(From someone who actually moved here with kids)

So, you’re thinking about moving to Portugal with your family? Brilliant choice.

Sunshine, fresh food, friendly people, slower pace of life — it ticks a lot of boxes. It did for us anyway.

But when it comes to actually choosing where to live, things can get overwhelming fast.

Coast or countryside? North or south? Lisbon or Porto? Sometimes it can feel like the choice is just too overwhelming to even think about.

We moved to Portugal in early 2025 with two kids and two dogs, and spent years researching, driving around, getting lost, ripping the roof off our campervan (I'll link the video below if you want to watch that disaster), and asking a lot of questions — all in the name of finding the right place to call home.

So here it is — our honest guide to the best family-friendly places to live in Portugal.

1. Lagos – The Laid-Back Coastal Favourite (Where we settled)

Best for: Sunshine, beaches, international schools, English-speaking support.

If you're dreaming of sea views, easy outdoor living, and a strong expat community, Lagos in the Algarve is a solid option.

English is widely spoken, which can make the transition smoother for families with school-age kids.

The beaches are spectacular (yes, even in winter), and the town is safe, clean, and full of family-friendly cafés and parks.

Bonus points: the international school here is small but well-loved.

2. Cascais – Lisbon’s Leafy, Family-Friendly (very expensive) Neighbour

Best for: City access, international schools, clean air, safe streets

If you want to be near Lisbon but not stuck in the middle of the chaos (traffic, tourists, and all), Cascais might be your perfect compromise. It’s often described as posh-but-cosy — the kind of place where families stroll to the bakery in the morning and teenagers ride bikes to school.

It’s safe, clean, and full of other families who’ve made the move from abroad.

Cascais is one of the most popular places for expats with kids, and for good reason: it has some of the best international schools in Portugal, including British, German, and American curriculum options.

That’s a huge win if your kids are mid-way through their education and you don’t want to totally uproot their learning.

The train to central Lisbon takes under 40 minutes and runs frequently, which is perfect for remote-working parents who occasionally need to head into the city — or for anyone who travels a lot and needs quick access to Lisbon airport.

As for day-to-day life? Cascais is ridiculously walkable, bikeable, and pretty. You’ve got cobbled streets, sea views, leafy parks, pastel-coloured houses, and enough cafés and restaurants to keep things interesting.

There are also loads of playgrounds, green spaces, and kid-friendly beach spots.

It’s not the cheapest place to live in Portugal — property prices and rent are on the higher side — but if your budget allows, Cascais offers one of the most balanced lifestyles for families: international but still Portuguese, calm but well-connected, and very easy to settle into.

3. Ericeira – For Surfing Parents and Free-Range Kids

Best for: Nature, community, wellness-minded families

This little surf town just north of Lisbon has exploded in popularity over the past few years — and it’s easy to see why.

Ericeira has that rare magic: a laid-back beach lifestyle paired with a creative, conscious community.

Fun fact: It took us almost two years to get the pronunciation right.

Let me know if you want the actual pronunciation written out too! (It’s roughly “eh-ree-SAY-ruh.”)

It’s full of families, freelancers, surfers, and slow-living types who care about good food, nature, and raising their kids a little differently.

Honestly, Ericeira was where we originally wanted to live.

We fell in love with it on our first road trip to Portugal. We viewed a handful of houses, but they were either too far inland or just nudging over our budget.

Still, we always look back and wonder what if — it really got under our skin in the best possible way.

One of the highlights for us was the local artisan market we stumbled across one weekend.

It was packed with handmade crafts, organic produce, locally roasted coffee, and probably the best sourdough we’ve had in Portugal.

You could spend a whole morning wandering around, chatting to stallholders, and sampling everything from fermented garlic to raw honey. It’s that kind of place — creative, small-scale, and full of heart.

There’s also a Waldorf-style school nearby, several alternative and bilingual options, and a strong sense of community. You’ll find co-working hubs, yoga studios, family skate parks, and enough nature to keep wild little adventurers happy.

Ericeira isn’t the cheapest anymore — word has definitely got out — but if you’re looking for a surf town in Portugal with soul, schools, and community, it’s still one of the best spots going.

