Most Popular Places in Portugal to Buy Real Estate Right Now

With Portugal’s Golden Visa no longer tied to real estate, international buyers are shifting their focus—from chasing residency to finding regions that fully align with their ideal lifestyle. 

Portugal’s most sought-after locales are evolving fast, with emerging hotspots offering charm, value, and a high quality of life. We spoke with Ayres Neto of The Agency Portugal to uncover where buyers are heading now—and why Portugal remains a top global destination.

The Golden Visa program is still in place, but it looks quite different than it did a few years ago. One of the biggest changes is that real estate is no longer an eligible investment route. That shift came in late 2023, as part of broader housing reforms aimed at balancing the local market. Today, applicants qualify by investing in approved venture capital funds, scientific research, cultural heritage projects, or by creating jobs within Portugal.

However, there are still strategic opportunities worth exploring. For example, some tourism-related investments in low-density areas may still meet the criteria, depending on the structure. It’s essential to consult a specialist to evaluate your eligibility. 

While property no longer grants access to the program directly, many are shifting their focus from visa-first to lifestyle-first decisions. We’re seeing more people ask: “Where do I want to live? What kind of life do I want to build?” And then they structure their legal path around that. 

This reframing positions Portugal not just as a transactional investment opportunity but as a place where people come to live well. And that includes access to universal public healthcare, something that’s a game-changer for Americans used to high insurance costs.

There’s no question that interest remains high in several regions. The Lisbon Metropolitan Area continues to attract families, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are looking for that balance between city life, culture, and global accessibility. But several other areas are also appealing to buyers right now. 

Cascais

Cascais, with its coastal charm and strong infrastructure, is consistently popular among expats and families seeking an international environment near the capital.

Porto  

Porto is growing fast as well. It has a younger, more creative energy that really speaks to start-up founders, digital nomads, and investors looking for value. The city’s blend of tradition and innovation makes it a standout.

Algarve

The Algarve, as always, is a huge draw for retirees and second-home seekers, especially from the U.S., U.K., and Northern Europe. It offers great weather, beaches, golf, and a peaceful pace of life—plus a large English-speaking community.

Silver Coast 

The surge in interest along the Silver Coast is very exciting. This area is emerging as a more affordable alternative to Cascais or the Algarve. It has that same coastal beauty, incredible surfing, and growing infrastructure—without the premium prices. 

Central Portugal 

In Central Portugal, particularly around Coimbra and Évora, we’re seeing more families and remote workers putting down roots because the quality of life is just so high.

Another region on the radar is Comporta—a luxury rural beach destination south of Lisbon that’s gaining international visibility for its refined simplicity and eco-conscious development. (More on this area below.) 

It really depends on the region, but in general, we’re seeing more intentional buyers across the board.

Lisbon

In the Lisbon area, it’s typically professionals and international families who want strong schools (often international), cultural access, and proximity to the airport.

Coastal Regions

Coastal towns nearby, like Cascais, also attract buyers looking for a seaside lifestyle with access to Lisbon’s amenities.

Porto  

Porto is attracting younger creatives, tech talent, and people who want walkable neighborhoods with character. There’s also interest in the city from early-stage investors seeking value in Portugal’s second-largest urban market.

The Algarve 

In the Algarve, it’s mostly retirees and long-term vacationers—people looking for tranquility, sunshine, excellent healthcare, and access to world-class golf. The English-speaking population here is a plus for Americans and Brits.

Silver Coast 

The Silver Coast is more mixed: you’ll find surfers, digital nomads, remote professionals, and early-stage investors. Many properties here come with management services built in, which appeals to buyers seeking low-maintenance ownership.

Central Portugal 

In Central Portugal, we’re seeing a rise in lifestyle-driven families and remote workers looking for space, authenticity, and a strong sense of local community—all at a lower cost of living. Évora, for instance, blends history with a slower, quality-focused rhythm of life.

More and more, people are choosing Portugal for its lifestyle, not just its incentives. There’s less emphasis on obtaining residency and more focus on how it actually feels to live here. 

Portugal checks a lot of boxes: it’s one of the safest countries in the world, it offers a universal healthcare system available to all residents (including expats), and it remains affordable compared to other Western European destinations.

English is widely spoken, especially in larger cities and tourist areas, which eases the transition for newcomers.

Portugal’s compact size means you can go from mountains to beaches to vineyards all within a day’s drive—offering lifestyle variety with minimal logistics. It’s a major advantage compared to the scale and distances in the U.S.

Buyers today are asking: “Can I walk to a café?” “Is there a local market nearby?” “Can my children go to an international school?” The demand for turnkey, hassle-free living is growing—especially among Americans who want to avoid complex renovations or property management.

This evolution is exactly why areas like the Silver Coast and Central Portugal are gaining traction. They offer not only natural beauty and a lower cost of living but also real communities where expats and locals integrate meaningfully.

And let’s not forget the gastronomy—Portugal’s food culture is rich, fresh, and internationally acclaimed.

The country is also a golf hub, with dozens of award-winning courses and a climate that supports play nearly year-round—especially appealing for retirees and enthusiasts.

Absolutely. The Silver Coast is arguably the fastest-rising region. Places like Nazaré, Foz do Arelho, and Caldas da Rainha offer breathtaking coastline, thriving local culture, and improving infrastructure—all at prices that remain accessible compared to Lisbon or the Algarve.

While not exactly lesser-known, Cascais remains a solid choice for those seeking international schools, coastal living, and proximity to Lisbon—though its popularity means it comes with a premium.

Meanwhile, Comporta has emerged as a destination of choice for high-end, eco-conscious buyers seeking privacy, natural beauty, and refined design.

Central Portugal and parts of the North—like Évora and Bragança—are becoming smart plays for lifestyle investors. These regions combine historical charm with tourism potential and qualify for various government incentives tied to the revitalization of low-density areas.

And across many of these emerging areas, access to excellent golf courses is another major draw—Portugal consistently ranks among Europe’s top golf destinations, with award-winning courses and ideal year-round conditions.

Lead with your lifestyle. Too many buyers start with visa programs or tax benefits—which are important—but forget to ask: Where do I actually want to live? What pace of life am I looking for? Portugal offers an extraordinary range of options: vibrant cities, quiet countryside, surf towns, mountain villages, and vineyard regions.

Once you identify what matters most—schools, culture, weather, walkability, access to nature—work with local experts to guide you through the legal, financial, and practical steps.

Also, be patient and informed. The market is competitive in popular regions, but there is still real value to be found—especially beyond the obvious hotspots.

And finally, think long-term. Portugal isn’t just an investment; it’s a place to build a fulfilling life. With its global connectivity, rich culture, excellent healthcare, strong education options (including international schools), and welcoming spirit, it’s no wonder more people are choosing to call it home—not just for a season, but for a lifetime.

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