Portimao, Portugal

With a population of just 59,845, Portimão is a small-town tourist hub in southern Portugal. The former fishing center has transformed into a beach destination, drawing over 4.2 million visitors annually. However, the region's reliance on seasonal tourism means services and bureaucracy can be a persistent headache for residents. While the climate is hot and sunny, averaging over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, the Atlantic waters stay quite cool, rarely exceeding 21°C even in summer. Portimão's economy and infrastructure are geared towards vacationers, making it an ideal spot for sun-seeking tourists but a less practical choice for those seeking year-round livability.