5 Fun Reasons Life in Portugal is Better than North America
At Track Us Down, we’re all about embracing a better “Second Half of Life”—whether it’s through early retirement, moving abroad, or simply finding ways to live more fully. We’ve talked a lot about why life in Portugal is amazing—lower cost of living, great healthcare, and overall safety are all big draws. But today, we want to dive into the fun reasons life here is a little sweeter than back in North America. These are the quirky, endearing, and just plain enjoyable aspects of living in Portugal that we’ve come to love. So, let’s get into it!
1. Public Kissing – Everywhere, All the Time!
One of the first things we noticed when we moved to Portugal—and something that might surprise you when you visit—is how common public displays of affection are here. And we’re not just talking about a polite kiss on the cheek (which, by the way, happens a lot when greeting people). We mean full-on, lingering, passionate kisses between couples of all ages. In North America, especially beyond the teenage years, public kissing isn’t something you see every day. But here, it’s different. Whether it’s at the mall, in a park, or even on the streets, couples—young and old—don’t hesitate to stop and share a kiss. At first, we were a bit taken aback. It was one of those “is this really happening?” moments. But now, we’ve grown used to it, and we see it for what it is: people expressing affection and love openly. In a world where there’s so much negativity, there’s something refreshing about seeing love out in the open. And yes, we’ve even started joining in on the fun—though we always announce it to each other first with a quick “public kissing” warning!
2. Malls are Alive and Well!
If you grew up in the 1980s or 1990s, you’ll remember how shopping malls were the place to be. You could spend hours wandering the stores, grabbing a bite in the food court, and maybe even catching a movie. Unfortunately, in many parts of North America, malls are becoming a thing of the past—often empty and run down, a shadow of what they once were. In Portugal, it’s a completely different story. Malls here are still very much alive and thriving! Whether we’re on the mainland or in Madeira, we’ve noticed that malls are the place to be on weekends, and they’re buzzing with life throughout the week too. Families gather, friends meet up, and there’s a real sense of community. It’s like stepping back in time, but with a modern twist. The food courts are bustling, the stores are diverse, and there’s a carnival-like atmosphere that’s hard to describe. It’s a comforting reminder of what malls used to be in North America, and we absolutely love it.
3. Table Manners Matter—Big Time!
You might think you know a thing or two about table manners, but Portugal has schooled us in ways we didn’t even expect! Here, they follow what’s called “Continental Style” dining, where the fork stays in the left hand and the knife in the right. No switching hands or cutting then placing the knife down—this is serious dining! From fast food joints to sit-down restaurants, people take their dining etiquette seriously. We’ve also noticed that they’re quite careful when eating things like burgers or chocolate bars. Instead of unwrapping the entire thing and digging in, they leave the wrapper on and eat in small, tidy bites. It’s something we never thought about before, but it makes perfect sense. Why get your hands all messy if you don’t have to? One of the most humbling experiences was when Monique realized her casual croissant-eating habits were not up to Portuguese standards. While she was chowing down, a construction worker nearby delicately ate his croissant with a napkin and plate, and suddenly, she realized there was a more refined way to enjoy a simple pastry!
4. Generational Bonding
In Portugal, it’s common to see different generations spending time together. You’ll see grandparents out with their grandkids, teenagers helping their elderly relatives run errands, or entire families enjoying a meal together. There’s a strong sense of connection between the young and the old, and it’s heartwarming to see. In North America, we don’t often see that same level of intergenerational interaction in public. Here, it’s part of the culture. It’s not unusual to see teenagers hanging out with their grandparents, or young adults taking time to care for their elderly relatives. It’s a beautiful reminder of the importance of family and community, and it definitely adds to the overall quality of life here.
5. Easy Access to Travel
One of the biggest perks of living in Portugal is how easy—and affordable—it is to travel! Portugal’s location makes it a fantastic starting point for exploring the rest of Europe and beyond. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation, there are so many destinations just a short flight away. From Madeira alone, there are about 47 direct flights to different parts of the world. When we lived in North America, traveling to Europe or other exotic destinations often involved long, expensive flights. But here, we can hop on a plane and be in a completely different country in just a few hours, without breaking the bank. This easy access to travel has opened up a world of adventure for us, and it’s one of the reasons we love living in Portugal so much.
In the end, there are countless reasons why life in Portugal is better than in North America—beyond the obvious ones like cost of living, healthcare, and safety. These fun, quirky differences are just a few of the things that make life here a little more enjoyable, and they’re a big part of why we’re so happy to call Portugal home. Thank you for spending a little bit of your day with us! We hope you enjoyed these insights, and as always, keep following us on our journey. Until next time, Track Us Down!
