4 great regions to live and invest in Portugal

What are the best regions to live and invest in Portugal? a frequently asked question from our readers and followers. I will do my best to respond to it in this article. Of course, it is rather challenging to provide a complete response because it really depends on people’s individual needs, tastes and preferences.

With its 92 226 km², Portugal is a country that offers an abundance of variety of landscapes and lifestyles, and regroups regions that each present their own specificities, traditions and history, and even their own microclimat sometimes.

So in this article I would like to provide you with an overview of some regions and cities in Portugal that are likely to raise your interest and likely to suit your preferences. But please do keep in mind that this list remains relatively exhaustive because it would be difficult to mention all the great places to live in Portugal. I count on you to comment and enhance this article with your own recommendations 😉

Choosing the right location for your property is crucial, so let me guide you through your selection 🙂

I am going to introduce 4 key regions of Portugal.

You may notice that I will not be making references to the centre of the country, which is not necessarily the primary choice for expats who want to live in Portugal. However, this could be a good option and I definitely advise you to visit the centre of Portugal (if only for 1 thing, a nice wine tasting tour!).

· Porto and the North

· The Silver Coast

· The wide Lisbonne

· The Algarve

Porto and the North

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The region of North Portugal remains one of the most protected and authentic of Portugal. It is filled with nature, and fauna and flora are splendid over there.

In terms of lifestyle, it is ideal for outdoor activities. There are many spots registered as UNESCO world heritage sites in the North between the wine yards of the high-Douro and the historic centre of Guimarães (a region often recommended by my readers as a must-see).

The monasteries and national parc of Gerês are also on the list (suggested by Helena Silva Pires).  The famous Portuguese writer Miguel Torga wrote: « there are places in the world like certain human existences: everything combines so that nothing lacks to their greatness and perfection. This Gerês is one of them ». If that does not make you want to go and visit, I don’t know what will 😉

There was also a reader who advised me to visit Arouca, Aveiro. I am sharing it here because I must confess that I am really keen on going there and this place is actually on my “todo” list 😉

Hiking in Arouca, Aveiro

In summary, there is plenty to do in the North of Portugal. With the ocean, the mountains, you will find a great balance like nowhere else in Portugal.

For the wine lovers, there are many caves to discover, some Portuguese wines are delicious even though sometimes they are not so popular our well known outside of Portugal.

I do know parts of the North because the grandma of my husband has a little house in a very tiny village next to Coja, not too far from Coimbra. My husband and I like to spend time there to relax, disconnect from the world and re-charge our batteries. Last year we organised a wonderful hike in the hear of the forest towards Fraga da pena and we enjoyed the marvellous nature with its fresh and healthy air. For someone like me who likes nature, discovery and sport, there is really a lot to discover in Northern Portugal.

The small village of Piódão

In terms of weather, it is nice and sweet during most of the year, the winter however is rainy and fresh. Of course nothing like an English or French winter 🙂 This type of weather can suit people who would prefer to avoid the heavy heat of summer, because morning remain fresh, which can be very comfortable during summer.

In terms of food, North Portugal is famous for its pork based meals, its grilled sausages et its fresh fish (from the river or the ocean). To complement your meal, you can enjoy a Portuguese red wine or a nice Port wine.

In terms of real estate, you will essentially find appartements in the centre of bigger cities like Porto, and the further you go the more will have the opportunity to find houses with wide lands. The North remains the most affordable region to invites in Portugal. Besides Porto where the price per square metre is around 2,400€, you can find deals for half this price.

Like I already said, this is a region that I don’t know well enough yet, only through friends and family with Portuguese roots. What I know about it for sure is that Portuguese people from the North are authentic, frank, and have an amazing sense of hospitality. It makes a difference when you are moving into a new region 😉

Some cities in the North:

North Portugal: 3,6 millions inhabitants, 21,286 km², 28 %  national GDP

Porto : For the third time in six years, travellers from 174 countries nominated Porto as their favourite destination in Europe in 2012, 2014, and 2017. A charming city, intimate and cosmopolite.

Porto

Braga : One of the most ancient Portuguese city and Christian city in the world. It is the third biggest city of the country after Lisbon and Porto. It used to be the European youth capital in 2012. Braga is well known for its beautiful churches, monuments, gastronomy, craft products, traditions and festivities.

