Portugal – Europe’s hidden jewel

Nestled on the western edge of Europe, Portugal may be small in size, but certainly not in history, culture, heritage, cuisine, landscapes, and diversity.It is a country of contrasts, where history and modernity intertwine across its 92,212 sq km (35,600 sq mi) of diverse landscapes. With a population of around 10.6 million people, and an average age of 45 years, Portugal balances youthful energy with deep-rooted traditions.

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A prime location in Europe, just a short flight away from the main capitals

Its unique location on Europe’s westernmost edge offers unparalleled connectivity– from Lisbon, you’re just a two-and-a-half-hour flight away from London, Parisand Madrid, a three-hour flight away from Amsterdam, or a four-hour flight away from Berlin, just to name a few, and therefore within easy reach of major European hubs.

Whether it's the golden beaches of the Algarve, the lush vineyards of the Douro Valley, or the remote volcanic beauty of the Azores, Portugal’s geographical diversity makes it an extraordinary place to live, invest, and explore.

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A thriving economy with global appeal

Additionally, Portugal combines a thriving economy, and a growing international community. In the last five years alone, the number of foreigners living in Portugal has more than doubled, skyrocketing from around 480,000 at the end of 2018 to 1.4 million in 2023, meaning they now account for almost 10% of the Portuguese population.

In 2024, Portugal’s GDP grew by 1.9% as a result of the financial stability it keepsconsolidating and its political stability – the perfect conditions to maintain and drive a virtuous cycle of investment and wealth creation. For 2025, the forecast for its economy's growth is 2.1%, with an estimated surplus of 0.3%. With the economies of France and Germany struggling, Portugal and its neighbour Spain, accounted for 50% of the Eurozone's growth in the last quarter of 2024, keeping the Euro economy afloat and recession away from the EU, in what experts are now calling ‘the Iberian miracle’.

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A love for simple pleasures

Locals have a deep and rooted love for simple pleasures in life, and Portugal is known for its perfect work-life balance. In the country where coffee is a ritual –preferably at a “pastelaria” with a “pastel de nata” – every cup is a moment to slow down and enjoy life.

Portuguese also love to eat, and eating is also a ritual that should be savored at a slower pace. Lunches and dinners can, and will most certainly, stretch for hours, while feasting on the freshest seafood or eating “bacalhau” (codfish prepared in 1000 different ways), sipping and toasting with some chilled Vinho Verde or Port wine. Likewise, and as a bonus tip, if you want to see a local upset make them cancel their family meals, especially on Sundays!

At the heart of it all, family, friendship, and hospitality define the Portuguese way of life – Portugal is a country that loves deeply and lives fully.

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A country rich in culture and traditions

Every Portuguese city has something different to offer and at its own rhythm:

- Lisbon, the vibrant capital, is the beating heart of the nation, buzzing with diversity, and home to a large LGBT community.

- Porto, the second-largest city, charms visitors with its heritage and flows like its renowned wine, rich and full of character.

- Braga offers a glimpse into the country’s fascinating, proud and extensivehistory.

- Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1290.- Fátima is a place of miracles, the country’s spiritual heart and a beacon of silence and devotion.

- The Algarve stretches along the sun, with its golden beaches and ravishing cliffs.

- The Azores and Madeira, Portugal’s island jewels, offer volcanic landscapes, lavish forests, and dramatic cliffs that will defy your imagination.

So get ready for a very packed vacation, or embark on a new exciting life in Portugal by relocating.

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Breaking the language barrier

While Portuguese is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in urban and tourist areas. If your Portuguese is not great, don’t worry, Portuguese have a relaxed approach to the language barrier and will respond to your efforts of saying a few Portuguese words with patience and a pinch of humor. To be fair, the Portuguese language is full of quirky expressions and words that might confuse you at first (we’ve all been there!), but quickly those will become part of your daily vocabulary. You have, for instance:

– “Olá” (oh-LAH) – meaning ‘Hello’, is a simple and friendly way to greet people.

– “Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite” (pronounced: Bohm DEE-ah / Boh-ah TARjee / Boh-ah NOY-tee) – meaning ‘Good morning’ / ‘Good afternoon’ / ‘Good night’. “Boa tarde” can be particularly challenging because some locals will greet you with “tarde” and you might hear “turd” instead!

– “Obrigado / Obrigada” (oh-bree-GAH-doh / oh-bree-GAH-dah) – meaning ‘Thank you’. Men say "obrigado", and women say "obrigada".

– “Cerveja” (pronounced: ser-veh-zha) – meaning ‘beer’. Try ordering a "cerveja" and you might just get a raised eyebrow or a chuckle, as it sounds a bit like a made-up word if you don’t know Portuguese!

– “Fixe” (pronounced: FII-sh) – meaning ‘cool’, ‘awesome’. If you ever hear a Portuguese person using the word “fixe”, please bear in mind that they are not talking about the fish in the sea!

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Embrace Portugal’s calling

Today, Portugal is a country that looks forward while carrying the echoes of its past, creating unique opportunities for investment, tourism, and high-quality living in one of Europe's safest and most welcoming countries.

There is a palpable frisson of fresh energy swirling in the air. The same seas that once carried caravels, now welcome travelers. Century-old seafront houses are being reshaped and reborn. New hotels are waking up sleepy villages. Big tech companies are creating a new Silicon Valley by the Atlantic. Portugal is basking in the golden glow of modernity!

Do you feel Portugal’s calling? Are you curious to know how the Portuguese Golden Visa can open doors to new opportunities in Europe?

Get in touch now and learn more about how OptylonKrea – the pioneer and market leader in Golden Visa through fund investment since 2018 – can change your future with innovative solutions such as Ando Living serviced apartments and its Golden Visa-eligible Ando Europe Fund.

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