6 Underrated Places in Portugal You Probably Haven’t Considered — But Should
Portugal has its headline acts. Lisbon. Porto. The Algarve coast. But once you look beyond the obvious, a quieter, more liveable Portugal starts to appear. One with space, community, and housing that hasn’t completely lost the plot. In our video this week we talk about why you should consider these sort of places over a city.
If you’re planning a move, a scouting trip, or even just day-dreaming with purpose, these lesser-talked-about locations deserve a spot on your radar.
1. Tomar
Tomar manages to feel historic without feeling stuck. Known for its Templar heritage and riverside setting, it has a calm centre, good cafés, and enough life to avoid feeling isolated.
Why it works:
Walkable historic core
Train links to Lisbon
More character than concrete
It’s particularly appealing if you like older buildings, leafy streets, and a town that still feels Portuguese first, international second.
2. Viseu
Often ignored because it’s inland, Viseu quietly delivers one of the best quality-of-life balances in central Portugal. Clean, safe, well run, and genuinely liveable.
Why it works:
Strong healthcare and services
Green spaces and pedestrian areas
Year-round local life
If you want a proper city feel without crowds or chaos, this one tends to surprise people. Only downside is all transport is by coach as there are no trains.
3. Abrantes
Abrantes sits above the River Tejo and feels like a town that time decided not to rush. It’s compact, practical, and well placed for travel.
Why it works:
Rail connections north and south
Lower rental pressure
Day-to-day living costs still grounded in reality
It’s not flashy, but it’s solid. And solid matters when you’re building a life, not a holiday.
4. Castelo Branco
Castelo Branco rarely makes relocation shortlists, which is exactly why it’s worth looking at. It’s functional, affordable, and surrounded by nature.
Why it works:
Space for the money
Easy access to Spain
Slower pace without being cut off
For people wanting room to breathe, or thinking longer-term retirement living, it can make a lot of sense.
5. Caldas da Rainha
More than a stop on the Silver Coast, Caldas blends local life with an artistic edge. It’s a working town, not a resort, which shows in prices and atmosphere.
Why it works:
Strong market culture
Creative community
Short hop to beaches without beach-town pricing
It suits people who want coast access, not coast chaos.
6. Miranda do Douro
Right up near the Spanish border, Miranda do Douro feels like a different Portugal altogether. Dramatic landscapes, deep traditions, and a pace that forces you to slow down.
Why it works:
Spectacular surroundings
Strong local identity
Very low pressure housing market
Not for everyone, but unforgettable for the right person.
Final thought
Portugal isn’t short on good places to live. The challenge is that most people look in the same handful of locations, then wonder why prices are high and competition is fierce.
Often, the better move is sideways, not central.
If you’re open to towns and smaller cities, your options widen fast.
How we can help
At Your Casa Key, we help people explore Portugal beyond the obvious. From scouting trips to rental searches and local insight you won’t get from property portals, our work starts with fit, not fashion.
If you’d like help figuring out where your Portugal might be, you can find us at www.yourcasakey.com.
