Once you find a place like that, buying a holiday home there can make a lot of sense. It gives you a place to put down roots and know that you’ve made an investment that can pay off in the future.

If that place for you is Portugal, then you’re going to want to read on. We’ve examined all the hottest tourist destinations in the country and narrowed down the best places to buy a holiday home in Portugal. Each of these is unique and could be the perfect destination for you.

Porto

With a population of more than 230,000, Porto is far from a quaint little destination. You will get all the vibes of a top-notch city, yet there is still some of the intimacy and charm of smaller towns and villages. To fully enjoy the sights of Porto, you need to be on the water, looking towards the shore. The brightly coloured buildings that follow the hilly landscape and the historical architecture are simply unmatched.

While Porto generally isn’t the big draw that more popular destinations like Lisbon have been, low-cost airlines have recently added it to their routes. This has drastically increased the level of interest and tourists in the area. With so many people discovering Porto, finding a deal can be tricky when it comes to real estate.

Madeira Islands and the Azores

This is another area of Portugal worth considering for a holiday home. The Madeira Islands and the Azores are much more affordable than places like Lisbon. The Azores, an archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the mid-Atlantic, are located about 1,500 km from the city of Lisbon.

The area has enjoyed a boom in tourism over the past couple of decades, but not enough that it creates hustle and bustle. This is the type of location that is perfect for peaceful retreats rather than busy holidays packed full of sightseeing.

For football fans, Madeira is a sacred place since it’s the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo’s career has been filled with accolades and legendary moments, and you can bet the people of Madeira are extremely proud of him!

Vila Real de Santo António

Here’s a location that sits on Portugal’s Algarve on the eastern edge that borders Spain. Vila Real de Santo António is often described as a cosmopolitan type of location but with a laidback vibe. It is just 90 minutes from Seville, Spain, which gives you plenty to explore while on holiday. In addition to being on the border of Spain, it also boasts a spectacular beach less than 5 km away called Monte Gordo.

The scenery alone may give you reason enough to purchase a holiday home here, but we also need to mention the variety of options. You’ll find a little bit of everything here from houses to townhouses to older, more traditional apartments. Whether you want a small and quaint getaway or something with space, you will likely be able to find it here.

Cascais

Maybe you like the idea of Lisbon but don’t need to be in the city centre. Perhaps you want something that has a slower pace but also offers easy access to the city. If that’s on your must-have list, then a property in Cascais could be perfect. The properties here are nothing short of stunning, but you’ll pay a luxury price for them.

Cascais has made a name for itself when it comes to high-end property with its sprawling homes, quaint marina, and everything you could ask for from a town with just over 200,000 residents. And if you’re into gambling, the table and slot games with cash rewards at Casino Estoril, the biggest casino complex in the country, will be right up your alley.

Lisbon

Lisbon isn’t exactly a hidden gem or secret in terms of real estate. Most people have not only heard of the city but know that it’s a bustling European destination. Lisbon offers a blend of the old and the new where you’ll be able to experience Portugal’s rich history, architectural significance, traditional cuisine, and friendly people. With a population of more than 500,000, the city creates a sense of excitement and vibrancy, yet it never seems crowded and overwhelming like other large European cities can feel.

Just as you’d expect from any city centre, Lisbon has no shortage of options in terms of properties, but be prepared for high prices.

The Algarve

If you’re all about the beach, stunning shoreline, cliffs, and natural untouched beauty, then the Algarve could be the ideal option. This area is known for its long-term rental market, which also means that you may be able to rent out whatever property you purchase when you’re not there.

While there is plenty to see and do here, you can also just kick back and relax. There’s even a public transit system that is so reliable you won’t have to worry about purchasing an automobile. Just be sure you’re aware of the rules when it comes to purchasing property here.

Faro

Next up we’ve got Faro, the capital of the Algarve, so it is the area that is most built up and the most tourist-heavy. It’s also conveniently located near the international airport. This means once you step off the plane, you’ll already be near your holiday home.

Many point out the authentic charm of Faro as being its best feature. Add to that the many restaurants, bars, shops, and activities, and you won’t ever be bored here. As far as homes go, you can choose from apartments, condominiums, houses, townhouses, and villas.

Is Portugal Calling to You?

Choosing a location to purchase a holiday home is incredibly stressful. Not only does it need to be a place you fall in love with, but it needs to make sense financially. Fortunately, each of these destinations could be your dream one. Let’s face it, Portugal is pretty spectacular!