Ever popular Portugal, with its charming fishing villages, world-class beach and leisure resorts and friendly, traditional communities has something for everyone. Why not make 2025 the year you buy a second home or move there? From the Algarve to the Silver Coast, there is a good chance at least one of our 10 favourite spots below ticks all the right boxes for you…

Fuseta

Find a practical home in this gorgeous fishing village

Just 30-35 minutes east of Faro Airport in the Eastern Algarve, Fuseta (or Fuzeta) sits on the waterfront of the protected Ria Formosa lagoon. The white town of Tavira, a regional hub, is just 20 minutes’ drive east.

This is traditional Portugal, with less of the international vibe and purpose-built leisure resorts found in the central and western Algarve. Life in Fuseta focuses around its busy harbourside, where its popular restaurants serve up the daily catch. As well as fishing boats, in the summer water taxis ferry back and forth to the unspoilt white beaches on Ilha da Armona island. There is a small local beach, walkable from the pretty old town.

Tavira

More upmarket than Fuseta, Tavira is an affordable Algarve retreat

Just 20 minutes from Fuseta, Tavira straddles the River Gilão, a kilometre or two upstream from the lagoons and beaches of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, where a ban on high-rise blocks has helped retain the area’s natural charm.

Tavira’s home to lots of culture, beautiful architecture and being by the river give this small city a laid-back friendly vibe. With whitewashed streets and a historic centre, Tavira offers plenty of life year-round and every type of amenity you might need. Less developed and generally cheaper to live in compared with the Western Algarve, here you’ll rub shoulders with as many Portuguese people as foreigners. For a relaxing seafront lunch, the nearby fishing villages of Cabanas and Santa Luzia are just five minutes away.

Tavira’s a working city so ideal for full-time living. But equally suited to those seeking a character pied-a-terre where you can enjoy more urban cultural breaks throughout the year.

Vilamoura

Gold courses and yachts meet you in Vilamoura

One of the three key resorts in the famous Golden Triangle, Vilamoura is a world-class leisure and lifestyle destination in the central Algarve. Located just west of Faro, a typical transfer to the airport there is 30 minutes.

Touted as the largest residential tourist community in Europe, Vilamoura boasts six quality golf courses, including the regular venue for the Portugal Masters. Its other highlights include its award-winning marina, the largest in Portugal and popular for its waterfront promenade lined with bars and restaurants, a casino, selection of beaches, an equestrian centre and all types of sports facilities. Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo are next door for access to even more championship golf and amenities.

Vilamoura is ideal if you enjoy a luxury international lifestyle with access to top-notch leisure amenities and bit of a party vibe. Equally suited to golfers looking for a year-round second home.

Carvoeiro

Sand beaches and sandstone cliffs frame the Carvoeiro bay

The western end of the central Algarve, Carvoeiro is around 50 minutes from Faro Airport and 20-25 minutes to the bright lights of port city Portimão. The surrounding sandstone cliffs are typical of this part of the Algarve.

The quintessential fishing village scene, Carvoeiro is deemed one of the Algarve’s most picturesque resorts. It’s set within a horseshoe bay between high cliffs topped by traditional white buildings that track the cliff-line down to the sandy beach, where fishing boats still land a daily catch. In the gentle hills behind are low-rise developments and villas. The old fishing village is the hub, with its waterfront restaurants and narrow streets, but Carvoeiro is also popular as the gateway to fantastic coastal walks and a choice of other unspoilt beaches. For golfers, the local area is home to Pestana’s Vale da Pinta and Gramacho golf courses.

Madeira

The beautiful city has earned its nickname of ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’

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.

Lagos

Step away from the waterfront and discover Lagos’ historic centre

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.

Leiria (Silver Coast)

Escape the modern cities and find a private farmhouse in Leiria

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 are 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.

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’.

Braga

Not as well known as Lisbon and Porto, Braga is fast becoming a major city

Braga, Portugal’s vibrant northern city, blends rich history, dynamic culture, and modern living, making it a compelling choice for property buyers. Known as the country’s religious and architectural capital, its stunning baroque churches and ancient landmarks create a unique cultural charm.

Thanks to direct flights to London, the city is readily accessible and the city’s growing reputation as a tech and education hub attracts families and professionals alike. Its property remains affordable, making it an excellent investment opportunity.

Braga’s lively community, thriving gastronomy, and proximity to Porto (just 45 minutes away) add to its appeal. Combining historic charm with contemporary amenities, Braga is ideal for those seeking a balanced, cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Melides

Far from the city, Melides offers uninterrupted beaches

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.

Evora

Set to be European Capital of Culture in 2027, Evora is a well-preserved gem

Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city in Portugal’s Alentejo region, offers a unique mix of historical charm, relaxed living, and investment potential. Known for its stunning Roman ruins, whitewashed houses, and medieval streets, it’s a haven for history lovers and cultural enthusiasts. It’s no wonder it was selected to be the European Capital of Culture in 2027.

The city’s slower pace and vibrant community appeal to retirees and those seeking a peaceful lifestyle, while its burgeoning tourism scene makes it attractive for property investors.

Surrounded by Alentejo’s picturesque countryside, Évora also offers excellent local wines, olive oil, and gastronomy. Just 90-minutes’ drive from Lisbon, Évora is a timeless and accessible gem.