Central Portugal, located between Lisbon and Porto, is the second most popular region for property buyers in Portugal, after the Algarve. It’s known for its picturesque Silver coast fishing villages, the Dão wine region, the highest peak in Portugal - Serra da Estrela, it’s delicious food - traditional Bairrada roasted piglet, salt cod - and its healing thermal springs.
Whether you're seeking the vibrancy of urban life, the tranquility of rural settings, or the leisure of seaside living, this region offers an appealing mix of lifestyle and property options. Here’s a selection of the best places to buy property in Central Portugal.
Castelo Branco is known for its compact and captivating historical centre and the beauty of its surrounding countryside. Spend your days sipping vinho verde in one of the traditional Portuguese bars in the town square, wandering around the Jardim do Paço Episcopal (pretty Baroque gardens with fountains and a children’s play area), or cooling off at the huge outdoor pool at Piscina Praia de Castelo Branco.
There are several hospitals and medical centres dotted around the town, and school options from nursery/kindergarten to sixth form and university level. It’s a two hour drive to Lisbon airport, and less than an hour to the Spanish border.
Budget property hunters will love the affordable options here, ranging from traditional homes in the surrounding historic villages to modern apartments in the city centre.
Caldas da Rainha, a charming spa town, is famous for its thermal springs. With its bustling markets, numerous parks, and museums (dedicated to ceramics, art, sculpture and cycling), Caldas da Rainha provides a lively yet relaxed lifestyle, perfect for families and retirees alike. The proximity to some of Portugal's most beautiful beaches (15 min drive) adds to its appeal as a residential and investment destination.
There’s a hospital in town, plus various school options, the closest international school is 35 min drive away in Torres Vedras. The train station will connect you with Sintra, Leiria and Lisbon. Lisbon airport is a 55 min drive.
Caldas da Rainha offers a variety of properties, from historic homes needing restoration to contemporary apartments.
Tomar, a city rich in Templar history, is a treasure trove of medieval architecture and is known for its vibrant annual festival calendar.. The Convento de Cristo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-see for history enthusiasts. A lesser known attraction that offers hours of fun is the matchstick museum, pus there’s an outdoor pool and leisure centre.
Tomar is one hour drive from the Atlantic coast, and it’s not far from other historic towns and cities of interest such as Ourém. There is a train station that offers services to Lisbon in under 90 mins, plus a public and private hospital, and several education options, including a primary, junior high school, high schools and a polytechnic.
The city's real estate market offers a range of properties, from charming riverside homes to traditional apartments in the historic centre, with plenty of bargains on offer.
Figueira da Foz, with its expansive sandy beaches and bustling seaside promenade, offers a quintessential coastal lifestyle, if you like surfing, you’ll LOVE Figueira da Foz. With a lively cultural scene, excellent seafood restaurants (Bacalhau is prevalent here due to the presence of salt pans, there’s even a salt museum), and outdoor activities, this coastal gem is an attractive location for families and investors seeking a holiday home or rental income.
There is a public hospital and a handful of public and private medical centres in Figueira da Foz. There are several school options in the vicinity including the Leiria International School, which can be reached within a 45 min drive.
The city is a popular destination for those looking to enjoy oceanfront living, with a wide range of properties including beachfront apartments and villas.
Ferreira do Zêzere, known for its stunning lake, the Barragem do Castelo de Bode, is a haven for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.
It’s a one hour 22 min drive to Lisbon airport, and a 50 mins drive to the cultural juggernaut of Coimbra. There are a couple of medical centres in town, the nearest hospital is 20 mins away in Vila de Rei. There is a secondary school catering to years 5-12 and a bus station that will connect you with local towns and villages and Lisbon.
The area offers a tranquil rural lifestyle, with a variety of properties including quaint cottages and modern villas with breathtaking views. Ferreira do Zêzere is perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape in the heart of nature, yet within easy reach of larger urban centres.
Covilhã, situated at the foot of the Serra da Estrela, is a city with a rich industrial history and a gateway to Portugal’s highest mountain range. The city has transformed into a lively university town, offering a mix of cultural activities and outdoor adventures. Don’t miss the cheese museum, a dip in one of the area’s many pristine lake beaches, or a hike in the stunning Serra da Estrela Nature Park.
There is a hospital and two medical centres and a dozen schools in Covilhã, it’s a two hour 40 min drive to both Lisbon and Porto airports, and there is a small train station in town.
