2.88/5
149 reviews
Photo by Stephane Hurbe via Unsplash

Portimão

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portimao

praia

rocha

portimo

algarve

year

community

nomads

beautiful

cost

town

nomad

life

great

beaches

food

easy

work

friends

alvor

Portimão, particularly the Praia da Rocha area, is repeatedly praised as one of the best places to live year-round in the Algarve for both digital nomads and expats. The area offers a warm climate with sunshine almost all year, a low cost of living, and strong infrastructure including fast internet and coworking spaces. It's considered to strike a great balance between being a functioning town with everyday services and a resort-style locality that’s lively even in winter.

One of the biggest draws is the strong, welcoming digital nomad community with regular meetups and events, making it easy to connect socially and professionally. People also highlight the availability of diverse sports and outdoor activities, along with reliable transport to Lisbon and Seville. Safety, friendly locals, and the ease of navigating the town without a car are additional commonly mentioned positives.

However, some visitors note that Portimão lacks visual charm and feels overdeveloped, especially compared to neighboring Algarve towns. While the beaches and surrounding nature are beautiful, the urban layout has been described as dominated by concrete buildings. Still, for practicality, community, and a strong remote work setup, Portimão continues to be a top choice in the region.

AI-generated summary of reviews

I spent 6 weeks in Praia da Rocha, and I must say I was extremely surprised. When reading all the reviews here, I thought "Wow Portimao sounds like paradise" - and yet I was very disappointed overall. It's true, there are a lot of different nationalities and you can make friends easily. The Portuguese are very welcoming. But overall, the city has no charm at all imo.

It's just buildings, on top of buildings, on top of more buildings... It feels like this city is the consequence of the real estate rush in the 1970s, and they just built a concrete monstrosity. There has been no attempt to make the city welcoming or charming. The huge contrast between the beautiful nature (cliffs) and the lack of charm was very intriguing to me. Such a shame imo, because they could have really made it into a gem.

2 months ago

Portimão, Praia da Rocha, Alvor, and the beaches of Vau and Prainha are the gems of the Algarve! 🌴☀️

- Europe's finest digital nomad community can be found in Portimão: Portimão Digital Nomads (search on Facebook). They host free events to connect with people every two weeks! 🌐👥

- The prices for food, accommodation, and entertainment are very reasonable, much more affordable than the rest of Europe. 💰🍽️🎉

- The locals are incredibly friendly and fun-loving! 😄🤝

- There's only one drawback, and that is sometimes when you arrive as a digital nomad, the place is so beautiful that you might want to stay forever! 🌅🌍✨

2 years ago

Portimão on loistava valinta niin diginomadeille kuin muillekin etätyöläisille. Sopivan kokoinen kaupunki tarjoaa tekemistä ja kokemista vuoden ympäri, eikä hiljene liikaa talvellakaan paikallisen yhteisön ansiosta. Täällä voi patikoida, pyöräillä, surffata, suppailla, joogata, käydä kuntosalilla ja ulkoilla eri tavoin. Kaupungissa on myös teatteri- ja konserttitarjontaa, leffateatteri, taidetapahtumia ja erilaisia festivaaleja.
Portimão Digital Nomads on ihana yhteisö, josta saa paljon neuvoja, tukea, kansainvälisiä ystäviä ja seuraa kaikenlaiseen tekemiseen.

2 years ago

Are you tired of the same old 9-to-5 grind? Yearning for a life of adventure, freedom, and endless sunshine? Look no further, Portimao boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches in Europe. Imagine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and endless horizons. Your office view will be envy-inducing, and your daily dip in the sea is just steps away.

Portimao is not just a destination; it's a community of like-minded individuals pursuing their dreams. Connect with fellow digital nomads, share ideas, and collaborate in a welcoming, innovative atmosphere. The opportunities for networking are boundless.

Escape the high cost of living in major cities! In Portimao, you can enjoy a high-quality lifestyle without breaking the bank. Accommodation, food, and leisure activities come at a fraction of the cost compared to other digital nomad hotspots.

Nearly every day is a sunny one in Portimao. Say goodbye to gloomy weather and hello to endless summer vibes. Perfect for those who thrive in the sun!

Celebrate life at the region's almost monthly festivals. Witness the grandeur of the Loule Carnival, one of Europe's oldest carnivals. Join in the immersive Black & White Party in Carvoeiro, where the entire town transforms into a vibrant festival of music and street celebrations. And for the music enthusiasts, don't miss the globally renowned AfroNation on Praia de Rocha.

Savor fresh seafood, local delicacies, and international cuisine at Portimao's vibrant eateries. Fuel your creativity with an array of culinary experiences, all within walking distance of your new home.

Portimao offers a variety of coworking hubs equipped with high-speed internet, ergonomic seating, and stunning views. Boost your productivity in a professional environment.

