Despite being bordered by only one other country (Spain), Portugal has an intercontinental feel. The culture, architecture, language and cuisine have all been influenced by centuries of global travel. Living standards are high due to the advanced economy, peaceful governance, and emphasis on moral freedom for its citizens. The weather is uniformly warm in the summer months, while temperatures in winter vary depending on location. For example, you’ll find snowfall in the mountains, mild microclimates by the coast and subtropical islands. But it’s the stunning variety of terrains that draws so many tourists and expats to the country. You can hike in the national parks, walk the cobbled streets of the historic villages, search the Atlantic horizon for glimpses of North America from dramatic cliffs or lounge on one of the many glittering beaches. The Portuguese have a hospitable nature and you can expect to eat freshly sourced ingredients cooked simply and served with a flourish. Fish, squid, smoked meats, olives, cheese, bread and local wines are plentiful and you’ll find produce markets and restaurants at every turn. Feasts are central features of many of the festivities but you’ll also find music, dancing and night-time revelries at the frequent celebrations throughout the year. The north of Portugal is rocky and rugged and famous for the port wine-growing region, the Douro Valley. Rising up from the rural interior are wild mountains dotted with hunks of granite and flowing from them, the wide, fertile Tagus, Guadiana and Douro rivers. Lisbon is the most densely populated city, closely followed by Porto, and the southern Algarve region is a tourist hotspot. The Madeira archipelago is made up of 8 volcanic peaks, only two of which are inhabited and there are 9 islands in the Azores offering pale beaches, thermal lakes, geysers and black lava fields. This land has been fought over by Celts, Goths, Greeks, Romans and Moors, each of whom have left their architectural marks. Modern property development tends towards spacious, open-plan homes with echoes of these historical styles. The people of Portugal revere a rural life and as a result, there are a lot of villas or plots of land for development available in the countryside. In contrast, the cities and coastal regions are filled with affordable apartments. The road networks are good, air travel is quick and easy from northern Europe and America and there are high-speed international trains from connecting cities in France and Spain. Children are legally required to be in education from six to eighteen years old and there is a range of schooling options for international students, from public state schools, private faith schools or international schools. There is a state healthcare system in Portugal too. EU citizens can access it for free once they’ve registered and received a healthcare number (cartão de utente).

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Portugal

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Beautiful weather, excellent food and wine, world-famous art and culture and low living costs are just some of the reasons you should pack up and move to Spain. Spain is one of the largest countries in Europe and also one of the most geographically varied. With some of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in the world, breath-taking mountainous regions, fertile plains, and sun-drenched isles, there is something to suit every preference. Visit Spain and you’ll enjoy a Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers, mild winters, with snow in northern and mountainous regions. If you love art and culture you’ll have much to discover in Spain, which is home to some of the finest architecture in the world. There are ancient marketplaces, Moorish palaces, and the fantastical structures of Antoni Gaudi, not to mention the Dali museum, Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim, Fundacio Joan Miro, and the numerous festivals which regularly take place throughout the country. Spanish food is as varied as its landscape; the Spanish are absolutely passionate about their local cuisine. Tapas is popular worldwide, and you’ve probably sampled at least one of these delicious little dishes. The variety of tapas offered in Spain is huge, and varies from region to region and also according to season. Spanish markets are abundant with huge fruits and vegetables, thanks to the long months of sunshine. The great news as a prospective buyer, is that food, like the cost of living generally in Spain, is very affordable and of excellent quality. Moving onto more practical matters, the healthcare system in Spain is ranked among the best in the world, spending 10% of its GDP on healthcare. There are also excellent transport links throughout the country, with modern metros, high speed trains connecting most cities, long distance coach services between major cities, and bus services in all major cities and towns. It’s no wonder that Spanish public transport is known to be some of the best in Europe. For those wishing to venture further afield, it’s easy to travel from Spain to other parts of Europe by plane, train or bus. And of course, with 36 international airports, it will be easy for friends and family from back home to come and visit!

