The Belgium family in Linhares da Beira.
On a sunny morning in Linhares da Beira, a charming medieval village tucked into the Portuguese mountains, we found ourselves at a small terrace overlooking the terracotta rooftops and rolling hills. The warm December sun bathed the granite streets in golden light.
It was there that we met a friendly Belgian family that live in the beautiful historic city of Linhares da Beira. They were enjoying plates of fresh diospiro (a sweet, orange fruit with a smooth skin and a honey-like flavor) and some local beers, their faces alight with contentment. After exchanging pleasantries, we quickly ended up in a warm conversation.
"We fell in love with this place some years ago," one of them shared, gesturing toward the stone cottages scattered along the winding streets. “Many of these houses are owned by foreigners now — Dutch, Belgian, Brits, and some Germans. These old houses are not appreciated any more by the Portuguese, but still the heart of the village is still deeply Portuguese.”
They nodded thoughtfully. "We were drawn here not just by the beauty but by the simplicity of life. Everything is affordable — from fresh produce at the market to local wine. And the weather... well, it’s perfect almost year-round."
As we admired the nearby castle, the conversation continued. "The Portuguese system is incredibly social. They take care of their people, especially the elderly. There’s home care, meal delivery, and a genuine sense of community support. It’s something you don’t see everywhere.”
We mentioned how surprising it was to see such a well-functioning system in a remote village. "Healthcare here is excellent and practically free. Whether you need a routine check-up or something serious, it’s all covered. It’s a level of security that lets you really enjoy life.”
Our gaze drifted toward the quiet village square. A lone elderly woman slowly crossed the cobblestone path. “It’s hard to believe this village once had over 1,200 people. Now it’s about 300. But in a way, that makes it even more special — a place where time seems to stand still.”
Linhares da Beira (Portugal).