4. Coimbra – A Hidden Gem for Affordability and Culture

Best for: Education, affordability, quieter family life

Home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, Coimbra offers a lovely blend of history, greenery, and family-friendly living — without the Lisbon price tag.

I hate this term passionately, but it’s late and my brain’s gone soft… here goes: it’s really up-and-coming.

Ugh. I feel dirty just typing that.

But honestly? It kind of is. In the best way.

There’s a rhythm to life here that feels calmer, more grounded. And the best bit? It’s still off the radar for most expats, which gives it a more authentic, local feel.

My wife Hannah actually preferred Coimbra to Lisbon .

There was something about Coimbra that just clicked for us. Maybe it was the winding cobbled lanes, the riverside walks, or the mix of students, young families, and old-school locals sharing the same space. It feels lived-in and well loved, like an old well worn jacket.

Coimbra is more local than touristy, but it still has everything you need:

Good public schools, safe and walkable neighbourhoods, family parks, reliable public transport, and a decent public healthcare system. Plus, if you’re into hidden gems, there are so many tucked away — little cafés, secondhand bookshops, old tiled courtyards, and restaurants where you can still get a proper meal for under €10.

There’s a slower pace of life here that works beautifully for families, especially if you’re coming from a big city and craving more space and simplicity.

It’s a great place to raise kids in Portugal without breaking the bank — and while it doesn’t have an international school (yet), there are bilingual options and a growing number of international families choosing Coimbra for that very reason.

If you’re looking for the best affordable cities in Portugal for families, and you want culture, comfort, and community — Coimbra deserves a spot on your shortlist.

5. Madeira – Island Life With a Family Twist

Best for: Nature lovers, year-round sunshine, slower living… and people who really hate tax

Okay, so it’s not mainland Portugal — but if you’re even slightly open to island life, Madeira is 100% worth a look.

It’s lush, dramatic, warm all year round, and way more liveable than people give it credit for.

We haven’t been (yet), but we seriously considered it when we were planning our move.

Hannah was sold on the photos — the sea cliffs, the jungle-green hills, the banana trees.

I was sold on the 5% corporate tax rate. (Not even ashamed.)

Madeira’s part of Portugal, but it operates under its own special tax regime, which is especially appealing if you’re self-employed or running a business.

It’s easy to see why remote workers and entrepreneurs are setting up shop here.

But tax perks aside, Madeira’s a brilliant choice for families, especially if you're homeschooling or working remotely.

There are international schools, low crime rates, quiet villages, and strong community vibes.

It’s not packed with expats (yet), but there’s enough of a support network that you’re not totally on your own.

If you’re after a slower, more intentional lifestyle — fewer screens, more sky — Madeira has a lot to offer.

We'll be visiting soon so I'll let you know what we think.

So… Where Should You Live in Portugal With Kids?

Here’s the cold hard truth, just how you like it: there’s no one “best” place to live in Portugal with a family.

It completely depends on your vibe — do you want big-city access or quiet countryside?

Do you need English-speaking schools or want to go fully local? Are you surfers, city lovers, or serial brunchers?

The good news? Portugal is small enough that you can travel around and try a few areas before committing.

That’s exactly what we did — two months in a campervan, a lot of trial and error, and quite a few café stops.

Portugal is one of the best countries in Europe for raising kids — the lifestyle, safety, weather, and community spirit are all huge wins.

But where you live shapes everything from your kids’ schooling to how you spend your weekends.

Take your time, do your research, and if in doubt — rent first.

Like i said, we settled in the Algarve. Not because it was perfect, but because it felt right for us.

Bonus Tips:

• Want private or international schools? Focus on Lisbon, Cascais, and the Algarve.
• Craving community and nature? Ericeira and Madeira are both brilliant.
• On a budget? Coimbra or inland towns like Tomar and Castelo Branco might surprise you.

Thinking About Visiting or Moving to Portugal?

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We’ve done it, we’re living it, and we’re sharing everything we’ve learned to make your journey a whole lot easier.

👉 Visit PortugalMadeSimple.com — and let’s make Portugal make sense.

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