Where to Buy
The country of Portugal has a varying climate; the North is colder, similar to Oceanic weather, whereas the South is definitely a Mediterranean climate. Portugal’s south and west sit on the coast. There are many mountains with the tallest on the mainland being Serra da Estrela which reaches over 6,500 feet. Portugal’s main river, the Tagus, splits the country between the mountainous north and the warmer (& drier) south.

Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital, and largest, city in Portugal. The population in the whole metropolitan area is around 2,800,000 people. Lisbon serves as one of the Iberian Peninsulas top economic centers. If you are looking to move permanently and work in Portugal, Lisbon can be a great starting point. Being the capital and a big commercial center in the country, there are many chances to find work or start a business.

Porto
Porto is considered Portugal’s 2nd most important city. With a very high number of exports, Porto is one of the most important cities for the Iberian Peninsula’s economy. Of its most famous exports, Port wine is probably most world-renowned. It is a cultural and administrative hub for the Norte, which is the northern region of Portugal. Also, Ribeira, the historic center of Porto has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Central
The central part of the country is normally called the ‘Green Heart,’ this is most likely because of the lush environment found in the area. Throughout the land you can find Pine and Eucalyptus trees, along with a range of flowers and plants growing in the valleys and the Serra da Estrela mountain range. But, there are also the beautiful, sandy beaches along the coast in Central Portugal. As tourism has started to bloom in this area, so have the costs for property. But, there is still a chance to find a property quite cheap (most likely in need of some repairs), or it can be cheaper to build a new home.

Silver Coast
Costa de Prata, the Silver Coast, is lined with amazing sand beaches along a long stretch of the ocean. There are vineyards, enchanting and diverse landscapes and the deep, rich sense of Portuguese culture.

Madeira
Madeira is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Portugal. It is one of the only two inhabitable islands belonging to Portugal. This island is a popular tourist resort throughout the year, therefore if you are looking to get away from it all; this may not be the place to buy property. It boasts an amazing climate, great scenery (like the rest of the country) and its own Madeira wine.

Algarve
The Algarve region first started to become a hot tourist spot in the 1960s when a great amount of British started vacationing in the area. With its many golf courses, beaches and an ideal climate, the Algarve has now become a place to call home for many of these tourists. There are small towns and villages that people have settled into, as well as the luxury villas right on the coast. The area’s administrative center is in Faro, as well as an international airport and university.

Alentejo
This is a large region in the mid-south of Portugal. Its name literally translates to “beyond the Tagus.” That is quite fitting since it borders the Tagus and the North of Portugal above; to the south lays the Algarve region.

What Type of Property to Buy
Of course this varies from person to person, so you really need to think hard about what kind of property you are looking to purchase and examine the options that you have available. If you want to have a second home to head to when you want a little vacation time, then you maybe will look for something on the coast or out of the city. But, if you are looking for a place to turn into your primary home, to live in on a permanent basis, maybe you would prefer the city.

When purchasing a home to use only sometimes throughout the year, you must keep in mind a few important factors. Unless you have immense amounts of money at your disposal, then you will most likely rent out your property during the times that it is vacant. With this in mind you should choose a good location that can be alluring to possible renters.

If your plan is to make Portugal your permanent residence, to live and work there, then you will bear some different factors in mind when making your decision. The property costs vary from place to place, so does the cost of living. The income levels and access to proper schools can be important also.