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Italy

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Are you looking for a change of scenery? &nbsp;If this is the case, France should be at the top of your list! This magnificent country is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes with a wide range of settings to suit everyone's tastes and a rich history that will captivate you. Starting with the southern part of the country, the warmth of the people will greet you at every turn. This region is well-known for its sunny weather, sun-kissed beaches, outdoor celebrations, vibrant markets, and music festivals. Over a glass of wine, people gather to celebrate life, exchange cultural traditions, and foster an environment that is warm and welcoming to visitors from all over the world. As a matter of fact, the <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/france/places-to-live/occitanie-0l58192">Occitanie</a> region in the southwestern part of France is truly a one-of-a-kind destination with its diverse offerings of landscapes and activities. With direct access to the Mediterranean coastline and the majestic mountains and ski resorts of the Pyrenees. &nbsp;Coastal cities such as Montpellier also offer a rich historical and cultural heritage, this region is an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy the nature, history and culture of France. A little further north, nature enthusiasts will find a peaceful haven in the renowned French Alps, known for their breathtaking alpine scenery and outdoor activities like downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides. With the largest skiing area in the world, the <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/france/places-to-live/auvergne-rhone-alpes-0l60750">French Alps</a> offer unforgettable experiences for all kinds of nature lovers, all year long. Finally, with their world-famous cuisine and vibrant arts scenes, French cities such as Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux offer an unforgettable experience that combines the best of urban living and cultural heritage. Regarding the cost of living, France is a great place to call home. Although prices have increased in recent years, it remains more affordable compared to other European nations like the UK. With a strong economy and an excellent quality of life, &nbsp;You can experience a comfortable lifestyle without overspending. Also, the French culture offers a more relaxed and laid-back way of life that will have you feeling right at home in no time. Why not seize the moment and fall deeply in love with a property in France? Start living your dream today by preparing for your move and reading our location guides on different regions and provinces in France. &nbsp;

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France

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If you’ve not made up your mind yet where you want to buy a property, explore our <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/places-to-live/regions">region guides</a> for a broad overview of an area. Or if you have your eye on a particular area of Spain, take a look at our <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/places-to-live/provinces">province guides</a>. Find out what it’s like to live there, where the top locations are to buy a property, and discover what services and amenities could be on your doorstep.&nbsp;&nbsp;Or perhaps you already know which city / town you want to move to, and want to find out more about what it’s like to live there, things to do for expats, healthcare options, schools, jobs, and transport services. If so, check out our <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/places-to-live/cities">town and city guides</a>, which offer a deep dive into all these topics and more.&nbsp;For further location inspiration, check out our blog posts on the top destinations to buy property in Spain for <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/where-to-buy-cheap-property-in-spain-in-2024">budget hunters</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/where-to-buy-property-in-spain-2024">investors</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/11-best-destinations-to-live-in-spain-for-families">families</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/11-best-destinations-to-retire-in-spain">retirees</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/11-best-destinations-to-live-in-spain-for-digital-nomads">digital nomads</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/best-golf-resorts-to-buy-a-property-in-spain">golf lovers</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/lights-camera-spain-spanish-movie-locations-where-you-can-buy-a-property">movie fans</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/best-food-and-wine-destinations-in-spain-to-buy-a-property">foodies</a>, and <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/best-heritage-destinations-in-1">history buffs</a>.

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Spain

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In this updated guide, we’ll take you to all the best food and wine locations to buy property in France in 2025. Whether you’d like a little tipple of Cognac in the spirit’s birthplace, or you fancy foraging for your own delicious black truffles in Sarlat, this guide will tell you all you need to know about the top foodie locations to start your next chapter in France.  

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Best food and wine locations to buy property in France 2025

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Dreaming of a holiday home in France? Our guide covers the best regions, property types, Brexit rules, and financial considerations. Discover tips on buying, insuring, and even renting out your French getaway, plus real-life insights from expats who turned their dream into reality.

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A guide to buying a holiday home in France 

Moving to France? Here’s our step-by-step buying property in France guide, read on to learn all the essentials on how to buy property in France!

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Step by step guide to buying property in France

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A comprehensive introduction to the French education system, from crèche to university: ages, cycles, hours, catchment, international options (IB/BFI), support for newcomers and SEN, homeschooling rules, childcare subsidies, Parcoursup admissions, and up-to-date university fees and CVEC, plus UPE2A language support. 

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A comprehensive guide to the French education system for expats 

Discover everything you need to know about childcare in France. Learn about public and private crèches, assistantes maternelles, French childcare costs, and CAF subsidies. Our step-by-step guide helps you apply with confidence, wherever you're relocating from.

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Childcare in France: costs, options & how to apply

Moving to France with kids? Discover the best international and bilingual schools for expat families. Compare tuition fees, curricula, locations, and hidden costs, plus get expert tips for choosing the right path. From Paris to Provence, find the education option that fits your family and your budget.

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Where to buy property in France 2025

Updated every six weeks, this cherry‑picked list showcases France’s best new budget discoveries. From riverside cottages in the Tarn to gîte‑ready barns in Charente, each property captures the magic of rural France, fresh inspiration for anyone hunting their perfect French escape.

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Finistère has one of the biggest expat communities in France. The Atlantic coastline and warm, humid climate means surfing is a major draw, while the countryside flora and fauna make it a haven for nature lovers.

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Finistère

Living in Finistère

Updated July 2025, this report reveals the latest trends, price shifts, and regional hotspots in France’s property market. With expert insights and fresh data from Kyero, INSEE, Notaires de France, and Knight Frank, it’s essential reading for international buyers planning their French property journey.

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France property market outlook report 2025 - July update

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Discover everything you need to know about buying a property in France - all in one place! From finding the right location, to costs, visas, residency, taxes, and getting the most out of your new life in France. 