Braga

Coimbra (please note that Coimbra does not belong to the North region of Portugal) : It is the most ancient student city of Portugal, where the very first university was conceived in 1290. Nowadays it remains an epicentre for students coming from all over Portugal, who perpetuate long lasting traditions and rituals.

Coimbra

In summary : North Portugal will most seduce people who are looking for temperatures slightly fresher than in the rest of Portugal, who would like to discover wonderful fauna and flora and who have an attachement with traditions and history. It is also good to know that the Porto airport is well connected and that it is possible to fly from Porto to Lisbon for less than 50 euro several times per day. The property prices remain very affordable. 

The silver coast

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The silver coast (Costa de Prata) extends its thin sand bay over 280 km wide along which several beach resorts can be found, including the famous sites such as Figueira da Foz, Nazaré or Peniche. This region also offers a wealth of medieval towns, fishermen villages, historical monuments and many cultural towns recognised as UNESCO world heritage sites. The silver coast is full of charm and authenticity.

In terms of lifestyle, golf amateurs will not be disappointed: 20 golf resorts among which 10 freshly renovated ones are available in this region…a real golf paradise! It is an ideal region for walks along the beach, or bicycle trips through the surrounding hills, and of course for enjoying the beach. Its coasts are ideal for scuba diving, surf and rowing.

In terms of weather, the silver coast offers its fair share of sun and warmth, and the temperatures remain sweet even during winter. It is worthy to note that there are some micro-climats that can surprise and involve a noticeable difference of lower temperature compared with the wide Lisbon area for example. 

The maximal temperatures surround 30 degrees, and during winter it rarely goes below 10 degrees.

In terms of food, fresh fish leads the way, whether you like it grilled, in soup, or cooked. The freshness of the fish will assure the quality and taste of your meals! For me who loves seafood and fish, I am spoiled 🙂

On top of this, there is a wide variety of regional pastries and sweets. Like for example the “pao-de-lo” from Alfeizerao, the pastries of Tentugal, the “trouxas de ovos” from Caldas da Rainha, etc…

In terms of real estate, this region remains attractive even though prices have started to raise over the past 2-3 years. Prices here will in general be 20% lower than in the Algarve for example. It is one of the rare region in Portugal where you can still find an ocean-view apartment.

Within a few kilometres from the beach, you will be able to find properties with the authentic Portuguese style well renovated and with considerably spacious lands. An 1 bedroom apartment at walking distance from the beach will cost you around 120,000€, and a villa with private pool around 200,000€.

In 2015, with my husband, his family and some friends, we visited the silver coast from North to South. We drove from Figueira da Foz until Lisbon. We met warm and welcoming people, visited amazing places and had a great time. Let me share with you a couple of cities that we visited during this Silver Coast trip…

Some cities in the Silver Coast :

Silver Coast: 2.2 millions inhabitants, 28,199 km², 19 % of national GBP

Obidos : Among our favourite! We went there during the chocolate festival, a real pleasure to visit this city (both in terms of sightseeing as well as tasting). It is cute, charming, and there are lots of little hidden places to discover. I really liked it and recommend it. If you would like to visit Obidos and if you like chocolate (and Ginja, the cherry liquor that goes together with  it), I recommend to try this Obidos chocolate estival.

Obidos

Figueira da Foz : A fishermen old town that we know quite well because we have good friends (Pedro and Doris) who live there. The beach is very wide, with clear and thin sand which encourage relaxing holidays. A real peace land especially outside of the touristic season. You will find many ice cream shops, cafés, a casino and a theatre «Theatro Circo-Saraiva de Carvalho». This theatre offers daily shows, a game room, bars and restaurants with traditional Portuguese dishes.

Figueira da Foz

Nazaré : For the surf amateurs and professionals, this is the ideal spot, because this is where you will find amongst the biggest waves in the world. You will also discover on the beach the old frames on which fishermen, faithful to the old traditions, and drying sardines.

Nazaré, drying sardines on the beach while surfers enjoy the waves

Péniche : this is a small peninsula surrounded by the ocean, and the connection with the ocean here is fundamental: we are talking about one of the very first Portuguese harbor. With its 10km wide, this peninsula posses amongst the most beautiful Portuguese coasts, with breathtaking landscapes and giant cliffs. This region usually attracts many surfers too.

