Lisbon is buzzing. Porto is booming. But if you're looking to relocate to Portugal before the secret’s completely out, let me offer you a compelling alternative: Tomar.
Located less than two hours from Lisbon by train or car, this city of around 40,000 people is an architectural treasure, a cultural gem, and—more importantly for expats—a livable, affordable, and welcoming place to call home. It’s a place where castles still crown hills, rivers meander past medieval bridges, and history and modern life blend with ease.
Where History Lives: The Legacy of the Templars
Tomar’s claim to fame? It was once the headquarters of the Knights Templar, the mysterious monastic order of warrior monks who played a critical role in Portugal’s formation. Their influence is felt in every stone of the Convento de Cristo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched above the city.
Step inside and you’ll find secret passages, symbolic carvings, and frescoes that hint at centuries of power, faith, and intrigue. The original church was modeled after the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, and according to legend, the nave was so tall that knights could attend mass without dismounting their horses.
When the Templars were officially disbanded by the Pope in 1307, Portugal found a clever workaround: King D. Dinis formed a new order, the Order of Christ, which kept the Templar assets—and their secrets. These knights, under Prince Henry the Navigator, would go on to fund and lead Portugal’s Age of Exploration, sending ships around Africa and into the Indian Ocean. The resulting riches flowed into Tomar, transforming the convent with Manueline-style additionsfilled with sea motifs, coral shapes, and the cross of the Order.
A City That’s a Living Museum
Tomar is a city of layers—Roman, Islamic, Jewish, Christian—each leaving its mark on the cityscape. Stroll through the historic center, and you’ll pass:
A 14th-century synagogue and Jewish Museum
An Arab waterwheel along the riverfront park
A main square flanked by a Gothic church and medieval town hall
The 13th-century Church of Santa Maria do Olival, the burial ground of Templar knights
The mysterious Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, a pure Renaissance jewel rumored to have royal and esoteric ties
Tomar isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a lifestyle. The city is clean, walkable, and surrounded by nature and green space. You’ll find charming cafés, a bustling market, and locals who still take the time to greet you with a “bom dia.”
Affordable and Livable
In a country where real estate prices are skyrocketing in urban centers, Tomar remains incredibly affordable. Here’s what you can expect:
A 3-bedroom home for under $160,000 USD (yes, really)
Monthly living costs as low as $2,300 for a couple
Access to healthcare, with a modern public clinic in town
Train service to Lisbon, making trips to the capital quick and easy
And while tourism is growing, Tomar has not yet been overrun. This means you can live like a local, not just beside one.
Safe, Welcoming, and Well-Connected
Portugal consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world—#17 according to U.S. News & World Report—and its cost of living is among the lowest in Western Europe. For retirees, remote workers, or culture seekers, Tomar offers:
A small-town feel with urban benefits
Warm summers and mild winters
A rich cultural calendar, with festivals celebrating everything from flowers to medieval battles
A city that’s not overrun, but overdelivering on beauty, livability, and charm
So, Why Tomar?
Because you’re not just looking for a place to live—you’re looking for a place with a story, a place where your lifestyle and values align with the pace and beauty of your surroundings.
Tomar is monumental without being overwhelming, historic without being stuck in the past, and affordable without sacrificing quality of life.
If you're thinking about Portugal as your next chapter, think beyond the usual suspects. Think about Tomar.