For years, Portugal has captured the imagination of international property buyers looking for sunshine, a laid-back lifestyle, and strong value for money. But while Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve get much of the attention, there is an untapped world of opportunity beyond the tourist trail. If you’re seeking a peaceful, scenic, and budget-friendly place to call home – or simply want a well-priced second property – this guide is your gateway to discovering Portugal’s most affordable and beautiful places to buy.

We’ve handpicked six municipalities in the country that don’t just offer low property prices, but also natural beauty, cultural richness and distinctive lifestyles. These towns, spread across Portugal’s central and southern regions, showcase everything from lush mountains and river valleys to vineyards, forests, and nearby beaches. Each offers something different – be it proximity to medieval castles, cascading waterfalls, traditional festivals or world-class wine routes.

Whether you’re a retiree seeking tranquillity, a remote worker craving nature or a property investor looking for long-term potential, this guide helps you understand where you can still find charm and affordability in one place. You’ll also learn about access to major cities, travel links, and lifestyle considerations that matter when putting down roots in a foreign country.

Portugal has more to offer than the well-trodden path – and these towns prove it.

Contents

• Arganil – Mountain beauty and Schist village heritage
• Vidigueira – Vineyards, sunshine and Roman ruins
• Góis – River views and a lively community
• Sabugal – Castle towns and protected landscapes
• Sever do Vouga – Forests, waterfalls and coast nearby
• Tondela – Wine valleys with good connections

The villages in Arganil are some of Portugal’s most affordable and beautiful places to buy

Arganil (€504/m²)

• Region: Centro (Coimbra District)
• Nearest airport: Porto Airport (OPO): ~2 hours (160 km)
• Nearest major city: Coimbra: ~45 minutes (50 km)

Arganil is a peaceful town set in the heart of the Serra do Açor, one of Portugal’s most unspoilt mountain ranges. This is an area of deep valleys, oak and chestnut forests, and clear rivers that form natural swimming spots in summer. It is best known for the village of Piódão, a remarkable collection of slate houses built into the hillside, with cobbled lanes and blue-trimmed windows. Though small, Arganil has shops, cafés and regular markets, with a steady local rhythm and friendly residents.

The surrounding area is ideal for walkers, cyclists and nature-lovers, with quiet footpaths through forested hills and easy access to river beaches such as those at Cascalheira and Sarzedo. For day-to-day needs and medical services, Coimbra is less than an hour away, offering modern infrastructure and cultural attractions.

This is a strong choice for anyone seeking a slower pace in a green landscape, with a strong sense of heritage and traditional ways of life. It offers real beauty and breathing space at a very reasonable price.

Vidigueira (€532/m²)

• Region: Alentejo (Beja District)
• Nearest airport: Faro Airport (FAO): ~2 hours (155 km)
• Nearest major city: Beja: ~30 minutes (35 km)

Vidigueira is set in the warm heart of Alentejo’s wine country. This is a land of long horizons, quiet villages and fertile plains planted with vines, olive trees and cork oaks. Vidigueira itself is a modest town with whitewashed houses, peaceful streets and a strong agricultural identity. The area enjoys some of the highest sunshine hours in Portugal, which is perfect for both grape-growing and quality of life.

Roman history is part of the landscape here, most notably at São Cucufate, a villa ruin that gives a sense of how long people have valued this region’s climate and soil. Nearby towns like Beja offer all necessary amenities, while Lisbon and Faro are each around two hours away, providing easy connections for travel or visitors.

This is a place for buyers who want space, calm and a real connection to the land. With its low cost per square metre, Vidigueira appeals to those interested in wine-making, rustic living or simply enjoying the open air and rich food culture that define this part of Portugal.

Both one of Portugal’s most affordable and beautiful places to buy, Gois has a unique history

Góis (€459/m²)

• Region: Centro (Coimbra District)
• Nearest airport: Porto Airport (OPO): ~2 hours (160 km)
• Nearest major city: Coimbra: ~40 minutes (45 km)

Tucked into a forested valley crossed by the Ceira River, Góis offers a unique blend of natural beauty and local energy. The town is small but full of character, with a stone bridge at its heart and a gentle riverside that invites swimming, walking and picnicking. The surrounding landscape is lush, particularly in spring and early summer, with plenty of trails that lead into the hills and woods.

