In Part 2, Elena and Ivana compared Cascais, Lisbon and Sintra for families, and agreed that “twenty-ish” is the most honest weather forecast in Portugal. In this part, they talk about one of the country’s strongest expat communities: retirees.
Elena Bykovets, CEO and Founder of RelyOn Relocation®, and Ivana, who spent five years in the Algarve surrounded by retired friends, discuss where retirees settle, why community matters so much at this stage of life, and how healthcare and living costs compare with other countries.
Elena: Let’s talk about people who choose Portugal for the best years of their life. Where do retirees usually go?
Ivana: Retirees are one of the strongest communities in Portugal. Many come from the UK, Ireland and northern Europe. Most choose the Algarve, because even in winter it stays mild.
Elena: Did you see that yourself?
Ivana: Yes. When I lived in a small village, there was a large British community. Then I moved to Alvor, and there was a very strong Irish community. Outside the Algarve, many retirees choose the Lisbon area, especially around Cascais, where there are lots of events.
Elena: I see them often in Cascais.
Ivana: I love them! When I go to a meeting, they’re sitting in the sun with a coffee, really enjoying life. And the best part is that they’re involved. They have their own community, meet new people, go to restaurants and feel part of something.
Elena: Why do you think that matters so much?
Ivana: Because for many people, retirement is the hardest transition. Suddenly there’s nothing to do. They disengage, sometimes they’re far from family, they stop going out. Here, they really live. If you’re somewhere you can’t meet anyone, you’ll feel lonely. Being surrounded by like-minded people changes everything.
Elena: I notice it too. At lunch, they sit together and talk. It’s lovely to see that you can be older and still make new friends.
Ivana: And there’s one more important thing: healthcare in Portugal is excellent. Many of my retired friends from the Algarve are really thankful for the care they receive in Portuguese hospitals, public or private. Honestly, I haven’t heard one person say they’re unhappy.
Elena: Let me add some context. As a legal resident, you have access to the public healthcare system. Many foreigners also take private insurance and use private hospitals. From my own experience: because of my family’s medical history, I chose the most complete plan, and it covers everything. I pay 140 euros a month. When I lived in the States, I paid 570 dollars a month, and that plan didn’t cover serious illnesses or dental care.
Ivana: I have private insurance too, and I’m very satisfied. You don’t think about it until you need it — and then you see how well it works.
Elena: For retirees, feeling secure about healthcare is essential. And then there’s the cost of living. Affordability is one of the key reasons people choose to retire here.
Ivana: When I talk to retirees in the Algarve, it’s the first thing they mention. The food is great, and the quality of ingredients for the price isn’t comparable to what they had at home. The weather helps too. When you start feeling aches and pains, warmth makes a real difference.
Elena: And there are so many outdoor activities.
Ivana: Exactly. The Algarve is the place for golf. There are courses near Cascais as well, but the Algarve is real golf country.
Elena: Do you play?
Ivana: (laughs) Not yet. I’m saving golf for that stage of my life. For now, it’s tennis.
This conversation shows that retiring in Portugal is less about age and more about staying connected. The Algarve and the Cascais area offer established international communities, mild weather, an outdoor lifestyle and accessible healthcare — the conditions that help people stay active and engaged.
In Part 4, the final episode, Elena explains how RelyOn Relocation® helps clients choose a safe first base, why English matters in the early months, and how to decide between Porto and Braga.
If you are considering retirement in Portugal, a consultation with RelyOn Relocation® (AMI 24842) can help you understand residency, healthcare and housing options step by step, at a pace that feels comfortable.
