Latest news and stories about quality of life in Portugal for expats and residents.
Eight cities in Portugal have been named among the 250 happiest in the world according to the 2026 Happy City Index. The report evaluates urban well-being based on factors such as air quality, safety, social cohesion, and mobility efficiency rather than just economic wealth.
An article identifying the city in Portugal that ranks highest in happiness, excluding the major hubs of Lisbon and Porto.
A lively city does not need to be deafening. Socialising, leisure and mobility can, and indeed should, coexist with the right to rest.
A city located near Porto has been ranked among the 70 happiest cities in the world, surpassing both Lisbon and Porto in the rankings.
The capital of Denmark leads the Happy City Index, while Maia is ranked in 69th place. Categories such as economy, environment, innovation, education, culture, and well-being were analysed.
Portugal may be one of the safest countries in the world; one with the most sunshine, most delicious food and best beaches, but… it certainly isn’t the one where its The post Portugal plummets in ‘happy country’ ranking appeared first on Portugal Resident.
The happiness ranking is dominated by Nordic countries, but Costa Rica has risen to fourth place, becoming the first Latin American country to achieve such a feat. Portugal is in 69th place.
The World Happiness Report reveals that only one country outside of Northern Europe, Costa Rica, is among the top five according to data for 2025.
A study reveals that the Portuguese fear a lack of quality water, wildfires, and extreme weather events, but continue to rank the climate crisis behind health, housing, and the cost of living.
The Secretary states that there will be a “defined quota for residents” for access to trails. The department aims to “improve the quality of life for residents, the tourist experience, and the existing offerings.”
The Upgrade programme is based on three fundamental pillars: the quality of life for residents, the quality of the tourist experience, and the quality of the existing offerings.
Between the mountains and the river, Alto do Tejo emerges as a large-scale and ambitious development, designed for those seeking quality of life, space, and tranquility – without giving up proximity to Lisbon.
Portugal has already achieved the challenge of a long life. Now it needs to add quality of life.