The peninsula of Peniche

In summary: The Silver Coast will seduce most the people who are looking for a nice coast with large sand beaches and fishermen villages. Weather is pleasant without getting too warm. This region is ideal for the people who prefer to avoid mass tourism during peak season and who also want to avoid getting too remote from the big cities. Wild landscapes with the commodities of a large city. Within only a few hours from Lisbon, you will have easy and rapid access to the airport. Surfers and Golfers will enjoy the abundance of places to practise their hobby. Real estate investors will find deals that remain advantageous and at a lower price than other Portuguese regions.

The wide Lisbon

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This is the region I am most familiar with, even though there is still a lot for me to discover 😉

The wide Lisbon extends from Cascais, through Lisbon, down South until Setubal. My husband’s family is from the South of Lisbon (Almada and Azeitão), so I got to know this part better and I honestly fell in love with this region. It offers a beautiful mix of landscapes, wonderful beaches and natural reserves such as « Arriba Fóssil da Costa da Caparica » or « Parque Natural da Arrábida ». And of course there is the amazingly charming Lisbon!

Portinho da Arrábida, South of Lisbon

In terms of lifestyle, Lisbon has a lot to offer with a wealth of diversified environments and cultural sites.

The neighbourhoods, despite being located next to each other look completely different from one another. You have Alfama (the eldest part of Lisbon), with its narrow streets with coloured and squeezed buildings and its fados at every corner. It is so easy and pleasant to get lost in there 🙂

Alfama, Lisbon

There are so many nice places to visit in Alfama: Castelo de São Jorge, Cathedral Santa Maria Maior of Lisbon, the fado museum…

Then you get to Bairro Alto and its fully animated streets, full of bars, restaurants and boutiques. Needless to say there is plenty to do in Lisbon. And this is only a very limited description of what you will find there…

In Lisbon, there is life in the streets at every corner

When you cross the Lisbon bridger towards the South (ponte do 25 Abril), you will discover the beach spots of Lisbon where you can enjoy all types of activities such as eating fresh grilled fish on the barbecue, surf, fishing, diving, and kitesurf/windsurf.

In the region of Sétubal, you will find hidden beaches with white sand, turquoise water behind the mountains’ cliffs. Enjoy these beaches to go on long walks, to enjoy the sunset, or simply to relax and chill out.

In terms of wheather, the winter is sweet and the summer is warm. During winter even when the forecast predicts some rain, it does not last for long until the sun shows up to warm you up 😉 And the sun, with its Vitamin D, brightens our days and lives doesn’t it?

In terms of food, fresh grilled fish remains the most common meal around here (even though of course you can find great meat too). Setubal for example is famous for its harbor and enormous fish market. And if you would like to enjoy a small “apéritif”, why not going down to Azeitao and taste the amazing “Moscatel de Setubal” directly in the “José Maria de Fonseca” cave?

Tasting the Moscatel at José Maria de Fonseca cave

In terms of real estate, Lisbon remains the most expensive region of Portugal together with Cascais and some places in Southern Portugal. The prices range between 3,000€ and 5,000€ per m2 in average for the purchase of a 1 bedroom appartement inside Lisbon or a 3-4 bedroom house in the wide Lisbon. The high end premium market has been boosted by foreign investors, especially inside the prestigious areas of the historic Lisbon.

Cascais is a prestigious area very close to Lisbon, beloved by expats. It has also gone through a considerable increase of prices up to 3,000€ to 4,000€ per m2 for a house.

Cascais

As soon as you cross the bridge, prices start to go down and the beach gets closer. The closer you get from Setubal, the more affordable the prices become, but the furthest you get from the airport. In Setubal for example, prices are 2 to 3 times cheaper than in Lisbon, whereas it is only 45km away.

Likewise, you will find villas with a nice garden and private pool for about 300,000€ in Seixal which is only 15 mins away from Lisbon by boat, or in Aroeira which is only 25 minutes away from Lisbon by car.

This is an area that we know particularly well together with my husband as we have built our house in Aroeira. We appreciate this location especially because it is near to a beautiful beach, in front of a nice golf resort, surrounded by pine trees, whilst still staying less than 30 minutes away from the airport by car. Nous connaissons bien cette région avec mon mari puisque nous y avons fait construire notre maison à Aroeira. It is a personal choice, but a choice of heart 🙂

The Aroeira golf

Here in Aroeira, you will find brand new Villas of 160m2, with pool and only 2km from the beach between 270 000€ and 360 000€ so between 1600€ and 2200€ per m2!