Immerse yourself in Portuguese culture, from traditional festivals to art exhibitions. Portimao's rich history and vibrant arts scene will keep your creative juices flowing.

In Portimao, work-life balance isn't just a buzzword; it's a way of life. After a productive workday, enjoy watersports, hiking, or simply unwind with a sunset beach yoga session.

Located in the Algarve region, Portimao offers excellent connectivity with international airports, making it easy to explore Europe and beyond during your breaks.

2 years ago

A gem with a great nomad community. Great beached, bars and plenty of restaurants. Check out the wider area and join the Portimão Digital Nomads group on fb and WhatsApp, they have regular meet ups and post details of other events. They also have a co work space in Alvor

2 years ago

Ik woon sinds een jaar in Portimão. In eerste instantie was het een tijdelijk idee, maar inmiddels hebben we besloten te blijven en dit zijn de redenen:
* prachtige kustlijn met veel natuurbehoud, waar we elke dag heerlijk kunnen zwemmen, hiken etc.
* Portimão is een stad waar "echte mensen wonen", dus ook buiten het toeristenseizoen blijft alles doordraaien.
* een geweldige en heel actieve digital Nomads community, dus gelijk mensen leren kennen en leuke sociale fingen ondernemen.
* 45 minuten rijden v.a. vliegveld
* alles wat je nodig hebt is in de buurt (shopping malls, ziekenhuizen, restaurants, scholen, veel sportmogelijkheden en clubs voor kinderen, etc. etc.
* Co-working faciliteiten!

2 years ago

If you are looking for many activity and sport options, all the conveniences, and spectacular year-round weather, Portimao is the choice for you. For me it is the best balance of a small-town community of friends together with modern infrastructure (including fast internet), not to mention an affordable cost of living, good food and a walkable size.

2 years ago

I've stayed in different places in Portugal, but finally decided to spend more time in Portimao. The community is amazing and rapidly growing. There are regular meetups and many groups for activities like padel, surfing, skating, etc. The beaches in Praia da Rocha and Alvor are fabulous. And the town has all the services you need. It's also well connected by direct bus with Lisbon and Sevilla. Portimao is definitely a great place to live and work from!

2 years ago

Portimão é a cidade de tamanho perfeito para ter todas as comodidades como centro comercial e hospital, mas suficientemente pequena para poder andar por todo o lado. Adoramos a comida e o clima, as actividades de Inverno e os desportos, e as pessoas fantásticas.

2 years ago

Portimao is definitely the best city to work remotely in the Algarve. It is easy to find any type of service and the city is very beautiful and dynamic. If you come here, I recommend looking for the 🧡 "Portimao digital nomads" group on Facebook, they are a very friendly group and hold many events.

3 years ago

Exceptional digital nomads community! Amazing cafes with ocean views to work at, cool night life, and very good sea food! All really cheap!

3 years ago

I moved to Portimão 4 years ago and I think it was the best decision ever. It's the right mixture of a working town and holiday destination. There's something going on all year round. Great beaches and nature, lots of outdoor activities, lovely people, the best wines 😉 there's an awesome remote worker / digital nomads community and fast Wi-Fi. I feel so lucky to live in this beautiful place!!!

3 years ago

We researched many towns in the Algarve before choosing Portimao, and we are so glad we did because we love it! Portimao is the best for year round activities and events and sports, wonderful weather, convenient facilities like shopping and hospitals, great food and wine options, and a low cost of living. It is easy to get by without speaking Portuguese, but there are plenty of locals to meet and practice so you can learn. It is easy to safely walk anywhere, or you can take the bus, rideshare, bicycle or train. Infrastructure is good with fast internet and plenty of places for a digital nomad to work. We chose the Praia da Rocha area for the restaurants and fun atmosphere, but there are quieter and less expensive areas like Alvor if you prefer. We

3 years ago

Portimao , best place for digital nomads. Everything you need, international community, many activties and sports, and great cost of living

3 years ago

We are a couple from Denmark, who decided to move to the Algarve in 2020 (in the pandemic); we live in many places (Tavira, Lagos, Albufeira, before finding our favorite place: Portimao). We live in the Praia da Rocha area; an area full of life "all year round"; where we can make friends of all nationalities. A very safe area with all the comforts of a big city (without being a big city). We are in love :D

3 years ago

Já estou em Portimão há 6 meses e posso dizer que encontrei o sítio ideal que combina qualidade de vida com trabalho remoto. Estou a considerar ficar por cá. Recomendo.

3 years ago

I am reading the comments and it is true; the Praia da Rocha area has a "Miami or California vibe"; It needs to have more parks and bike paths; but in general I also think that it is the best place to live in Algarve as a digital nomad all year round.

