California Vibes… With a European Twist

From surf towns to scenic coastal drives, Portugal delivers laidback living and Old World charm.

DAILY POSTCARD  | FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 2026 Dear International Living reader, Portugal is often called "the California of Europe"—and once you see it, you'll understand why.  Think sunshine, a Mediterranean-style climate, dramatic coastline, surf towns, vibrant cities, and an easy, outdoor way of life.  But here's the difference: Portugal delivers that lifestyle with Old World charm, excellent amenities, and a cost of living that's far lower than California—especially when it comes to healthcare.  Add fresh seafood, affordable daily lunch specials, and wine that won't dent your budget, and you have a place that feels familiar… only easier. If you want California vibes with a European upgrade, read on… P.S. Portugal is the "Little California of Europe"—but without the sky-high prices, stress, or crime. Here, beachfront homes are within reach, healthcare is world-class, and life is simply better. Plus, there's even a way to secure an EU passport—without ancestry or giving up your US citizenship. Get the details here. Portugal: California Living for Less By Terry Coles  My husband Clyde and I have called Portugal home for the past seven years, and we love the people, the culture, and the beauty. Over the past 14 years, we have lived abroad and traveled extensively, but we always look forward to returning to Portugal. Often dubbed "the California of Europe," Portugal is California's sun-soaked coastal cousin—just separated by an ocean. With its laidback lifestyle, modern amenities, top-level healthcare, and Old World charm, Portugal is a great place to call home. It consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, and the cost of living is far less than in California. Portugal, like California, has a varied landscape of mountains, forests, and an endless coastline. Let's look at where Portugal and California are similar—and where they differ. Both feature a sunny Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and temperate winters, especially in the Algarve, where some of the best weather in Europe can be found. Portugal, like California, has a varied landscape of mountains, forests, and an endless coastline. Sandy beaches lead to sapphire water dotted with craggy rock formations and towering sea cliffs in both locales. Captivating curls challenge surfers in Portugal's Nazaré, where some of the world's tallest waves have been recorded. Less than an hour's drive from Lisbon (Portugal's capital) is Ericeira, often compared to San Clemente in California—but with a European vibe. Scenic coastal drives from Lisbon to Cascais offer vistas similar to those along California's Pacific Coast Highway, with much less traffic. Fresh seafood is abundant in both locations, but it will cost far less in Portugal. Daily lunch specials, called prato do dia, can be found almost everywhere and will often set you back just $10 to $15. These delightful deals may include the main course, dessert, and even coffee. Some restaurants offer a free shot of aguardente, a strong grape-based spirit to liven up your coffee—known locally as café com cheirinho ("coffee with a scent"). Bacalhau, a type of salted cod, is a local favorite said to have 365 different ways to prepare it. Other popular catches include sardines, tuna, hake (pescada), sea bass (dourada), sea bream (robalo), octopus, squid, and a variety of shellfish. Vegan and vegetarian options are also easy to find in restaurants and grocery stores—fitting for Portugal's active, health-conscious lifestyle, much like California's. Wine: An Integral Part of Life Wine is an integral part of life in both Portugal and California, with some of the finest vintages found in each. Portugal's Douro Valley, with its terraced vineyards, produces wines that rival those from California's Napa Valley. Choose from port (a fortified wine), vinho verde (a lightly effervescent wine often served chilled), rosé, white, or red. In Portugal, a glass of wine in a restaurant may cost around $3 or $4, and bottles at grocery stores can be even less. Both California and Portugal have vibrant, hilly cities—complete with colorful cable cars and trams to help weary travelers get around. Lisbon and Porto are rich in history, with medieval castles, cobbled lanes, and timeworn architecture. San Francisco is comparatively young next to Lisbon, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Lisbon and San Francisco are also known for iconic "twin" bridges: the Golden Gate Bridge and Lisbon's 25 de Abril Bridge—convincing doppelgängers built in similar styles. Spot the difference: The Golden Gate Bridge and Lisbon's 25 de Abril Bridge. One of the major differences between Portugal and California is the cost of living. Portugal often comes in 50% to 60% less than California, especially when it comes to healthcare. Portugal is widely regarded as having excellent healthcare, with both public and private systems available to residents. Many expats carry private health insurance because it's affordable and can help avoid longer wait times in the public system. Portugal is a safe, affordable country with welcoming locals, a captivating coastline, natural beauty, and European charm. Editor's Note: There's a reason we call Portugal Europe's Little California. Like California, it has golden beaches, perfect weather, vibrant surf towns, and a laidback, outdoor lifestyle. But unlike California, it's affordable, safe, and stress-free. Here, expats are trading sky-high costs for a simpler, richer life—one where beachfront homes are within reach, healthcare is world-class, and a three-course meal with wine costs less than a takeout order back home. More Americans than ever are making the move, and right now, there's never been a better time to join them. Find out why Portugal keeps topping the list of the world's best places to live—and how easy it is to make it your new home. Get all the details here. Recommended Resource: US Veterans Love These Islands Discover why US retirees, especially veterans, are flocking to a place we like to call: The New Caribbean. Click to learn more…   Inbox too crowded? Don't worry—if you can't keep up with our International Living Postcards every day, click here to switch to the Weekly Best of IL Postcards instead. If you no longer wish to receive IL Postcards, click here to unsubscribe. The mailbox associated with this email address is not monitored, so please do not reply. Your feedback is very important to us, so if you would like to contact us with a question or comment, please click here. © 2026 International Living Publishing Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Protected by copyright laws of the United States and international treaties. 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