Why learning Portuguese is essential for your second home in Portugal

The Portuguese are known for their hospitality and warm nature. But if you really want to connect—with your neighbours, the staff at your favourite café, or the builder fixing your rooftop terrace—a friendly smile alone won’t get you far.

Luisa Mendes, Portuguese language trainer at Regina Coeli, puts it perfectly:
“Portugal isn’t just a beautiful country—the true treasure of Portugal is its people. If you want to unlock the riches of Portugal, learn to speak their language.”

From grocery shopping to greeting your neighbours

On holiday, English will usually get you by. But if you spend more time in Portugal, you’ll quickly see how useful it is to speak the language. Chatting with your neighbour, calling a plumber, or tasting local wine at the market—it all becomes easier and more enjoyable when you speak Portuguese.

Portuguese might sound tricky to your ears—mumbled, fast, and nasal. It takes some getting used to. The good news? After an intensive course at Regina Coeli, you’ll be surprised at how much you can already say. And that tricky pronunciation? We tackle it together, step by step.

Language opens the door to Portuguese culture

Life in Portugal is relaxed and spontaneous. People chat in the street, go out for dinner together, or enjoy an espresso at the local café. This spontaneity is part of what makes life in Portugal so attractive.

In many villages and smaller towns, little English is spoken. If you make the effort to learn Portuguese, you’ll get something wonderful in return: real connection.

Understanding what’s left unsaid

In Portugal, life is less about schedules and more about the moment. That’s a shift for many people, who like to know what to expect. A Portuguese person rarely says “no” outright. Things might happen “later” or “maybe”, and it takes time to read between the lines. While we’re used to getting straight to the point, Portuguese people often enjoy a chat before the real conversation begins.

When you speak the language, you start to understand these unspoken rules. You’ll know when “maybe” actually means “no”. Or when your neighbour is hoping you’ll stay for coffee. This kind of cultural insight isn’t just in the words—it’s in the tone, the silence, and how something is said. And you learn that fastest from someone who grew up with the culture.

Regina Coeli helps you get started

At Regina Coeli, you learn Portuguese in a way that fits your life. Have a second home in Portugal? Then we tailor the course exactly to that. Think about:

• Introducing yourself to neighbours
• Making arrangements with the gardener or builder
• Shopping with confidence
• Having a friendly chat in the village square

Our courses are intensive and personal, taught by native speakers from Portugal and Brazil. And during your course, you stay at our beautiful location in Vught—a perfect place to fully immerse yourself in the language and culture.

A second home in Portugal is a dream come true. Make sure you truly feel at home there. By learning Portuguese at Regina Coeli, you’ll gain more confidence in everyday life and enjoy the country on a much deeper level.