
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH APEE
Living Well in Portugal
Wellness in Portugal has deep historical roots dating back to Roman times, when thermal baths were developed around natural hot springs for therapeutic and social purposes. Portugal is endowed with exceptional natural assets, including a long Atlantic coastline, mineral-rich thermal waters, forests, mountains, and protected natural parks, as well as the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira. Over centuries, monastic traditions, maritime exploration, and rural lifestyles have reinforced a strong connection between health, nature, and balance. Today, Portugal blends these ancient traditions with modern wellness concepts that integrate spa culture, preventive health, mental well-being, and sustainable living.
Food, culture, and connection are integral to the Portuguese wellness lifestyle. Portuguese cuisine embodies wellness through its Mediterranean roots, emphasizing fresh fish, olive oil, vegetables, legumes, and seasonal ingredients. Cultural experiences such as traditional music, craftsmanship, slow living in rural regions, and strong community bonds contribute to emotional and social well-being.
PORTUGAL KEY FACTS
Population
10,701,636 (2024)
Life Expectancy for Men
79.5 years (2023)
Life Expectancy for Women
85.2 years (2023)
Example Modalities
Thermalism & thalassotherapy
Slow living & nature based wellness
Pilgrimage & restorative travel
Learn more about this partnership:
Press release coming soon

PORTUGAL ECONOMY REPORT
This country report is the only detailed measurement of the size of Portugal’s wellness economy, presenting data on its eleven wellness sectors. The report shows the trajectory of the wellness economy in Portugal from 2019 to 2024, as well as subsector details where data are available. It also contains global and regional comparisons to show where Portugal stands vis-à-vis its peers and competitors. This report and its data will be valuable for any businesses and investors who are interested in the opportunities and potential offered by Portugal’s dynamic wellness market.
WELLNESS ECONOMY BY SECTOR IN PORTUGAL
The wellness economy, as defined by GWI, is broad and diverse. Its eleven sectors encompass many different types of consumer activities and expenditures, including products, services, travel, and technology. Every country’s wellness economy is unique. Its composition can vary widely from country to country, based on its development history, culture, socioeconomic conditions, and government policy. Below we present Portugal’s top-line wellness economy data and how it ranks globally. More details are available in the downloadable country report.
Portugal’s Rankings out of 218 countries

KEY WELLNESS EXPERIENCES IN PORTUGAL
Portugal attracts wellness travelers due to its mild climate, safety, authenticity, and high quality of life. Visitors seek restorative experiences combining relaxation, nature, culture, and gastronomy. The country offers a calm pace of life, a strong hospitality culture, and a growing ecosystem of wellness resorts, retreats, and urban wellness experiences. The ocean plays a central role in physical and mental well-being, particularly in the island regions, complemented by clean air, abundant sunlight, and diverse landscapes that support outdoor activities, mindfulness, and restorative travel.

Portugal is witnessing rapid growth in wellness innovations, including integrated wellness resorts, medical wellness, digital health, longevity-focused experiences, and sustainable tourism models. Many of these new offerings consciously incorporate historical traditions such as thermalism, ocean-based therapies, and nature immersion, while aligning with the contemporary values of ethics, sustainability, and social responsibility.
PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH APEE
The Global Wellness Institute is grateful to APEE for supporting the development of this country report and making its important Italy-specific data available to the world.
APEE exists to help create and support a Sustainable Development model, guided by Ethical Principles and Values, environmentally through harmony with the Planet and the resources it provides, and socially through inclusion, diversity and the pursuit of happiness, leaving no one behind. Visit the APEE Website.





























