3 years ago

I have been living in the Algarve for 3 years. I have lived in Lagos, Albuferia, Faro and now Portimao.
All the towns are extremely beautiful and the climate is spectacular.
But if I had to choose one to live all year round, it would undoubtedly be Portimao. (not the prettiest, but you have everything and it makes your life easier). It also has its charm (it looks like a small Miami from the 80s).

Of all the areas of Portimao to live, I prefer Praia da Rocha. ❤️

3 years ago

I lived, for 2 years in Lagos (a very nice town, but a ghost town in winter). The only cities livable all year round in the Algarve are Portimao and Faro (and Portimao seems much more enjoyable to me).

4 years ago

We love living in Praia da Rocha, it is a very beautiful city and you have everything at hand (there are more beautiful towns in the Algarve, but they do not have all the comforts to live all year round, just like Portimao. Portimao is a working-class town , and Praia da Rocha is more of a resort town (both could be better cared for, but in general lines it is fine)

4 years ago

We are an Italian couple (recently moved to Portimao a few months ago). We love the Praia da Rocha area (it has a resemblance to Miami but in a small way). Spectacular beaches, warm water, low cost of living. highly recommended.

4 years ago

I moved to Portimao about 1 year ago (in the Praia da Rocha area) and I couldn't be happier. Locals are super friendly, and it is very easy to make friends.

The parties are incredible and there are many sports to do (at affordable prices).

There is sunshine 300 days a year, the average internet speed is 100mb, and the cost of living is approx € 1600 (including the rent of 700 for a 1 bedroom apartment).

Now I plan to move here after visiting other places in the Algarve (Lagos, Carvoeiro, Vilamoura, Albufeira), I think that Portimao is the best to live all year round (and the most fun).

4 years ago

✅ Very safe

✅ Fast internet

✅ Warm all year

✅ Friendly people

✅ Very affordable

✅ Great digital nomad community

✅ Many activities and sports

✅ Good infrastructure

✅ Warm now

✅ Warm in the spring

✅ Good air quality on average

✅ Nomads.com members liked going here

✅ Many Nomads.com members have been

✅ Spacious and not crowded

✅ Very easy to make friends

✅ Very easy to do business

✅ High quality of education

✅ Great hospitals

✅ Roads are very safe

✅ Great freedom of speech

✅ Democratic

✅ Everyone speaks English

✅ Safe for women

✅ Family friendly

✅ Very friendly to LGBTQ+

✅ (Medical) marijuana MAY be legal, unenforced or decriminalized (always double check this)

❌ Lacks charm/overbuilt

❌ Not much to do

❌ Gets cold in the winter

❌ Not many Nomads.com members right now

❌ Many people smoke tobacco

❌ High alcohol consumption

Jan

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May

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Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

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Dec

Feels (median)

15°C / 59°F cool

18°C / 64°F cool

17°C / 63°F cool

21°C / 70°F mild

23°C / 73°F mild

24°C / 75°F warm

22°C / 72°F mild

18°C / 64°F cool

Real (median)

15°C / 58°F
cool

17°C / 63°F
cool

17°C / 62°F
cool

17°C / 63°F
cool

21°C / 70°F
mild

23°C / 73°F
mild

24°C / 75°F
warm

22°C / 72°F
mild

17°C / 63°F
cool

Humidity

damp
77%

damp
81%

nice
70%

damp
77%

nice
69%

nice
72%

nice
75%

nice
73%

nice
75%

damp
76%

damp
80%

Most common

☀️ Clear

☔️ Rain

☀️ Clear

☔️ Rain

Rain

dry
35mm

rainy
51mm

dry
21mm

dry
46mm

dry
13mm

dry
5mm

dry
0mm

dry
21mm

dry
27mm

dry
23mm

rainy
95mm

Cloud

pockets
44%

pockets
28%

pockets
14%

pockets
37%

pockets
23%

pockets
17%

pockets
12%

clear
9%

pockets
10%

pockets
44%

pockets
24%

pockets
43%

Sun

safe
2 UVI

seek shade
4 UVI

seek shade
6 UVI

avoid sun
8 UVI

avoid sun
9 UVI

avoid sun
10 UVI

avoid sun
9 UVI

avoid sun
7 UVI

seek shade
5 UVI

seek shade
3 UVI

safe
2 UVI

Remote workers

720 people

760 people

933 people

520 people

880 people

533 people

375 people

500 people

350 people

600 people

567 people

280 people

Green is good. Red is bad. Values shown are the medians of all daily highs in a month based on past few years, not necessarily current numbers. Remote worker count is estimated based on the total amount of trips logged by Nomads.com members.

