Living in Leiria
What does living in a small city by the sea look like? Here’s a guide detailing exactly what an ex-pat should expect from living in Leiria.
Article by Viv Europe Official Legal and Relocation Partner to KipperTree
May 26, 2023
Read the full article here
Portugal’s central region has many cities with great potential for foreign nationals to call home. Although this region has several popular destinations, it is hard to beat Leiria’s charm. So what does living in Leiria look like for an expat? How is this destination better than other more popular cities within this region and beyond?
Being one of the oldest cities, Leiria is packed with a lot of history about ancient Portugal. This city is somewhat laid-back and modest, representing the humble side of Portugal.
With a population of just over 120,000 people, this small city by the beach has a lot of history, landscapes, and character, making it a good place to anchor down permanently. If you’re asking yourself these questions, then this post is for you. Stick around as we attempt to unpack every important detail about this small city on the Silver Coast.
What is living in Leiria like?
If you ask around, you’ll quickly find out that Leiria is often considered the true Silver Coast, thanks to its proximity to the beach. Talking about beaches, it’s safe to say that Leiria has one of the best coastal areas for many activities, including sports, concerts, and other cultural exercises.
The beauty of living in Leiria is that you’ll experience all these without worrying about over-tourism during the peak summer months.
Other than that, there are several good landscapes that are accessible on foot. Most of these sites are a place that you can visit at any time of the year thanks to the good climate ensuring steady temperatures all year round.
For lovers of history, there are a lot of places you can visit to feed your curious mind, for example, Leiria Castle, the museums, or go ahead and discover the cultural posters of the theatres. There is so much packed in this small geographical space; you just have to experience it for yourself to appreciate it.
Who lives in Leiria?
Although previously, Leiria has not been on the radar when it comes to the top destinations for ex-pats, that has gradually been changing over the years. Today, Leiria is home to people from all over the globe and is thriving better than before.
To give you some context, the current percentage of the foreign population in this city is about 5.8% compared to a decade ago when ex-pats only accounted for 4.0%, as per data from Pordata. Ex-pats aside, tourists are also finding this place quite relaxing and well-preserved.
In general, the foreign nationals who choose to live in Leiria are looking for a life away from the chaos of busy city life. That said, it’s also worth mentioning that Leiria is quite close to Lisbon, but the lifestyles of these two cities are quite different.
Why are ex-pats moving to Leiria?
As mentioned earlier, ex-pats are finally discovering this hidden gem, and the attention Leiria has been getting recently is for all the right reasons.
One of the many draws to this destination is that it’s close to the capital and also the fact that other regions are filling up more every year. Here are other reasons why ex-pats are moving to this city.
Leiria is a good place for nature lovers
While Leiria is a laid-back city, there are so many things to do, especially if you’re the adventurous type. This city has a touch of mountainous ruggedness to the north and rolling plains to the south.
Other than that, the city is also surrounded by natural scenery. For example, the Serra de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park is a protected area that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
The park is ideal for hiking and exploring, and you can also visit the nearby Grutas da Moeda, a cave system that is home to some impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Culture, art, and cuisine
If you’re interested in experiencing the true and authentic Portuguese way of living, then Leiria is a good place to call home. One of the most popular festivals is the annual Leiria cultural film festival.
Leiria is also quite popular for its authentic Portuguese cuisine. Seafood is a significant part of the local palette, which truly reflects their cultural and culinary heritage.
Among the local favourite dishes include grilled sardines and octopus, as well as its hearty meat stews and soups. You’ll quickly find out how the local folks take pride in their culinary traditions; restaurants all over the city offer traditional meals cooked with natural ingredients sourced from within.
Read the full article here