applicants, and related hot topics have naturally emerged. Many people are surely curious about what life is like for immigrants in Portugal! Below, our editor provides a fresh perspective for applicants on local life, attractions, cuisine, shopping, transportation, and accommodation in Portugal.
The Portuguese People
Every weekend, residents of Lisbon drive out with surfboards and dogs in tow, bringing their families to Cascais to surf. Living in Portugal, you will find that the locals are free from social snobbery; they are laid-back, colorful, and fascinating. Walking on the cobblestone streets, you don't need to be elegant, luxurious, or follow rigid rules. As the sun sets, some sit in small taverns, eating seafood and listening to the famous local folk music, Fado; others stand on the street corner, drinking beer and smoking; some are still diligently queuing in front of a century-old egg tart shop; while others join large gatherings of young netizens on the hills, meeting new friends. In short, no one in Portugal worries, regardless of whether they have a job tomorrow.
Climate Characteristics
Portugal has a pleasant climate, with an average temperature of 8-14°C in January and 17-28°C in August, and an annual rainfall of 500-1000 mm. Influenced by the North Atlantic Current, Lisbon enjoys a favorable climate; it does not freeze in winter and is not sweltering in summer. For most of the year, the weather is sunny, warm as spring, and comfortable. The best time to visit Portugal is between mid-June and mid-September, when there are many festivals, such as National Day and city festivals. People go out to celebrate, and this is also a great time to learn about local customs.
Scenic Spots
Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, and Baroque architectural complexes can be seen everywhere in Portugal. The five-story Belém Tower is the most photographed spot in Lisbon. The Santa Justa Lift is famous for being designed by the same architect as the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Madeira Island is a renowned seaside tourist destination, known as the "Pearl of the Atlantic."
The vintage tram is the most interesting way to roam the old city. The local tram company has a 140-year history, and today only 5 tram lines and dozens of old trams remain, making them some of the oldest in Europe. Among them, the No. 28 tram route is the most famous, passing through almost all the most beautiful areas—Alfama, Bairro Alto, Baixa, and Chiado—offering picturesque views of the old city, new city, castles, and squares.
Specialty Cuisine
When traveling to Portugal, many people have a very important goal: to taste the world-renowned Portuguese egg tart. Lisbon is the birthplace of the egg tart. The world's first egg tart shop is hidden in the alleys near the Jerónimos Monastery. On the sidewalk in front of the restaurant, the number 1837 is spelled out in blue and white tiles; this is Pastéis de Belém, the world's first egg tart shop, which opened in 1837. It is understood that only three people know the recipe for the egg tarts at this shop, and you cannot find such an authentic taste anywhere else. The egg tarts we eat in China were actually brought to Macau by the British over a hundred years ago, and the production method and recipe are already different from those here.
In addition, Portuguese cuisine favors the use of olive oil, garlic, herbs, tomatoes, and sea salt for seasoning. Those who love seafood will find themselves in the right place in Portugal, as the seafood dishes are very rich and diverse. Besides seafood, pork, chicken, and beef dishes can be found on most menus. Restaurants in the capital, Lisbon, are mainly concentrated around Rossio Square and the Baixa pedestrian street. Usually, a 10%-15% service charge is added to the bill, and it is also a local custom to tip waiters 5%-10%.
Shopping Choices
The best place for shopping in Portugal is Lisbon. Every January, various old-season high-end clothing and famous brand shoes in shopping malls are heavily discounted. Located in the city center, Rua Augusta is one of Lisbon's most attractive shopping areas. The famous Baixa commercial pedestrian street is lined with various fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, souvenir shops, high-end restaurants, and cafes. Many famous European brands, especially Spanish brands, are mostly made in Portugal, offering high quality at low prices, which inevitably fuels the desire to shop.
Transportation and Travel
Direct buses are the main means of transport for travel, with frequent and cheap services reaching almost every part of Portugal. The train line from Lisbon to Porto is the main route for travel. Children under 4 travel for free, children aged 4-11 get half-price tickets, and student tickets are only applicable to local Portuguese residents. The driving direction in Portugal is the same as in China, keeping to the right. Driving locally is a great choice, and renting a car is very convenient. Gasoline comes in 97, 92, and high-octane grades, costing 140-170 Portuguese Escudos per liter.
Current property prices in Portugal are on average 1/3 lower than in other European countries, yet the living environment ranks among the top in Europe. Many Europeans like to come to Portugal for vacations and property investment, and the southern Algarve is the top choice for Europeans buying homes. Coupled with Portugal's unique geographical environment and excellent supporting facilities, property prices are rising every year.