If you'd like to filter destinations based on their climate, try Nomads.com's Climate Finder

Based on Portimão's cost of living, here's selected remote jobs that would cover your costs:

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✈️21min

$4,979 / mo

28 Mbps

⭐️ OverallAll

💵 Cost 🧐 Very expensive

📡 InternetWiFi 🏎 Fast

👍 Liked mediocre

👮 Safety great

Tap to open

🌦 Feels 36° 97° 30° 85° 🥵

✈️16h

$4,319 / mo

🌇 Also went here34 people

Members who will be here soon

Members who have been here

Values shown are estimated visits by traveling remote workers based on the total amount of trips logged by Nomads.com members. Visits to a place are only counted once per year per user, even if they visit more in that year. Visits are also normalized by overall trips added per month on the site, so if site usage goes up or down it does not affect trends. Not all digital nomads are on Nomads.com, and not all Nomads.com members log their trips. So the data is only indicative.

The chart below shows visitors by nationality normalized for population size. This means we take all trips logged on Nomads.com, check which country of origin the user is from, then divide that total visit count by the country of origin's population. If we didn't, it'd just show the big countries like US, Brazil and India always on top. Instead, this shows which nationalities worldwide proportionally visit more or less, which is more useful.

⭐️ Total score	2.88/5 (Rank #87) 149 reviews
❤️ Liked by members	👍24 liked it 👎1 disliked it
👍 Quality of life score	Good
👶 Family score	Good
🎒 Community score	Okay
💵 Cost	😙 Affordable: $2,341 / mo
📡 Internet	🙂 Good: 25Mbps (avg)
😝 Fun	Okay
⛅️ Temperature (now)	🌞 Nice: 19°C66°F (feels 20°C68°F)
💦 Humidity (now)	😊 Comfy: 72%
👌 Safety	Great
🤮 Food safety*	Great
👮‍♀️ Lack of crime*	Great
🤝 Lack of racism*	Okay
🎓 Education level*	Mediocre
⚡️ Power grid	Great
🌊 Vulnerability to climate change	Good
💰 Income level*	Mediocre: $1,646 / mo
🙊 English speaking*	Good
🚶 Walkability	Great
🚦 Traffic safety*	Okay
✈️ Airline scores*	Good
🧳 Lost luggage*	Great
🏥 Hospitals	Good
😄 Happiness*	Bad
🍸 Nightlife	Okay
📶 Free WiFi in city	Bad
🖥 Places to work from	Okay
❄️ A/C or heating	Okay
😁 Friendly to foreigners	Good
🗯 Freedom of speech*	Great
👩 Female friendly	Okay
🌈 LGBTQ+ friendly	Great
🎅 Startup Score	Okay

🌍 Continent	Europe
🚩 Country	Portugal
🗓️ Average trip length	14 days
📡 Internet speed (avg)	25 Mbps
⛅️ Weather (now)	🌥 19°C 66°F + 😊 Comfy (72%) = feels 20°C 68°F
🔌 Power	230V 50Hz
🚕 Best taxi app*	Uber
🚑 Travel medical insurance	Safetywing
🏧 Suggested ATM take out:	EUR 100 = USD 113
💸 Tipping	Yes, 10%
💳 Cashless	💳 Yes, cards OK almost everywhere
☕️ Best coffee place	Confeitaria D'alvor
🏪 Best 24/7 coffee place	AllWork
🚰 Tap water	👌 Yes, safe to drink
♻️ Return rate	👍13% of visitors return
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Population	56,000 people
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 GDP per capita*	$19,750 / year
👫 Gender ratio (nomads)	👨 81% 👱‍♀️ 19%
🏞 Foreign land ownership allowed	Yes
⛪️ Religious government	Non-religious
💻 Online electronics shop	Fnac
🏠 Apartment listings	Airbnb
✈️ Best short-haul air carrier	TAP
✈️ Best int'l air carrier	EasyJet
🏥 Best hospital	Al-Vita Medical

💵 Cost of living for nomad	$2,341 / month
💵 Cost of living for expat	$1,617 / month
💵 Cost of living for family	$2,794 / month
💵 Cost of living for local	$798 / month
🏨 Hotel (median price)	$1,695 / month
🏡 Airbnb (median price)	$3,061 / month
🏠 1br studio rent in center	$737 / month
🏠 Median home price	$318,453
🏨 Hotel (median price)	$79 / night
🏠 Airbnb (median price)	$100 / night
🏢 Coworking hot desk	$170 / month
🍛 Dinner	$6
🥤 Coca-Cola (0.3L)	0
🍺 Beer in cafe (0.5L)	$2
☕️ Coffee in cafe	$1
👩‍🏫 International school	$6,842 / year
📱 Mobile data (~10GB)	$10 / month
🚕 Taxi price (avg trip ~3km/2mi)	$2 / trip
💰 Estimated tax on $50,000	$21,514
💰 Estimated tax on $100,000	$52,994
💰 Estimated tax on $250,000	$145,334