The real estate market in Covilhã is diverse, with affordable urban apartments and traditional homes in nearby villages, appealing to those drawn to mountain living and winter sports.
Fundão, nestled in the Cova da Beira region, is celebrated for its lush landscapes and cherry orchards. This small town offers a quiet, rural lifestyle with a strong sense of community. The Fundão Farmer’s Market takes place every Monday and is one of the best in the region.
Lisbon airport is a two hour 20 min drive. There is a small hospital in the town, as well as various pharmacies and a medical centre. There are schools to suit all ages, plus a train station, several outdoor pools, a leisure centre and a few pretty parks.
Property buyers can find a range of affordable options, from renovated farmhouses to new constructions, making Fundão an attractive option for those looking to enjoy the countryside's tranquility and natural beauty.
Coimbra, the region's academic heart, is renowned for its historic university and vibrant student population. The city offers a dynamic mix of cultural heritage (museums, churches and castles), modern amenities, and lively nightlife. And don’t forget the food! As well as the lively Mercado Municpal where you’ll find all the fresh produce you could ever need, there are plenty of award winning restaurants and historic cafes to choose from.
There are two train stations in Coimbra, connecting you with most of the major tourist hubs in Portugal including Lisbon and the airport. There is an international school, and dozens of Portuguese schools catering to all age groups and abilities, and there are several hospitals and healthcare centres.
Property options in Coimbra range from traditional homes in the old town to contemporary apartments, catering to a diverse demographic including students, families, and retirees.
Leiria is a picturesque riverside city with an imposing castle, that combines historical charm with the conveniences of modern living. Its proximity to the Silver Coast enhances its appeal, offering access to beautiful beaches and leisure activities practically on your doorstep. Strategically located between Lisbon and Porto, highlights include the usual fabulous mix of museums, castles and religious buildings to visit, plus there’s thermal baths, pine forests and river beaches to be enjoyed!
With a train station, schools, and a whole host of healthcare options, Leiria is well set up for convenient expat living.
Leiria offers a variety of properties, making it an attractive location for commuters and those seeking a balance between urban and rural living.
Santarém, known as the Gothic capital of Portugal, boasts beautiful architecture and panoramic views of the Tagus River, and a vibrant annual events calendar. For those who appreciate the outdoors, Santarém's surrounding countryside offers ample opportunities for activities such as hiking, cycling, and bird watching. The region is part of the Ribatejo province, known for its fertile lands and the cultivation of vines, olives, and corn, which contribute to the local cuisine's richness.
Just one hour from Lisbon, you’ll find a train station, hospital and various schooling options in Santarém, and a good sized water park.
The city's real estate market includes a range of options from historic homes in the old town to more modern developments.
Aveiro, with its picturesque canals and colorful moliceiros boats, offers a unique coastal lifestyle. The city is known for its Art Nouveau architecture, vibrant university life, and excellent seafood. The nearby beaches of Costa Nova and Barra boast some of the best surf spots in Portugal, adding to Aveiro's appeal.
Porto airport is one hour away. Cheap and frequent local trains run between Aveiro and Porto via Ovar and Espinho. There is an international school as well as several schools that offer bi-lingual learning, and there are a couple of hospitals and medical centres.
Aveiro's real estate market is diverse, with options ranging from waterfront homes to urban apartments, appealing to a wide array of buyers seeking the charm of a small coastal city with all the conveniences of urban living.
Santa Maria da Feira, renowned for its medieval castle and the lively Medieval Fair - one of Portugal’s most famous medieval festivals - is a town with a strong cultural identity. The area is blessed with lush landscapes, a rich gastronomic scene, and close proximity to Porto, allowing residents to enjoy the best of both worlds: the serenity of a smaller town and the vibrant cultural and economic opportunities of a major city. Don’t miss the Visionarium - an interactive science museum or the charming Paper Museum.
Two public and one private hospital ensures residents are well taken care of. The small train station will connect you with big cities like Porto and Lisbon, via Aveiro or Espinho. And there’s a secondary and upper school, as well as a music school in town.
Santa Maria da Feira offers a variety of property options, from traditional houses in historic neighborhoods to modern family homes in newly developed areas.
Find your sunshine for less with our carefully curated list of the latest budget properties for sale in Portugal this month.
From a four bedroom cottage in the tranquil countryside of Tomar to a charming three bedroom villa located in Amares, here are our favourite budget properties for sale in Portugal this month.
