Odivelas, Portugal

With a population of 148,034, Odivelas is a densely populated residential suburb northwest of Lisbon. The region's temperate climate and fertile lands have attracted settlers for centuries, but the modern city grapples with the consequences of rapid growth - a persistent bureaucratic headache and the development of 25 clandestine neighborhoods in the past 25 years. While the historic Monastery of São Dinis and the Águas Livres Aqueduct offer glimpses into Odivelas' storied past, those seeking an easygoing, small-town vibe may find the crowded, urban atmosphere a poor fit.