Lisbon’s property market’s heating up as demand booms from foreign investors, businesses and remote digital workers attracted by the laid-back and affordable Portuguese way of life. But if you’re more of a quiet town person than a city slicker, where are the best places to buy a house outside Lisbon? Join us as we take a tour of the beautiful towns surrounding the Portuguese capital.
Cascais
One of central Portugal’s most famous beach towns, located just 30-40 minutes by train from Lisbon. Known as the ‘town of kings and fishermen’, this small working port was transformed into the country’s most upscale summer retreat, with elegant villas, mansions and hotels.
It as has a number of good beaches with excellent surfing on the northern side, including internationally renowned Guincho beach. On the eastern side, you’ll find more family-oriented beaches, with fewer waves and shallower waters.
Sintra
Sintra is a history and architecture fan’s paradise, with some of Portugal’s most elegant architecture. The old town is home to the Romanticist Palácio da Pena – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an icon of the nation – and the Renaissance Palácio Nacional de Sintra, once the residence of the medieval royal family.
The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park borders the town and is a fantastic location for hiking (and the coastline, further away from the town, has some great beaches, too). Sintra itself offers fantastic local cuisine, with its clams particularly famous. There’s a strong local arts scene, with quirky cafés, free film showings and exhibitions from local artists.
Sesimbra
Cabo Espeichal in Sesimbra, one of the best places to buy a house outside Lisbon.
This traditional fishing village is ideal for those looking for rural tranquillity. Its white-washed homes with red roofs, its narrow streets and quiet atmosphere are a world away from the glamour of Cascais. The main street is lined with traditional fish restaurants and there some great beaches. Praia do Ouro, or ‘Golden Beach’, could be straight out of a tourist brochure.
There’s no train service to Lisbon, but you do have a bus that goes directly between the two, taking 45 minutes. Once you arrive in Sesimbra, you really do have a sensation of being in another world – despite being so close to the bustle of the capital.
Leiria
Further to the north is Leiria, with magnificent beaches along the coast. This more bustling town has its own shopping centre, cinema and theatre, and has a thriving café scene around the central square, Praça Francisco Rodrigues Lobo.
The town is a famous centre for Portuguese cuisine. You can sample its delicious local olives, suckling pig dishes, and migas (cornbread, spinach and garlic).
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Find out everything you need to know about the buying process in Portugal, from choosing your area to when to involve a notary and how to make an offer, with our free Portugal Buying Guide
Don’t miss your free tickets to the next Your Overseas Home shows in London, Birmingham, Chester, Harrogate and Epsom to meet property, financial, currency, legal and removals experts from Portugal.
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