Forbes magazine and the European Best Destinations (EBD) organisation have once again shone the spotlight on Portugal, this time including the sunny Algarve, northern city of Braga and Azores archipelago on a list of the “20 best places for Americans to live, invest and work in Europe”.
The list, created by EBD and published by Forbes, is based on “various criteria including the presence of an international school, quality of life, healthcare system, internet connection, proximity to airports with international flights, cost of living, active expat community and low crime rate”.
For those who want to spend “the next part of their life in the sun”, the Algarve is highlighted for having “one of the lowest population densities in Europe, some of the most beautiful beaches and more than 330 sunny days a year”.
“With its enviable quality of life, the region attracts not only English, French, German and Italian retirees, but also young workers, nomadic workers who surf online by day before surfing the ocean waves,” EBD writes.
São Brás de Alportel is among the locations recommended, “with its hills planted with orange trees and its spectacular sea views”.
“If you like surfing or walk in nature, choose Aljezur and enjoy a better price per square meter. For a short-term stay of one-to-three months, Lagos is active and trendy,” it adds.
The Algarve’s proximity to Lisbon and wealth of international schools is also praised.
Elsewhere in Portugal, Braga is described as the “happiest city in the country” and is “also on the podium of European cities with the best quality of life”.
“Renowned for its history and gastronomy, this ‘Portuguese Rome’ attracts not only entrepreneurs and families (for its quality of life, green spaces and international schools), but also those who wish to invest in tourism. The city enjoys one of Europe’s highest rates of growth in the sector,” the article states.
Off mainland Portugal, the Azores is described as an archipelago of nine incredible islands where “many incentives have been put in place by the regional government to attract businesses and start-ups”.
“With reduced VAT (5%, 10%, 18%), the Azores are among the European destinations with the best quality of life and the best value for money in real estate. The average price per square meter in the Azores is almost three times lower than the average price in the US,” it adds.
Also included on the list were Madrid, San Sebastian and Malaga (Spain); Brighton (UK); Hamburg and Berlin (Germany); Athens (Greece); Brest-Terres Oceánes and Alsace (France); Brussels (Belgium); Vienna (Austria); Rotherdam (Netherlands); Tuscany (Italy); Basel (Switzerland); Dubrovnik (Croatia); Cork (Ireland) and Poznan (Poland).
The 20 finalists were chosen from a first selection of 120 destinations.
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