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**Symphony** · 08-07-2019, 23:10

Do you expats tend to congregate in any particular cities or harbors of Portugal?

Why would you choose Portugal over Spain?

Thanks

David1033 · 09-07-2019, 00:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Symphony

Do you expats tend to congregate in any particular cities or harbors of Portugal?

Why would you choose Portugal over Spain?

Thanks

First, I don't know if I qualify as ex-pat anymore. I've lived outside Britain since 1971. and I am now privileged to hold dual nationality.

Now, as to Portugal over Spain? Good question. I am a fairly social animal and I like people, but I don't like labelling or to be labelled.
Having lived on-board for 37 years, I'm a bit of an individualist, so the idea of an 'ex-pat community' doesn't really appeal.

I want to live in a country with all its facets, not live in a sort of 'exile annex/community', if that's the right term. I prefer to soak up the language, folk-lore and culture of the country I'm in.

There are many ex-pats in Spain and in Portugal, but I get the impression that they are spread further afield in Portugal - these are factors which play a role in the decision, but the main reason is that, as far as I can tell, Portugal is more friendly, 'laid-back', easier on the wallet and easier going in general, than Spain is. We also have some Portuguese friends who can help guide us through the necessary red-tape involved in the move, and who can help with the language until we've learned enough of it to get by.

One minor regret is the lack of Mediterranean coast-line, but as has been pointed out elsewhere, it's only a short voyage away. Also being on the Atlantic coast does make the crossing to the Caribbean marginally more accessible, should we decide to do it.

Thanks for the question, it helped me take a closer look at our motivations.