Seasonal Living in Portugal: 3–6 Month Planning Guide – My Personal Experience

When I first considered retiring in Portugal, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to move permanently or try a seasonal living in Portugal. Spending 3–6 months at a time in Portugal turned out to be an incredible way to test the waters, enjoy the climate, and experience different regions before committing to long-term residency. I want to share my personal experience so that other retirees over 55 can plan their seasonal stays successfully.

In this guide, I’ll share my first-person experience planning a 3–6 month seasonal stay, including budgeting, accommodations, healthcare, activities, and actionable advice for other retirees over 55.

Why I Chose Seasonal Living

I didn’t want to commit to a full-year move initially. Seasonal living offered me:

• Flexibility to explore Portugal without permanent relocation
• Opportunity to avoid harsh winters at home
• Chance to test towns and lifestyles before deciding on permanent retirement
  This approach gave me confidence to make smarter long-term retirement decisions.

Example: I spent November to March on the Silver Coast and enjoyed quiet beaches, moderate climate, and vibrant local communities without the summer tourist crowds.

Planning Your Seasonal Living in Portugal

1. Choosing Your Region

I prioritized areas with:

• Mild winter climate
• Access to healthcare
• Affordable short-term rentals
• Community activities and local amenities

Top choices I considered:

• 1. Silver Coast – affordable, mild climate, coastal lifestyle
• 2. Algarve – warm winters, international expat community
• 3. Lisbon suburbs – amenities, cultural activities, mild winters

Tip: Research weather patterns, transport options, and seasonal activity availability to match your interests.

2: Visa Considerations

For US and EU retirees:

• EU citizens: Free to stay up to 90 days; longer stays require residency application.
• US citizens: 90-day Schengen visa-free travel; longer stays require D7 visa or temporary residency.

I coordinated my stay with visa rules, applying for a D7 visa after testing the seasonal lifestyle.

3. Budgeting for Seasonal Stay

I calculated all costs for a 3–6 month stay:

Tip: Include a buffer for unexpected costs, currency exchange, and travel insurance.

4. Accommodation Options

For seasonal stays, I considered:

• Short-term rentals: Furnished apartments or townhouses
• Serviced apartments: Slightly higher cost but includes utilities and services
• Airbnb or vacation rentals: Flexible but can be pricier for extended stays

Example: I rented a furnished apartment in Nazaré for €900/month, which included utilities and internet. It allowed me to settle comfortably without long-term commitment.

5. Healthcare During Seasonal Living in Portugal

Even for short-term stays, healthcare planning is essential:

• Private insurance: I purchased a 6-month plan covering doctor visits, emergencies, and minor procedures
• SNS registration: Optional for stays over 183 days, but not necessary for shorter visits
• Local pharmacies: Essential for prescriptions and minor health needs

Tip: Carry copies of medical records and prescriptions, especially if you take regular medication.

6. Activities and Lifestyle

I made the most of my seasonal stay by planning activities:

• Beach walks and coastal hikes
• Cooking classes and local markets
• Cultural festivals and town events
• Socializing with expat and local communities

Example: Attending Nazaré’s seafood festival in November allowed me to connect with locals and learn about regional cuisine.

7. Transportation and Connectivity

For a 3–6 month stay, I used public transport and occasional car rentals:

• Public transport: Buses and trains within towns and neighboring cities
• Car rental: Optional for exploring inland or remote areas
• Flights: Consider seasonal flight costs if traveling back and forth to home country

Tip: Factor transportation costs into your budget, and plan flexible options in case of unexpected travel.

8. Lifestyle Adjustments

Seasonal living allowed me to test my preferred lifestyle:

• Climate preferences: Spending winter in the south and summer in the north.
• Community integration: Attending local clubs, cafes, and social events to meet people.
• Daily routines: Trying different neighborhoods, exploring local markets, and understanding transport options.

For me, this revealed which areas felt most comfortable before committing permanently.

Actionable Tips for Seasonal Living in Portugal

1. Plan your stay based on climate and lifestyle preferences.
2. Choose fully furnished or serviced rentals to reduce setup hassle.
3. Budget for 6 months with a buffer for emergencies and unexpected costs.
4. Secure private health insurance covering your stay.
5. Engage with local communities to make your seasonal stay enjoyable.
6. Test different regions over multiple seasons before committing to permanent relocation.
7. Keep travel documents and visas updated to comply with local regulations.

Lessons I Learned

1. Plan accommodations early: Popular towns fill up fast during peak seasons.
2. Understand visa limitations: Respecting the Schengen 90-day limit is crucial.
3. Mix urban and rural stays: Helps find your ideal balance.
4. Healthcare preparation: Always maintain insurance, even for short-term stays.
5. Budget realistically: Seasonal costs can be higher than permanent residency due to short-term pricing.

FAQs: Seasonal Living in Portugal

Before You Leave

Seasonal living in Portugal offers retirees flexibility, a chance to test the lifestyle, and an opportunity to enjoy mild winters in a vibrant culture.

From my experience, careful planning, budgeting, choosing the right location, securing healthcare, and engaging with local communities are the keys to a rewarding seasonal experience. By following these steps, retirees over 55 can enjoy Portugal for months at a time while preparing for long-term retirement decisions.