Portugal has an incredible coastline with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, and there are several towns on the coast that have sea views to make you feel like you’re on holiday all year round. Waking up and breathing in the fresh breeze by the sea and watching the sunset from your window are more than enough reasons to want to buy a house by the sea.

With pleasant temperatures surprising us this autumn, buying a house to live in by the sea can be a great investment and you can do it with little money. Find out where.

What are the best cities with a sea view?

Choosing a coastal town in Portugal isn’t a complicated task as you’ll have plenty of options from the north to the south of the country. The sea views, although they may seem the same, are different, as are the surroundings. You might prefer to live close to the big cities like Lisbon or Porto, or take a chance and move somewhere completely new:

Faro: the capital of the Algarve region

In the south of Portugal, with a coastline made up of golden sandy beaches and stunning cliffs, you’ll find many houses and apartemnts with sea views all over the district. Faro also has an airport, which makes this city very attractive to foreign visitors who want to discover the magic of the picturesque streets and historic city-centre. Here you’ll have the chance to enjoy a pleasant climate, good food and live as if you were on holiday all year round.

Setúbal: fresh fish, beaches and strategic location

The city, located on the Setúbal Peninsula, has countless charms and is considered by many to be one of Portugal’s hidden treasures. This is where the sea and the mountains meet to create (almost) unbelievable landscapes that make up the well-known Arrábida Natural Park: the perfect place for beach and nature lovers. As well as being a charming place to live on a daily basis, it has a strategic location for those who need to travel to Lisbon, the Alentejo or the Algarve.

Aveiro: the Portuguese Venice

Located in the centre of the country and known as the Venice of Portugal. Life is quiet on the banks of the Ria de Aveiro and the traffic is more likely to be on the waterways than on the road, as a trip on a moliceiros boat is a major attraction. The city’s architecture is unique and its colourful houses on the Costa Nova leave no one indifferent. If you buy a house or flat in the Aveiro district, you’ll be just two steps away from enjoying the famous ovos moles or soft eggs.

Lisbon: living close to the capital

House prices have soared in the Portuguese capital, perhaps because it is one of the most popular cities for tourists. But if living by the River Tagus is beyond your reach, you can always switch your focus to the small towns that make up the greater Lisbon district where you can find several houses and flats with sea views at more favourable prices. You can still stay a relatively short distance from the city but live in the tranquillity of the mountains and the sea, as you can in Sintra, Cascais, Torres Vedras and Lourinhã.

Porto is Portugal’s second largest city, where prices have already risen beyond the reach of most wallets. The truth is that the trick is to also look to buy houses or flats in the district of Porto, rather than just in the city. Even if you have to move away from the Ribeira area or Foz do Douro, you’ll discover other places with sea views that will delight and allow you to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle, and you can always visit the vibrant city at weekends by car or public transport.

The decision to buy a home by the sea, whether as a permanent home or a second home, will depend on your needs. Nowadays, homes by the sea are an attractive investment for those looking for an additional source of income. You can use it as a second home and make it available for temporary rental during the months when you’re not there, such as the autumn and winter months.

Having a house by the sea as your permanent home will transform your lifestyle, giving you a unique opportunity to get involved in the local community. Fill your week with different activities so you can get the most out of life by the sea.

Prices for homes with sea views

Homes by the sea can be more expensive than other homes located further from the coast, but the truth is that the price is influenced by several factors such as the specific location, size of the home, condition of the property, quality of the view and demand in the area. That’s why, before investing in a home, it’s important to consider the budget available for the purchase and delve deeper into each of these aspects:

    • Location: homes by the sea in more popular areas tend to command higher prices due to high demand and the fact that they are located in popular tourist destinations, especially during the high season.
  • Size of the property: the area of the property and its proximity to the seafront are also factors that can influence the price. A large house with an unobstructed view of the sea tends to be more expensive than a flat further from the coast.
  • Quality of the view: if you have an unobstructed view of the sea vs. a partial view or one with some obstructions, the price could also go up considerably, so it’s important to consider.
  • Condition of the property: the state of repair, age and amenities offered are also important factors. A renovated or newly built house tends to be more expensive than a house in need of renovation.