12 best places to buy in Portugal in 2026

Filled with new year verve and bursting to start searching for a property in Portugal? The question is, where to buy? This is our round up of some of the best places to buy in Portugal in 2026 (or indeed, any year!). Sorry in advance if this doesn’t make your choice any easier…

Loule – Algarve

Bigger budgets with a leaning towards understated luxury and low-density should set their SatNav to Loule. A town and district 15-20 minutes from the mega-buck hot spots of the famous Golden Triangle, it’s gaining popularity with discerning foreign homeowners who prefer less developed communities. The benefit is having world-class golf, top-notch recreational amenities, golden beaches and all-round international cachet just a short drive away. And being that little bit out of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo means house prices are cheaper and there is more choice.

The market town of Loule sits amongst a rolling landscape of olive groves. Surrounding village options include Vale Formoso, Ferrarias, Fonte Santa, Santa Bárbara de Nexe and Goldra. “The inland hills offer the perfect compromise – proximity to the lifestyle and amenities of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, but at a more accessible price point,” said Filip Malmstrom, CEO of ReCo, a local estate agency.

Pour yourself a cold one and start browsing the stunning properties waiting for you in Loule.

Benfica – Lisbon

Investors and city-dwellers eyeing up Lisbon might want to consider the city’s Benfica neighbourhood in 2026. A major renovation of Portugal’s most famous football stadium, S.L. Benfica’s ‘Estadio de Luz’, and transformation of its surrounding area was approved just before Christmas 2025. This ground-breaking project, called ‘Benfica District’, is valued at €220million and should be completed in time for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. It is expected to be a major boost to Benfica’s property market.

The redevelopment will include a new multi-purpose indoor arena for major events, a semi-Olympic swimming pool, a further two sports halls replacing existing pavilions, a hotel, restaurants and athletes’ accommodation. There will also be a large pedestrian plaza or fan zone, for showing matches and acting as a hub for other events. According to the project’s architect, Benfica District “shows how mixed-use developments anchored in specific locations can revitalize an entire area and set a new standard for how stadiums can serve cultural and community landmarks.” Meanwhile, Lisbon is ranked 11th best European city for investment prospects in 2026 in PwC’s annual Emerging Trends report.

Obidos – Silver Coast

Medieval Obidos is popular for its magical old town, nearby lagoon and dramatic beaches, and authentic Silver Coast lifestyle. But the area is about to benefit from a more thrill-seeking type of attraction – a world-class surf resort. Located a short drive from two of the world’s most iconic surfing destinations, Peniche and Nazare, Surfers Cove – Surf Park Obidos will be a 4-star tourist village centred around Portugal’s first ever state-of-the-art artificial wave pool. The €25million resort will include modern bungalows, swimming pool and other recreational facilities, such as padel, skate and bike tracks, yoga and venues for events. It is due to open in late 2026.

Backed by COMPETE 2030, a European funded scheme investing in regional projects, and promoted as Surfers Cove, it allows Portugal to become one of only 10 countries worldwide to host a surf park of this standard. “This is an innovative and structuring tourism project for Portugal, positioning the country at the forefront of surfing, active leisure and sustainable hospitality,” said Manuel Maria Vasconcelos, CEO of Surfers Cove. “At the same time, it will make a concrete contribution to the economic revitalisation of the Central Region, promoting quality tourism, job creation and the enhancement of the territory.”

Before you invest in a surfboard, have a look at properties available in the Obidos area.

Portimao – Algarve

Idyllic fishing villages, lively beach resorts and world-class golf communities – we all know that house-hunters in the Algarve are spoilt for choice. But one of the more happening destinations there right now is Portimao on the western side, a port city that blends history with a modern vision.

Offering a more urban lifestyle compared to pure tourist resorts, it’s popular for its historic centre, fantastic market, superb restaurants, waterfront and internationally acclaimed marina. It has a long fishing heritage, celebrated by its annual sardine festival.

