Travel and Tourism

Hidden treasures: amazing places to live in Portugal

March 27, 2024 · 6:36 pm
Foto de Adrian Dascal na Unsplash

Portugal is a country of countless charms and, despite its small size, it has hidden treasures capable of pleasing Greeks and Trojans alike. From the lush greenery of the north to the golden sunshine of the south, passing through the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira, there are some amazing places.

Whether it’s mountain retreats or villas with sweeping sea views, hills lost in the vastness of the plains or beautiful stone houses tucked away in a village, there’s no shortage of options in this seaside rectangle. Discover these stunning locations for those who are looking to rent or buy a house and want nothing less than something fantastic!

1. Gerês

Tesouros escondidos onde viver em Portugal: Gerês
Foto de Raquel Martins na Unsplash

In the far northwest of Portugal, this is a nature lover’s paradise. Between majestic mountains, serene rivers and lakes, dreamy waterfalls and a wealth of wildlife, Gerês is the perfect retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities.

The Peneda-Gerês National Park is a protected area that covers four mountains, three regions (Minho, Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro) and the municipalities of Melgaço, Arcos de Valdevez, Ponte da Barca, Terras de Bouro and Montalegre.

Gerês offers excellent opportunities for those who want to slow down their pace: whether it’s a holiday property, a second home or a place to rent out as tourist accommodation, take a look at the options.

2. Amarante, Oporto

Lugares incríveis onde viver: Amarante
Foto de Margarida da Mota: https://www.pexels.com/pt-br/foto/predios-edificios-rio-portugal-14198762/

Nestled between the mountains and the Tâmega river, Amarante is a city of serene beauty and charming architecture. Its history, its natural beauty, but also its tasty cuisine and the hospitality of its people guarantee many reasons to fall in love with this land.

However, if you want to stay and not just visit, this is one of those places that offers quality of life to its inhabitants. It offers the right balance between tranquillity and comfort, access and seclusion, rhythm and peace.

3. Comporta, Setúbal

Tesouros escondidos: lugares incríveis para viver em Portugal
Foto de Ben Hickingbotham na Unsplash

For many years, Comporta was Portugal’s best-kept secret. Now, it hardly holds this title unchallenged, because there’s no one who doesn’t know about its charms.

Located in the municipality of Alcácer do Sal, it combines charm and identity. It attracts the attention of sophisticated buyers with purchasing power who are looking for exclusivity and privacy. The extensive white sand dunes and crystal-clear waters of the sea make this place truly unique, but its greatest luxury is the beauty of simplicity.

4. Vila Velha de Ródão, Castelo Branco

Tesouros escondidos: Vila Velha de Ródão
Foto de Julieta Nunes na Unsplash

This village in the district of Castelo Branco is a region marked by the contrast between land and water, with rivers carving its banks and a landscape of extreme beauty.

Not only the Tagus, but also the Ocreza, have designed gates and gorges that overwhelm us with their severe grandeur and, on the other hand, dazzle us with their majestic serenity.

People have settled here since prehistoric times, ensuring their survival due to the abundance of resources. Today, the archaeological and museum heritage brings many visitors, but those who choose to live here know its charms well, being near and far from everywhere.

5. Ericeira, Lisbon

lugares incríveis para viver em Portugal: Ericeira
Imagem de rodrigobert por Pixabay

Known as the Mecca of surfing in Portugal, Ericeira is a picturesque village with a unique charm. The beaches are undoubtedly a huge draw, but there are many other reasons to love Ericeira. Very close to Lisbon, but with that summer hideaway vibe, living here is like being on vacation all year round.

The uncertain climate is a classic of the region, but this village is what you might call “good vibes”, using the expression aptly. If you want a house with an ocean view and the smell of the sea on your skin, look no further!

6. Estremoz, Évora

Lugares incríveis para viver em Portugal: Estremoz
PhillipC [2], CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Estremoz, in the district of Évora, is one of those delights that only the Alentejo can offer us. The simplicity of its houses, the authenticity of its market, festivities and people invite you to stay. The word contemplation takes on new meanings when you lose yourself in the whiteness of this town.

We are in the heart of Alentejo, but also next to Évora and just 170 km from Lisbon. Perhaps for this reason, because it is so close, in recent years it has gained renewed dynamism without losing the qualities that define it.

A house in Estremoz is an invitation to relax and contemplate.

7. Tavira, Faro

Lugares incríveis: Tavira
Imagem de ddzphoto por Pixabay

In the eastern Algarve, Tavira is a town of timeless charm, with narrow streets and whitewashed houses. It’s one of those places that survives the phenomenon of seasonality with class, keeping its identity untouched.

Its historical and cultural heritage is one of its assets, but Tavira is a city with many times and rhythms. It offers them to those who linger on the banks of the Gilão, but also to those who enjoy good snacks and warm dives. With golden sandy beaches and a mild climate all year round, it’s a dream location for those looking for a house in the south of Portugal.

8. Ponta Delgada, Azores

Tesouros escondidos: lugares incríveis para viver em Portugal
Foto de Damir Babacic na Unsplash

It’s very hard not to fall in love with Ponta Delgada, or this city on the island of São Miguel would be in one of the most breathtaking settings in the world.

The Azores are like a living postcard wherever you look and Ponta Delgada has that charisma of discreet beauty, which doesn’t even need to show off because everything is lush green and blue and wild nature. A house in this setting invites contemplation, but also a life closer to nature in its purest and most unspoiled state.

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