According to the latest World Air Quality Report 2025, produced by IQAir, Portugal continues to perform strongly in air quality rankings, both regionally and globally.

Air quality in the report is measured using PM2.5, which refers to tiny airborne particles small enough to enter the lungs, with lower concentrations indicating cleaner, healthier air.

Among the standout performers are Faro and Salão, which have secured places in the top 15 least polluted regional cities in Europe.

Faro, widely recognised for its relaxed coastal lifestyle and natural beauty, ranks as the 8th cleanest city in Europe, with an annual average of just 2.7 µg/m³ of PM2.5.

Meanwhile, Salão, a picturesque locality on Faial Island in the Azores, records an equally impressive 3.1 µg/m³.

Both figures sit comfortably below the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended guideline of 5 µg/m³, placing these Portuguese locations among Europe’s clean-air leaders.

Couple walking through Faro in Portugal
Faro ranks as the 8th cleanest city in Europe for air quality

Notably, this is a significant achievement for a southern European country, as the top positions in the rankings are typically dominated by Nordic nations such as Finland.

On a global scale, the country’s standing remains equally encouraging. Portugal ranks as the 30th cleanest country worldwide, with an average PM2.5 level of 7.0 µg/m³. This puts it ahead of several larger Western European economies, including Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom.

The capital, Lisbon, also performs strongly in the rankings.

With an annual PM2.5 average of 8.1 µg/m³, Lisbon is ranked the 24th cleanest capital city in the world. Importantly, it compares favourably with other well-known European capitals such as Madrid, Amsterdam and Paris, all of which report higher pollution levels.

Portugal’s consistent performance, particularly in regions such as the Algarve and the Azores, highlights a broader trend towards cleaner air and a healthier environment.

For those looking to move to Portugal and benefit from the high quality of life, contact Portugal Pathways.

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About Portugal Pathways

‍‍Portugal Pathways has supported hundreds of Golden Visa residency-by-investment applications and provides expert guidance through its professional supply chain network on estate planning, wealth management, Golden Visa and tax optimisation, including post-NHR / IFICI tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, money transfers and bespoke relocation and luxury real estate solutions to enhance life and investment in Portugal

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Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways and Portugal Investment Owners Club (P Club for short) websites and in email communications is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult and check with a qualified professional advisor before relying on any information provided on this website or in email communications. As it relates to investments in Golden Visas or other wealth management solutions offered by regulated and professional advisors, it is important to note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Private equities can be highly illiquid and come with risk and should always be under professional independent advice. Golden Visa investments need to be held for 6 to 7 years to allow for permanent citizenship/passport in the EU.

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