Dealing With Homesickness In Portugal: Tips And Advice

Published on October 2, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, but it can also come with moments of nostalgia and homesickness. Portugal, despite its undeniable charm, is no exception to this rule. Here are some practical tips to overcome these difficult moments and fully enjoy your new Lusitanian life.

Create Your Portuguese Nest: The Importance of a Well-Oiled Routine

Establishing a daily routine is essential to feeling at home, even far from your country of origin. In Portugal, this can take various forms, all adapted to the local pace of life:

• Adopt the habit of a morning coffee at a neighborhood pastelaria
• Do your shopping at the local market, practicing your Portuguese with the vendors
• Establish an evening walk ritual, taking advantage of Portugal’s mild climate
• Join a sports club or regular activity to meet locals

These small daily gestures will help you anchor yourself in your new life and create a reassuring sense of familiarity.

Stay Connected to Your Roots: Keep in Touch Without Isolating Yourself

Maintaining contact with loved ones is crucial for managing homesickness. Fortunately, modern technology makes this task much easier, even from a distance:

• Schedule regular video calls with your family and friends
• Share your daily life on social media to include them in your new life
• Send postcards or small typically Portuguese gifts to maintain a tangible connection
• Create a blog or newsletter to share your adventures in Portugal

Be careful not to overdo it, however: too much contact with your home country can hinder your integration in Portugal.

Immerse Yourself in Portuguese Culture: Immersion as a Remedy

To effectively combat homesickness, nothing beats immersing yourself in the local culture. Portugal offers numerous opportunities for this:

• Enroll in Portuguese classes to better communicate with locals
• Participate in traditional festivals like the Santos Populares in June
• Join expatriate groups to share your experiences and discover the country together
• Explore Portuguese cuisine by signing up for local cooking classes

By actively engaging in local life, you’ll create new connections and memories that will make your experience in Portugal unique and enriching.

Turn Nostalgia into Motivation

Homesickness isn’t always negative. It can be a driving force to deepen your knowledge of Portugal and appreciate your home country more:

• Compare your country’s traditions with those of Portugal to better understand cultural differences
• Organize cultural exchange evenings with your new Portuguese friends
• Look for similarities between your native culture and Portuguese culture to build bridges
• Use your expatriate experience to develop new skills and gain confidence

By adopting a positive attitude toward homesickness, you’ll transform this experience into an opportunity for personal growth.

Take Care of Yourself: Well-Being as a Priority

Managing homesickness also involves paying special attention to your physical and mental well-being:

• Take advantage of Portugal’s sunny climate to practice outdoor activities
• Explore the country’s many beaches to recharge
• Try meditation or yoga to manage stress related to change
• Don’t hesitate to consult a professional if homesickness becomes too heavy

Taking care of yourself is essential to adapt serenely to your new life and overcome moments of nostalgia.

Expatriating to Portugal is an enriching experience that can sometimes come with moments of doubt and nostalgia. By following these tips and remaining open to the opportunities this magnificent country offers, you’ll quickly turn homesickness into a driving force for your new life.

Remember that every expatriate experiences this journey differently. Be patient with yourself and don’t hesitate to share your feelings with other expatriates or supportive locals. Over time, Portugal will become your second home, rich with new friendships, unique experiences, and unforgettable memories.