Updated: October 31, 2024
There are some things in life that make the good, great. That makes the excellent, extraordinary. And a property in Portugal with a pool certainly falls under this category. It’s the cherry on top that will elevate your property to the next level – whether you are seeking a property to relocate to, own as a vacation property, or are seeking a smart investment move, buying a property with a pool is next level.
In this article, Villa with Pool Portugal: An Overview of the Very Best Locations, we do exactly what it says on the tin. We’ll provide a complete rundown of the top spots in the country to consider, before delving into property types, and amenities and features of these properties.
Why Choose a Villa with a Pool in Portugal?
Owning a villa with a pool in Portugal is, in many ways, the ultimate way to experience living in the country. Given the sublime climate, having a pool that you can dip into throughout the year means you can relax and keep healthy in style.
Plus, from an investment perspective, the resale value of the property will be greater for properties that come with a pool, meaning that when purchasing a proeprty with a pool, you are making a long-term, and profitable, investment.
Best Locations in Portugal for Villas with a Pool
From the north to the south of Portugal, you’ll find spectacular properties that come with a swimming pool. Buying property in Portugal attracts expats and property investors from across the globe. While the south of the country is often favored, given its sublime climate, be sure to consider your options carefully. In this section of our Villa with Pool Portugal: An Overview of the Very Best Locations, we delve into some of our favorite parts of the county that should certainly be on your radar.
Algarve
There really was nowhere else to begin our overview of the best locations than with the Algarve, situated in southern Portugal. Well-known as being one of the standout holiday regions in Europe, the Algarve has fast become a top relocation spot, with expats from all walks of life setting their sights on relocating here. With world-class golf courses, endless sandy beaches, and a high quality of life guaranteed, it’s difficult to strike the Algarve off your list of regions to relocate to in Portugal.
Across the region, you will find stunning properties that come with beautiful sea views and are ideally located close to all the amenities you will need. The Algarve can be conveniently split into three main areas, which we provide a brief overview of below.
Central Algarve
The Central Algarve, home to the exclusive Golden Triangle of Almancil, Vale do Lobo, and Quinta do Lago, is where you will find properties that come with the highest price tag. Think luxury villas with all the amenities that you could wish for, stunning ocean vistas, and fine dining experiences.
Vilamoura, Portimão, and the capital of the Algarve, Faro, are also top locations to consider in the Central Algarve, where you’ll easily be able to get around the entire region. Faro Airport also makes it very easy for international travel, while Vilamoura is a standout location in Portugal as the Vilamoura Marina has been acclaimed as the best marina in the world multiple times by The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) and the British Marine Federation.
Western Algarve
In the Western Algarve, the standout city is Lagos, a firm favorite with nature lovers given the outrageous landscapes you’ll find here – such as the Benagil Caves and Ponte de Piedade – and the pristine beaches lining the coast, such as the lovely Praia da Luz. Further west still is Sagres, a quieter, more authentic spot where keen surfers can be seen testing their mettle throughout the year, given the excellent waves there. The Western Algarve, in general, is a top spot for watersport fanatics.
Eastern Algarve
The Eastern Algarve is arguably the most authentic part of the Algarve region, where you have charming cities, such as Tavira, with its whitewashed homes with blue façades and where the local lifestyle still permeates through daily life. The stunning Ria Formosa Natural Park can also be found here, in between Tavira and Faro, worth a visit to the Algarve in its own right.
Lisbon Coast
Lisbon, the cosmopolitan capital of Portugal, remains a breath of fresh air for foreign nationals and investors seeking a beautiful European city that manages to strike the perfect balance between modernity and tradition.
There is always something to do in Lisbon, whether you are into visiting new art exhibitions or museums or prefer to delight in the heady gastronomy of the capital – which is continually evolving, with international restaurants now rubbing shoulders with more traditional eateries.
For villas with pools close to the capital, your best bet is to cast your eye over properties on the Portuguese Riviera, the stretch of coastline between Lisbon and Cascais. Here, you will find spacious properties, many of which come with a swimming pool. Cascais is a top location to consider, a quaint seaside town that has been attracting celebrities and lifestyle buyers for countless years, as is Sintra, to the north of Cascais, where none other than Madonna purchased a stunning property a few years ago.