As you already know, the wider Lisbon is the region I love most and know best. Portuguese people are welcoming, warm, and discreet. There is always so much life and things to do all year long!

Some cities in the wide Lisbon :

Lisbon region: 2,8 millions inhabitants, 3,002 km², 37% of national GDP

Lisbon : which we sometimes call the “Capital of the sea” is the largest city in Portugal. It built on 7 hills that overlooks the Tagus river. The cultural life is intense in  this motherland of fado music and its “Azulejos” make its charm. A must see in Europe !

By the way, we have been invited by Maguy to go and make a Lisbon tour in tuk-tuk. Our blogger friends, Amélie and Ruben, tested this way of visiting the city on their Valentine’s day and they loved it!

Costa da Caparica : is a beautiful beach town with a sand shore of more than 10 km! In fact this is a combination of several beaches without border which each have a different atmosphere.

If you like sports, it is great to walk along the beach or to go for a run. At times with my husband we do the long 10k walk between Fonte da Tehla and Costa Da Caparica where we make a stop to taste a delicious « Cataplana », our reward after this nice long active walk 🙂 And of course, we burn all the calories on the way back! If the way back is too difficult by the way, you always have the opportunity to grab a little beach shuttle train during the summer which allows you to discover the beach from side to side.

The long beach of Fonte da Telha

The more South you go from Costa da Caparica the less people you will find. You will enjoy more space and intimacy, and also authentic beach bars and restaurants. If you are looking for some recommendations please feel free to contact me:  ginny@villaferia.com

A beach restaurant near Aroeira

Sesimbra : is a charming fishermen town famous for its beautiful beach (smaller than Costa da Caparica), its surrounding natural landscape (with a view on the national parc of Arrabida) and its small town centre (where the carnaval fair happens in February).

Sesimbra is at the border of the national parc of Arrabida, a fantastic natural reserve that combines mountains and beaches, with stunning views and dream-like sand beaches. A great place for bike rides and hikes for the most courageous ones.

My favourite restaurent in Sesimbra!

A nice spot to grab a drink in Sesimbra, isn’t it?

Sétubal : is a city that resonates with fishermen and ships. Hundreds of boats are anchored along the harbor and bring us delicious fresh fish. It is not a coincidence if Setubal hosts one of the largest fish market of Portugal. Next to Setubal, you can visit Azeitao, a wineyards region where you can visit the cave of José Maria de Fonseca for example and taste their delicious Moscatel (if you are reading my blog regularly, you know by now that I am a fan of that drink 🙂 ).

Setubal’s harbour, South of Lisbon

In summary, Lisbon’s region will seduce every one, and in particular people who want both the proximity with beautiful beaches of thin and white sand while staying within 1 hour max of the abundance and variety of Lisbon lifestyle.

For people who like a more calm environment, closer to nature and close from to the beach, Lisbon South is the choice of reference to settle in. And you can always drive to the city in a quick 30 minutes if you are looking for some entertainment.

An ideal mix between tranquility and entertainment. In terms of weather, sun and warmth are the norm practically all year long. Thanks to its exceptional landscapes, this region can offer a wide variety of choices: gold, surf, windsurf, biking, hiking, diving, etc…Of course the proximity with the international airport is a key advantage. And as this region is expanding and developing rapidly, it is still time to make a good deal, but it won’t last much longer!

The Algarve

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The Algarve is the southern coast of Portugal, which extends from East to West along 220 km and even goes up North until the Alentejo. It is filled with outstanding beaches, incredible landscapes and small historic villages. It is not by chance that it is the most touristic and attractive region of the country. Each year, it attracts thousands of tourists in its numerous seaside resorts and fishermen towns essentially between Faro and Lagos.

The popular Algarve seaside resorts

It is worth recognising that the coast, cut by rock cliffs and long sand beaches, offers amazing viewpoints. And we often don’t realise that the Algarve is not limited to its seaside, its countryside offers charming and peaceful places where it is worth stopping by.