Although life in Góis is quiet for most of the year, it comes alive in August during the nationally known motorbike festival, when the town hosts thousands of visitors. Outside this period, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with regular markets, a few good cafés and the simple pleasures of nature all around.

It’s less than an hour from Coimbra, so access to schools, healthcare and larger shops is straightforward. For buyers who want clean air, community spirit and a scenic setting, Góis offers excellent value. It’s especially appealing to those looking to work remotely or escape to a small town that still has a pulse.

Sabugal (€442/m²)

• Region: Centro-North (Guarda District)
• Nearest airport: Porto Airport (OPO): ~2.5–3 hours (230 km)
• Nearest major city: Guarda: ~40 minutes (45 km)

Sabugal is a place shaped by history and nature. Dominated by a well-preserved medieval castle, the town sits in a rolling, green landscape close to the Spanish border. It’s surrounded by the Serra da Malcata Nature Reserve – a protected area home to wild boar, deer and rare birds, as well as the Iberian lynx.

The town itself has a quiet, historic atmosphere, with stone buildings and a spacious feel. There are local shops and services, though most residents travel to Guarda for more extensive amenities. The rhythm of life is traditional and seasonal – agricultural fairs, food festivals and summer village events shape the calendar.

Sabugal appeals to buyers looking for a deep sense of place, as well as space and peace. The property market here is very affordable, and it’s an ideal option for anyone who wants to be part of a slower, rural lifestyle while still being within reach of cities like Coimbra and Guarda. It’s particularly suited to hikers, writers, and those who want to live near nature in a historic town.

One of Portugal’s most affordable and beautiful places is near the sea and a natural waterfall

Sever do Vouga (€508/m²)

• Region: Centro (Aveiro District)
• Nearest airport: Porto Airport (OPO): ~1 hour 15 minutes (110 km)
• Nearest major city: Aveiro: ~40 minutes (40 km)

Sever do Vouga is a green valley town surrounded by forested hills and known for one of Portugal’s most scenic waterfalls – Cascata da Cabreia. This is a place shaped by water and woodland, with rivers, trails and picnic spots making it ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors. The town itself is well maintained and has a lively local feel, with schools, cafés and small businesses providing a good base for families or remote workers.

One of its biggest advantages is its location – close enough to the Atlantic coast for day trips to beaches like Praia da Barra or Costa Nova, and just 40 minutes from the city of Aveiro, with its canals, Art Nouveau buildings and seafood restaurants. Porto is also just over an hour away.

Sever do Vouga offers a rare combination: low property prices, natural beauty and strong infrastructure. It’s well suited to buyers who want access to both the coast and the countryside. Whether you’re after weekend walks, a garden to grow your own produce or a peaceful base within reach of two cities, this area is worth serious consideration.

Tondela (€480/m²)

• Region: Centro (Viseu District)
• Nearest airport: Porto Airport (OPO): ~1.5–2 hours (130 km)
• Nearest major city: Viseu: ~25 minutes (25 km)

Tondela is a charming town framed by wooded hills and close to the Caramulo mountains, a lesser-known range that’s rich in walking routes and scenic drives. The town itself is friendly and well-kept, with good local shops, schools and cafés, and a cultural calendar that includes festivals, music and exhibitions.

The area sits within the Dão wine region, which adds a distinctive flavour to the lifestyle here – vineyard visits, harvest traditions and excellent local food are part of daily life. Tondela is just 25 minutes from Viseu, a thriving small city with a historic centre, shopping, healthcare and everything needed for comfortable living.

There are also hot springs nearby, and a museum in Caramulo dedicated to vintage cars and fine art, giving the area a surprising cultural richness. Tondela is perfect for buyers who want to combine nature and culture without being isolated. The cost of property is low, the quality of life is high, and the area suits both families and couples looking to put down roots in inland Portugal.

Which of Portugal’s most affordable and beautiful places to buy will you choose?

There are many more affordable homes in beautiful places around Portugal. You just need to know how to find a property in Portugal. If you’re unsure how to start your search, book a call with one of our property consultants. They can talk you through the whole house buying process and give you great tips on how to find your dream home.