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Four years ago, Boundless Life planted its roots in the storybook town of Sintra, Portugal. Since then, a wave of American families has been making the leap across the Atlantic, and many are finding their perfect landing pad in this fairytale corner of Europe.

It’s not hard to see why: Sintra combines old-world charm, a welcoming community, and an idyllic lifestyle that feels tailor-made for families pursuing a new adventure abroad.

As we celebrate our 4-year anniversary in Sintra, with a recently brand-new Education Center opening its doors, let’s explore why this perfect Portugal destination has become such a shining star for U.S. families. But also how you can “try before you buy” with an easy trial stay this spring.

Try Before You Buy!

• Americans are flocking to Portugal: The number of U.S. citizens living in Portugal skyrocketed from just a few thousand to over 14,000 in 2023 and jumped another 36% to 19,000 in 2024. Portugal was even ranked the #1 relocation destination for Americans in a recent survey. Safety, affordability, and quality of life are big draws, and Sintra offers them all in one place.
• Sintra is a family’s dream location: Castle-topped hills and palaces straight out of a fairy tale, a mild climate for year-round outdoor play, and a friendly village vibe where kids are adored, yet you’re only 40 minutes from Lisbon’s city conveniences. Sintra is an ideal “soft landing” spot for families.
• Boundless Life community & support: Sintra was Boundless Life’s very first hub, and over four years we’ve built an incredible community network here. From world-class education to furnished homes and co-working for parents, the entire Boundless community in Sintra helps families settle in effortlessly.
• Why Sintra and why now? Thinking of relocating but not 100% sure? You can test-drive life in Sintra. Spring is one of the best times to visit. It’s an easy way to experience day-to-day life in Portugal – schools, community, culture – before deciding to move long-term.

Keep reading for a deeper dive into why Sintra is winning over so many families, how Boundless Life is marking 4 years here, and tips on making your own overseas move a reality.

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Why U.S. Families Are Flocking to Portugal

American families are relocating to Europe in record numbers, and Portugal leads the pack. A 2025 survey crowned Portugal the No.1 destination for Americans looking to move abroad, outranking Spain, Italy, and the UK.

Motivations range from search of adventure and personal growth to escaping political turbulence back home. And Portugal checks all the boxes: sunny climate, affordable living, friendly English-speaking locals, excellent healthcare, and safe communities.

It’s no wonder so many are giving Portugal a serious look, and Sintra, in particular, has emerged as a gem within Portugal for those with kids.

Sintra: Europe’s Fairytale Landing Pad

Sintra offers an almost cinematic setting for family life. Mossy forests and colorful palaces crown hilltops, the entire town is a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. On weekends, you can wander secret garden trails, explore centuries-old castles, or hop on a quaint tram down to the beach.

Yet for all its enchanted scenery, Sintra is also practical for everyday living. It’s a peaceful small town wrapped in nature, and Lisbon’s museums, airports, and amenities are just a short train ride away. Need a dose of city buzz or have work in the capital? You can get there in under an hour!

Meanwhile, the climate is remarkably comfortable. Thanks to its hilltop position and ocean breeze, Sintra stays cool in summer and mild in winter. This means outdoor fun all year: hiking, picnics in palace gardens, and playground time aren’t limited to just a season.

Perhaps most importantly, Portugal as a whole is famed for being safe, peaceful, and family-oriented, and Sintra embodies that reputation. Portugal consistently ranks among the world’s safest countries, and in Sintra life simply feels easy.

In short, Sintra hits the sweet spot for relocating families: it’s exotic yet comfortable, culturally rich yet easy to navigate (many locals speak English), laid-back but never boring. If moving abroad sounds daunting, landing in Sintra can make the transition surprisingly smooth.

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4 Years of Boundless in Sintra: Where it All Started!

This April marks four years since Boundless Life opened in Sintra, and our team and community have a lot to celebrate. Sintra was the first Boundless Life location, our pilot cohort arrived in February 2022, chosen for all the reasons above.

Over the past four years, we’ve watched this humble town become a home-away-from-home for dozens of families from around the world.

A New Chapter and a New School: To accommodate our growing community, in late 2024 we unveiled a brand-new Education Center in Sintra. Classrooms open out to nature – it’s a learning environment most of us could only have dreamed of at that age.

Beyond the Classroom and a “Village” Experience: Education aside, what truly turns a relocation into a life-changing experience is community. And the Boundless community in Sintra is something special. We organize weekend hikes through Sintra’s mystical hills, surf lessons on nearby beaches, communal dinners where everyone brings a dish. The result is a tight-knit network of like-minded parents and children who support each other. In the words of one Boundless Life mom, “It’s like living in a village where everyone looks out for each other.”

For anyone worried about feeling isolated or uprooting your kids, Sintra offers the opposite: an instant support system. You’re not just moving to a new place; you’re joining a ready-made village of international families who quickly become friends. It’s a community where you and your children can belong from day one.

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“Try Before You Buy”: Experience Life in Sintra This Spring

Relocating your family to another country is a big decision, one that you want to get right. What if you could test out that life before making the leap permanent?

In Sintra, you can. Come live in Sintra for a short-term stay to experience the lifestyle firsthand. April 2026 in particular is the perfect opportunity, for a few reasons:

Springtime Magic

Spring is arguably the best time of year in Sintra. The hills are green and blooming, the weather is warm and sunny (but not too hot), and the summer tourist rush hasn’t hit yet. You’ll see the town at its most authentic – local families out and about, festivals over Easter, outdoor markets in the sunshine.

Your children can enjoy plenty of outdoor play and nature exploration, and you can enjoy sipping a galão (milky coffee) in a café garden with flowers in bloom. By trying life in Sintra in April or May, you’ll quickly learn how it feels during the day-to-day, not just on a vacation.

Do you like the pace of life? How does the grocery shopping, school drop-off, or remote work routine feel here? These are things you can only discover by living it and spring’s comfortable weather makes it all the more enjoyable to sample.

Short-Term, Low Commitment

It’s a no-strings trial run. At the end of a few months, many families know clearly: Is this the kind of life we want more of?

If yes, fantastic – you’ll feel confident making a longer-term plan. Some families even house-hunt or explore visa options during their stay.

And if you decide it’s not for you, you still walk away with incredible memories and no regret that you didn’t try. It takes so much pressure off the decision.

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Ready to Take the Leap?

If you’re feeling inspired (and we hope you are!), it might be time to turn that inspiration into a plan. Uprooting your life to move abroad is very exciting, but it also comes with many logistics to sort out. Don’t worry – you’re not the first to do this, and we have a moving abroad guide and FREE downloadable e-book to guide you.

Take the Next Step: If your curiosity is piqued, we invite you to get in touch or download our Sintra destination brochure. Sometimes the hardest part is just overcoming the what-ifs.

A quick call with our team or a chat with a family who’s already here can make it all seem a lot less scary and a lot more attainable.

And if you’re ready to sample the life yourself, those April spots in Sintra are filling up. It’s not too late to grab one and see if this enchanting town could be your family’s next chapter. 🌟