Last year, 926 people chose Vila Nova de Famalicão to live in. According to the statistical indicators for characterising the Northern Region shared by the Northern Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR-N) last July, the municipality of Famalicão ended 2023 with 135,994 residents. In 2022 and 2021, there were 135,068 and 134,084 residents, respectively.
This is the case of Liora and Jefferson, who in 2023 decided to pack their bags, move out of Miami and leave the United States of America behind. The decision wasn't difficult: they wanted to take advantage of their retirement by travelling, they explored various American cities and sailed around Europe, but it was the heart of the Portuguese, the essence of the country, the location and dynamics of Famalicão and the openness and kindness of the people of Famalicão that led the American couple to settle on Portuguese soil and surrender to the municipality of Famalicão.
To the question ‘why Famalicão and not another city?’ - Liora and Jefferson answer without hesitation. ‘There are many places in Portugal that don't seem to be Portuguese’ and their goal was not to live in a Portuguese city surrounded by a foreign community, as if they were in Miami, Los Angeles or New York. ‘We want to be part of the community, we want to speak Portuguese and respect the country,’ Liora explained, adding that the adaptation has been positive. ‘People are very welcoming and don't make you feel like you're a foreigner. This is a familiar and peaceful city. Famalicão is our home now,’ she emphasised.
The increase in the number of inhabitants in the municipality over the last year goes hand in hand with the population growth that has already taken place over the last seven years. ‘Famalicão's territory has evolved in this direction. Famalicão has worked to guarantee the best living conditions for all its residents and, in the meantime, it has also become an option for those looking for a new municipality to live in,’ noted the mayor, Mário Passos. ‘It is with enthusiasm and a sense of responsibility that we welcome more and more people every year,’ he said.
André and Sofia didn't travel the same kilometres as Liora and Jefferson, but they also chose Famalicão to start a life together. They both came from a neighbouring municipality, Trofa, and the move was very natural. In addition to the affinity they felt for the municipality, Famalicão's dynamism also motivated the couple to buy a house in Famalicão. ‘The city offers us all the conditions and opportunities we're looking for, both in terms of local commerce, infrastructure and socio-cultural aspects,’ said 40-year-old André. ‘It's very comforting and gratifying to live here, because here we have everything we need,’ he added.
Number of tourists also on the rise
And if Famalicão is a good municipality to live in, the CCDRN figures confirm that Famalicão is a good city to visit, with an increase in the number of visitors. Last year, according to the figures released, there were more than 69,000 overnight stays, the highest number recorded in recent years.
In particular, 37.4 per cent of guests are foreigners. They are mainly Portuguese, Spanish and French, aged between 36 and 65. In 2023, the municipality also managed to capture the attention of German and Brazilian citizens.
In addition to the increase in tourists, stays are also getting longer. While in 2021 visitors stayed in the city for one to three days, today they stay for more than seven days.
Mário Passos points to the increase in the number of hotels in the municipality as one of the reasons that has boosted stays in hotels in Famalicense. ‘With a greater offer, tourists also have more reasons to visit Famalicão,’ explained the mayor. ‘The new town centre is another reason. The city has become more appealing and is ready to host a greater variety of events. And these details don't go unnoticed by the more curious, whether they are Portuguese visitors or tourists from other parts of the world,’ he added.