The next couple of years will put it more firmly on the international radar. It was recently announced that Formula 1 will return to Portugal in 2027 and 2028. The races will be held at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimao, bringing a boost to the local economy.

Meanwhile, major new infrastructure and tourist residential developments are in the pipeline in the city’s beach area of Praia da Rocha, including a 116-unit apartment block. International brand Hard Rock opens its new hotel there in Praia do Vau this year.

It’s all happening down there – take a peak at properties for sale in Portimao.

Setubal Peninsula

Fancy being close to Lisbon but not keen on the intensity of an urban lifestyle? As growing numbers of foreigners are discovering, you can enjoy the attractions of the Portuguese capital or work there without living in the thick of it. Head south across the Tagus estuary and you arrive somewhere you can do just that, the Setubal Peninsula. After reaching the south bank and driving a few minutes, things get noticeably calmer and more rural compared to Lisbon’s busy metropolitan districts.

Setubal Peninsula, where the coastline is known as the Costa Azul, lets you enjoy a slower coastal lifestyle. It has traditional fishing towns, such as Setubal and Sesimbra, its own protected mountain range, the Arrabida Nature Park, and fantastic unspoilt beaches, including Praia de Troia and Praia da Figueira. There is even a small wine-growing area around Azeitao. Imagine having all this and still being less than an hour’s drive into the centre of Lisbon, one of Europe’s most exciting capitals.

You’re just a click away from finding your ideal home in Setubal!

The Azores

Are you an outdoorsy type who values natural scenery and eco credentials over luxury amenities? Then why not consider the Azores, an autonomous Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic around 2.5 hours’ flight from Lisbon, four hours from the UK or five hours from New York and Boston. With volcanic origins and a pristine subtropical landscape, the nine islands are often dubbed the ‘Hawaii of Europe’. The archipelago is home to Portugal’s highest mountain, Mount Pico. Recent years have seen the Azores become a leading destination for sustainable tourism, popular for hiking, biking, kayaking, whale-watching and eco-tourism.

The arrival of low-cost air-lines has helped grow the islands’ eco-tourism profile and attract increasing numbers of European visitors. Be sure to check flights going forward, as Ryanair has plans to reduce European routes unless government intervention can dissuade them. Popular areas for foreign buyers are Sao Miguel, the largest and most populous island, and the second most populous, Terceira, notable for its historic UNESCO town of Angra do Heroismo. Both have international airports.

Why not have a browse of homes in the Azores?

Guimaraes – North

Nestled in the countryside of Northern Portugal, Guimaraes is an idyllic, compact city with a huge national presence. Lesser known by foreigners than larger more cosmopolitan Porto, 50 minutes’ drive away, it’s regarded as the birthplace of Portugal. Increasingly in the spotlight, the city has been named European Green Capital 2026, thanks to its sustainability achievements.

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of UNESCO World Heritage status for the city’s medieval centre. Packed with ancient winding streets, pretty plazas, churches, a historic palace and hilltop castle, life in Guimaraes comes with a deep sense of culture and history. A world away from the modern touristy resorts of southern Portugal, it’s a destination that offers the authentic Portuguese lifestyle.

Take at a look at what your money can buy in Guimaraes.

Costa Vicentina – Algarve

Already a treasured surfer hang-out, there is a wild and barely touched corner of the Algarve where nature not tourism reigns supreme. To find it head to the region’s westernmost seaboard. Called Costa Vicentina, you’ll struggle to believe you’re so close to Portugal’s internationally celebrated tourist resorts. Instead of lively beach proms and golf fairways, the landscape there offers untamed stretches of white sand, natural lagoons, clifftop villages and deserted dunes. Together with the Southwest Alentejo it forms a natural park and Portugal’s longest stretch of protected coastline.

Cue nature-lovers and house-hunters who value incredible natural scenery and tranquillity over access to leisure amenities, crowds of expats and night-life. Take your pick from the string of traditional villages dotted along Costa Vicentina. They start at Odeciexe in the north and end at Burgau in the south. Aljezur and Vila do Bispo are enchanting white villages five minutes off the coast.