In terms of lifestyle, the Algarve is the dream location for both children and adults during the summer season. You will find plenty of animations, fairs, parties and other events. Between the many aquatic parks, the nautic activities and the golf resorts, you have a wide variety of choices. You will also find amazing paths where you can hike along the cliff with a splendid view over the ocean.

The Aquashow park near Vilamoura

In terms of weather, this is the hottest region of Portugal, where there is very little chances of finding a rainy day. The summer is very warm, and the winter is gentle. A fantastic climate for those who enjoy the sun, where the ocean is also slightly warmer than in the rest of the country.

In terms of food, and for the small story, the Algarve has been occupied by the Moors during many years and has therefore retains certain aspects of their culture which are quite fortunate: plantations of lemon trees, orange trees, dishes mixing fruits and fish or meat. The Moors are also the inventors of the delicious “Cataplana”, who borrows its name from a certain type of typical copper tajine. Fish or seafood meals such as the crayfish stew are in the spotlight in the Algarve 🙂

In terms of real estate, prices vary depending on the location and city of course. A sea-view will be much more expensive than a countryside property. Areas such as Loupé and Albufeira are pressed by high demand and therefore prices have increased considerably over the past 3 years.

According to a French newspaper « In the Algarve, several cities such as Lagos, Ferragudo or Faro offer prices nearing 2,400 to 2,500 € per m2 for apartments with terrace and shared pool, or houses with private pool. » The Algarve attracts the majority of expats and has seen its property market prices increase by 4.6% in 2016.

The Algarve is the most popular region of Portugal and most sought after by expats, its prices reflect its popularity.

The Algarve has been the top holidays destination in Portugal for several years already. English travellers have been the first to enjoy this gold nugget and have already been investing considerably there in preparation for their retirement days.

Much animated during summer, the Algarve is much more quiet from October until April (sometimes maybe even slightly too quiet…).

Some cities in the Algarve :

Albufeira : this is the most popular seaside resort of the Algarve, the “St-Tropez of Portugal”. This is mostly due to its wide beach, its many summer activities, its restaurants and boutiques. You can even find some streets dedicated to bars and clubs close to the old town. This city clearly pays a lot of efforts to accomodate its many seasonal tourists.

Albufeira, biggest seaside resort of Portugal

Lagos : located on the west side of the Algarve, Lagos is a fascinating town. Its huge sandstone cliffs and its wide beaches edging crystal clear water offer dream-like landscapes. Dona Ana beach is considered by many as one of the most beautiful beaches of Algarve. Close to Lagos you will find Sagres, that I invite you to visit. It is a calm and relaxing town, where we feel like at the end of the world (in fact we are at the end of Portugal!)

Dona Ana beach

At a nice restaurant in Sagres (in November)

Vilamoura : is a luxury location which seeks its popularity, among other things, from the various golf resorts. 6 of those golf spots are being used for official championships. It is a trendy and classy area.

Trendy and classy Vilamoura

Faro : It seems like Faro is not crowded with tourists and expats yet, who rather use this city as a commuting point to and from the airport. It has its charm though, with a nice old town circled by walls and surrounding beaches.

Faro, the entry point of the Algarve for many

Portimao : famous for its nice beaches, among which Praia da Rocha is the most well known, and its impressive cliffs. It is an animated and touristic city, where you will find as many Portuguese restaurants as Irish pubs and pizza places. It is all designed for serving expats and tourists. It feels like at home while being away 🙂

Praia da Rocha and Portimao

In summary, the Algarve is the most touristic region in Portugal. It will seduce most people who are looking for wonderful seaside resorts, sun, and a holiday-like lifestyle with all the necessary infrastructures (aquatic parks, golfs, entertainment). Careful however on the peak seasons with dense flows of tourists which can at times diminish the authenticity of the region. Also note that outside peak seasons, the region can get pretty quiet. Prices are on the high end as demand is considerable.

Share, share, share…

This article influenced me to get to know even more of Portugal, and maybe even organise gatherings between expats to exchange about our favourite places and activities in Portugal. This is why I invite you to my Facebook group et to click on “Like” and follow me on my Facebook page.

Also do feel free to share this article as much as you wish, the more readers to more we will learn and enjoy sharing about Portugal!

Tell me, now that you know more about those 4 regions, please share what is your favourite place in Portugal?

I’ll be waiting for your comments below, thank you!

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