Questions about accessible places to live in Portugal
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My husband and I are looking for a place to call home for the next 5-10 years, from which we can explore Europe at our own pace. My husband has used a wheelchair most of his life, so we are used to figuring out things when traveling. We are interested in hearing from International Living folk to get tips on what locations in Portugal might be most accessible for us as well as best for the use of public transport, trains, and access to medical care. We also enjoy warmer weather, sailing ports, and lots of walking (rolling) along promenades for exercise and well-being. Hilly places, cliffs, and cobble stones make life harder. Does Portugal have online ways or services to help find and assess accessible condos and apartments and/or retirement communities? Thoughts?
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Hi. I live in the Algarve, on the southern coast of Portugal. I have back issues, and chose to move here because there are several places in the Algarve that are less hilly than most of Portugal. Notice I say "less hilly", not flat. Portugal is an old country, with less grading for building sites. In the Algarve, we drive everywhere. In Lisbon, I can struggle with the uphill walks, as I do in most major cities here. Here is a web site listing the most accessible places in Portugal. https://www.portugalist.com/accessible-places-portugal/ As far as finding a place to live, I found a villa that I can drive right up to the main entrance, and with a bedroom on the main floor. Some day, I will no longer be able to use the stairs, so this place has all the major living on one floor. Note that you buy apartments here, and many of them have elevators to take you right to your floor. Check out Idealista.pt for rental options. You mention public transportation. Most of that is available in the big cities, and the big cities are hilly and full of cobblestones. Nothing replaces a scouting trip. If you are coming to the International Living conference in the Algarve next Spring, you could include a visit to some of these accessible towns. Good luck! My dad was in a wheelchair for many years, things are easier now, but honestly, Europe is nowhere near as accessible as the US. I would still try and move here, people are kinder and more helpful and it's a beautiful life!! Glenda
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Thank you Glenda for your helpful information and useful website! We will spending a few months traveling around on a scouting trip for sure!