See what bargains are available in the Costa Vicentina.

Madeira

A lush, mountainous island in the Atlantic, Madeira is around 700 kilometres off the coast of Morocco. Nicknamed the Pearl of the Atlantic, it’s the centrepiece of the Madeira archipelago, an autonomous Portuguese region. It has volcanic origins and enjoys a balmy sub-tropical climate.

Blessed with exotic flora and fauna and an interior of forested valleys dotted with small vineyards, it’s heaven for plant lovers and fans of the great outdoors. Enjoy exploring the traditional hillside villages and famous ‘Levada’ trails. The towering coastline, with its bays and deep water make it great for water sports, sea safaris and fishing. Colourful Funchal, Madeira’s cultural and commercial hub, sits in a natural harbour on the south coast and is both a popular cruise ship destination and international sailing base.

The warm year-round temperatures make it an ideal year-round destination, but especially attractive for retirees in the winter months.

Check out some properties for sale in Madeira.

Lagos – Algarve

This port city straddles the Bensafrim River mouth in the western Algarve and sits at the western end of Lagos Bay, home to the famous sweeping Maia Praia beach. Portimão is 30 minutes’ east and Faro Airport 60 minutes.

With deep maritime roots, for centuries Lagos has been the Western Algarve’s most important city. Today it has evolved into a cosmopolitan destination not only popular with sailors but foreigners attracted by its relaxed waterfront lifestyle. Highlights include its historic cobbled old town, colourful market and designer shops, vibrant night-life, plentiful restaurants and world-class marina. There is a choice of beaches, including one accessible by foot from the centre. Golf is nearby at the Boavista Golf and Spa, Espiche Golf, Palmares Resort or Penina Resort.

Ideal as a primary residence for those who prefer the liveliness of a trendy coastal-urban lifestyle. Being a city, there could be good long-let investment potential.

See properties for sale in Lagos.

Leiria – Silver Coast

A stunning section of Portugal’s Silver Coast on the country’s western Atlantic seaboard, Leiria is a district 60-90 minutes on north of Lisbon, depending on destination. The area is famous for its dramatic cliffs, sweeping sandy beaches and rustic countryside.

Traditional, rustic and a less attractive winter climate – the Leiria’s coastline is the antithesis to the developed, tourist-oriented resorts typical of the Algarve. Dotted along its coastline of sweeping cliff-lined beaches are authentic fishing towns like Peniche and Nazaré (famous for its huge waves so beloved of surfers), uncrowded beaches and small local towns set around bays or lagoons, like São Martinho do Porto and Foz do Arelho. Other highlights include the spa town of Caldas da Rainha and medieval Óbidos. In between are sleepy villages where you hear Portuguese more than English! Golfers have a choice of half a dozen quality courses.

Suits anyone in search of authentic Portugal with a peaceful village-style lifestyle and surrounded by unspoilt natural scenery. It’s popular with expats seeking their own ‘good life’.

There are plenty of affordable properties for sale in Leiria. Take a look!

Melides – Alentejo

Melides offers a blend of natural beauty, tranquility and modern allure, making it a sought-after destination for property buyers. Found in Portugal’s Alentejo region, it boasts stunning beaches, rolling hills and lush cork forests – ideal for a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle. Camping, hiking and surfing are common pursuits.

Buyers are drawn to its traditional charm, artisanal culture, and gourmet delights, including local wines and seafood. You may even run into Harry and Meghan, who bought a property to the north in the CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club.

Melides provides an accessible escape, as it is just 90 minutes’ drive from Lisbon, with rising real estate value offering excellent investment potential. Whether for a holiday home, retirement retreat or creative sanctuary, Melides combines serene living with proximity to city conveniences.

See what we have available to buy in Melides. Bear in mind that properties come and go, and keep checking back!