With close proximity to top international schools – there are 13 in the Cascais-Estoril catchment area, and a further 7 in the Greater Lisbon Area, plus 8 in Lisbon city itself, the Lisbon Coast is a top location to consider for families looking to relocate to Portugal.
Other Regions
While Lisbon and the Algarve are the two best-known spots to find a villa with a pool in Portugal, there are many other locations to consider, from northern Portugal to the autonomous islands of Madeira and the Azores.
Porto and Northern Portugal
Porto, the second largest city in Porto, should not be overlooked for lovers of culture and history who prefer a slightly milder climate when compared with southern Portugal.
You will be able to find stunning properties across the region that come with a pool, but one of the very best regions to consider is the Douro Valley, home to some of the most famous wines in Europe.
Properties close to the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães could also prove to be delightful homes, where the average price of properties is also quite a bit cheaper than in Lisbon or Porto. If you are seeking a cheap house with a pool in Portugal, then be sure to look outside the hotspot locations.
South West
The South West of Portugal has become highly sought after by foreign buyers and investors in recent years, particularly close to Comporta. Comporta, known as the “Hamptons of Europe,” is now the proud home of top international designers, including Christian Louboutin, the French fashion designer, and Monica Bellucci, the Italian actress and model.
Nearby Melides, where you’ll find luxury villas blending effortlessly into the natural landscapes, and Tróia, slightly further north, are also top locations to consider. Just about an hour south of Lisbon, Comporta is a top spot for foreign buyers and investors looking for something special in the heart of nature with close proximity to tucked-away beaches and fine dining experiences.
The Silver Coast
Should you be on the hunt for an authentic Portuguese experience in a peaceful area of the country, check out the Silver Coast (Costa da Prata), the stretch of coastline that has Lisbon to the south and Porto to the north.
Home to stunning beaches, such as Porto de Mos beach, and quaint towns, such as Nazaré (known for its huge waves that attract the best surfers in the world), Ericeira (a charming town with blue whitewashed houses with blue façades and laid-back vibe), and Caldas da Rainha (beloved by Portuguese royalty in the past, due to the healing powers of the waters here), we recommend spending some time exploring which town here could be the right place for you.
Madeira and the Azores
The autonomous islands of Madeira and the Azores are starkly different but are each compelling in their own way. While the Azores is less developed, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world – we promise you, the captivating, green rolling hills and pristine lakes, such as Lagoa das Sete Cidades (the Lake of the Seven Cities) is worth the flight itself.
Madeira, known for its permanently optimal climate and unique flora and fauna, promises a wide array of properties with swimming pools, many of which come with sweeping ocean views. Funchal, the capital, is the most built-up location with fine dining restaurants and five-star hotels.
Types of Villas with a Pool in Portugal
You’ll find a wide selection of villas in Portugal with private pool. Many of the properties in the coastal areas of the county are just a short walk away from beautiful beaches.
In this section of our Villa with Pool Portugal: An Overview of the Very Best Locations, we provide you with a brief rundown of some of the most common villa types. Whether you are seeking a five bedroom villa or a smaller property, Portugal can step up to the mark and deliver.
Beach villas
With its 1,794 km coastline, it’s not a surprise that you can discover an array of fabulous beach villas in Portugal, perfect for those seeking holiday homes or for those seeking to relocate permanently. Many villas are just a few minutes from the golden sands of one of the many beaches in the country, where you’ll be blessed with sweeping ocean views every day.
Golf villas
There are more than 75 world-class golf courses in Portugal, with more than 30 in the Algarve region. This makes the country and southern Portugal, in particular, immensely popular with golf enthusiasts. Some of the best golf courses in the country include Oitavos Dunes, close to Cascais, Tróia Golf, close to Tróia; and Dom Pedro Old Course Golf Club in the Algarve. You’ll find some of the finest properties in the country within striking distance of exceptional golf courses.
Countryside villas
If you are looking for a quiet area in Portugal, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and where you can fully appreciate the true beauty of Portugal’s natural landscapes, opting for a countryside villa can be the way to go. You’ll find stunning properties in the north of the country, in Central Portugal – for example, close to Santarém, just over an hour away from Lisbon – in the Alentejo, and the Algarve.
