Nestled on the banks of the Tagus River, to the south of Lisbon, lies Almada, a city that blends history, modernity, and natural beauty.
While you won’t find historical landmarks at every corner, its rich history spans millennia and its many attractions include its key geographical location, stunning coastal areas (which include over 9 miles of beach area), and excellent accessibility.
Residents here also enjoy a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. In the winter, temperatures usually range from 12°C to 18°C (54°F to 64°F), and in the summer, they tend to hover between 25°C and 32°C (77°F to 89°F).
When it comes to access and public transportation, Almada is very well connected, especially to nearby Lisbon, the country’s capital.
If you’re driving, take the 25 de Abril Bridge that links both sides of the River Tagus. This bridge, also known as the “Portuguese Golden Gate Bridge,” mostly because of its color and design, has both road and rail components, with the lower deck accommodating a railway line.
Those wanting to reach Lisbon by public transportation can choose from the ferry, train, or buses with single-trip tickets costing no more than a few dollars.
Sunshine, Convenience, And Charm
Even though Almada is close to Lisbon, it has its very own cultural and artistic life, in which it takes great pride.
Thanks to the city’s usually good weather and privileged location, it’s common to see people practicing some sort of physical activity outdoors, whether alone, in small groups, or as a family.
Parque da Paz is a local favorite when it comes to spending quality time outside.
It features a lake, a bike lane, a café with outdoor seating, joggers, walkers, families (dogs included), picnics in the shade, people playing soccer on the grass, and several access points with parking spaces.
On the last weekend of every month, from March to November, this park also hosts the Almada Green Market. This market gathers local agricultural producers, artisans, artists, and designers showcasing local and regional products and projects.
In Almada, you have the same supermarket chains that can be found in many other Portuguese cities, including Lidl, Pingo Doce, Mercadona, Aldi, and Continente. The local small grocery or convenience store is still very much a reality here, and sometimes you get better prices there than in the bigger stores.
As anywhere, real estate prices vary depending on location, surroundings, and the property itself.
You can find one-bedroom rentals starting at 550 euros a month, while two-bedroom apartments start at about 850 euros a month.
Keep in mind that you have to sign a tenancy agreement (contrato de arrendamento) if you want to rent a property. To do that, you need to have a Portuguese fiscal number (Número de Identificação Fiscal, abbreviated as NIF).
The agreement must include elements like the length of the lease, how much rent is, details about the property, how much notice you must give before moving out, and which conditions apply for breaking the rental contract.
Fixed-term contracts should have the duration and expiration dates clearly stated in the document.
If you’re looking to buy, you can find renovated one-bedroom or even two-bedroom apartments starting at 110,000 euros.
Two-bedroom small villas or semi-detached houses can be found starting at 200,000 euros.
If you’re interested in renovating a small property, look around, as you may come across a good bargain under 100,000 euros.
In terms of public hospitals, Almada is served by Hospital Garcia de Orta.
Private health care is also available, with Hospital Particular de Almada, Clínica Lusíadas, and Clínica CUF Almada among the most sought-after options.
Parishes have health centers (Centro de Saúde), which are usually the first option in terms of primary, non-emergency health care needs.
To have access to the National Health Service, or Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), you will need to have a Número de Utente, which is a reference number corresponding to your registration on the SNS.
This registration allows you to have access to partially free health care, depending on what is required.
Going to the family doctor or general practitioner, for example, will cost you 4.50 euros—a fee called taxa moderadora. Some health care services are completely free in the SNS.
Almada, Portugal, is perfect for beach lovers who like to have a more relaxed lifestyle but also treasure being close to the capital and what it has to offer.
Other pros include a relatively cheaper cost of living when compared to Lisbon, good public transportation, and a sense of community.
Sincerely,
Managing Editor, Portugal Letter