The interior of Portugal is beginning to become increasingly popular as tourists and expats look to explore the stunning landscapes of the country, with wellness centers and eco-tourism becoming increasingly sought-after.
Villa resorts and condominiums
You’ll find many villa resorts and condominiums in Portugal, particularly in the Algarve region. This property type is perfect for those seeking to have all the amenities and facilities that they could want close at hand, with many condos coming with a tennis court, swimming pool, and restaurants just a few minutes away.
Portugal Villas with Pool: Amenities and Feature
Properties with private pools are common in Portugal, perhaps unsurprising given the incredible climate that makes residents and holidaymakers want to enjoy the 300 days plus of sunshine each year.
Below, we share some of the amenities and features that you can expect to find in a property with a private pool in Portugal.
- Outdoor lounge area: Many properties in Portugal will have shaded terraces, sunbeds, and a BBQ area to make the most of life outside. Alongside this, many will come with beautiful gardens where you can find herb gardens and plant species that thrive in the Portuguese climate, such as orange and lemon trees.
- Private parking: Many properties will have garages or private parking to ensure a secure place to keep your car.
- Air conditioning: As it can get quite hot in the summer months, many properties will have air conditioning and, for the winter months, heating systems.
- Games room: Many properties, particularly the more luxurious ones, will have a games room, a spacious dining area for entertaining guests, and other amenities.
- Security features: Many properties will have the latest security systems, ensuring privacy and safety.
Whether you are seeking villas in Portugal with private pool to have a family holiday home or are considering relocating to Portugal, there are a wide array of splendid properties in the country. Should you want to be within walking distance of one of the many captivating beaches in the country, or if your ideal retreat is closer to the heart of the city, you’ll find the property that fits your requirements.
Goldcrest: How We Can Help You
Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that is based in Lisbon. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property through to property acquisition, we have you covered throughout the process.
If you are looking to purchase property in Portugal, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of skilled experts is available to solve all your real estate doubts, helping you with the property search and offering insightful expertise and strategic advice.
Why choose Goldcrest?
- Local knowledge: With offices located across Portugal, our presence nationwide allows us to assist you personally across the country.
- Independent service: As an independent buying agent, we do not represent any development or project. Our service is entirely tailored toward each individual client, providing you with everything you need to secure the perfect property at the best possible price. As an impartial advisor on the market, we work solely on behalf of our client and provide a service tailored to your needs and requirements.
- Streamlined process: Our real estate agents speak English and Portuguese, and our service is completely focused on providing you with a hassle-free buying experience, saving you time.
- Experienced team: Our expert real estate team has a vast local knowledge of the Portuguese property market. We have cutting-edge technology and metasearch tools at your disposal to provide full market coverage, ensuring the best investment choices and negotiated prices.
- Network of partners: We have a close network of partners, including lawyers, property management services, builders, architects, designers, and landscape gardeners, again saving you time and hassle by providing you with trusted experts in their field of work.
Frequently Asked Questions about Villas with a Pool in Portugal
Is it expensive to maintain a pool in Portugal?
Maintenance costs for a pool in Portugal will range depending on the size of the pool but expect to pay between €80 and €110 per month.
Are there villas with indoor pools in Portugal?
Those looking for the perfect family holiday home or looking to relocate more permanently will find a wide selection of properties with both indoor and outdoor pools.
Can I find eco-friendly villas with pools in Portugal?
Yes, eco-friendly villas with pools are available in Portugal and are becoming increasingly popular. These properties are often constructed with sustainable materials, have solar panels, and focus on boosting energy efficiency and energy-saving techniques, for example when it comes to heating and air conditioning.
What should I consider regarding pool safety in Portugal?
Pool safety in Portugal should include installing fences, using pool covers, and ensuring non-slip surfaces around the pool. Always double check child-proofing measures and consider adding safety equipment like alarms for extra protection.
How to find a villa with a pool in Portugal?
The initial step is to commit to research. Do an online search for “villa in Portugal with pool”, “Portugal villa with pool”, or “villa in Portugal with private pool” to get an overview of the market, including property types and ballpoint property prices. Following this, get in touch with an experienced real estate professional who will be able to assist you with the purchase, narrowing down the location, and assisting with negotiation, to ensure you secure your ideal property at the best possible price.