Our favourite retirement properties in Portugal

Claire Butler

Thinking about retiring to Portugal? This month’s handpicked selection of retirement-friendly homes makes the dream more achievable than ever. From Algarve villas with sun-soaked terraces and private pools to elegant city apartments with lifts and lush gardens in quiet villages, we’ve chosen properties designed to make your golden years truly golden.

Whether you’re after coastal bliss, a vibrant expat hub, or a peaceful countryside escape, these 15 standout homes tick all the right boxes for retirement—single-level layouts, easy access to amenities, sociable communities, and plenty of space for hobbies or hosting family. We refresh this list regularly, so check back for the latest retirement-ready gems across Portugal.

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Spacious villa in a spa town surrounded by nature

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This three-bedroom villa in Unhais da Serra offers all the ingredients for a peaceful retirement: a bright living room for family visits, a kitchen with stunning mountain views, and a generous garden perfect for morning coffees, flowerbeds or a lazy afternoon in the sun. Just a short stroll away, enjoy the local thermal spa, scenic walking trails and the warm welcome of a close-knit village community—ideal for making new friends and embracing a slower pace of life.

 

Price: €130,000
Location: Covilhã, Castelo Branco
Special features: Three bedrooms, sunny garden, bright attic for hobbies or guests, large warehouse for storage
Close to: Unhais da Serra Thermal Spa, Serra da Estrela Natural Park, local cafés and restaurants, Covilhã (20 mins)

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Charming riverside villa with panoramic views

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This beautifully renovated one-bedroom villa in Guerreiros do Rio is perfect for a tranquil retirement by the water. Imagine enjoying your morning coffee on the terrace as the Guadiana River sparkles in the sunlight, or strolling to the riverside promenade to chat with friendly locals. With its traditional Algarve design and modern comforts like air conditioning and a well-equipped kitchen, it’s a cosy, low-maintenance home where you can spend your days exploring nearby walking trails, visiting charming villages, or simply relaxing in the warmth of the Algarve sun.

 

Price: €149,500
Location: Alcoutim, Faro
Special features: Traditional Algarve architecture, air conditioning, riverside location, fully furnished
Close to: Riverside cafés and shops, Alcoutim village (10 mins), sandy beaches at Castro Marim (30 mins), Guadiana River crossing to Spain

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Two charming village houses with sun-filled outdoor spaces

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Set in the peaceful village of São Martinho das Amoreiras, this delightful pair of fully furnished houses offers the perfect setting for a relaxed retirement. With two bedrooms and cosy fireplaces, there’s space to host family or friends, pursue hobbies, or simply enjoy quiet days in the garden with a book. Surrounded by beautiful Alentejo countryside, you can spend your mornings strolling to local cafés, afternoons exploring riverside trails, and evenings dining al fresco under the stars. And with the west coast’s sandy beaches just a short drive away, seaside adventures are always within reach.

 

Price: €165,000
Location: Odemira, Beja
Special features: Two fully furnished village houses, sunny patios, cosy fireplaces, ideal for hosting visitors
Close to: Local cafés and shops, rivers and wild swimming spots, 45 km to west coast beaches, 12 km to train station

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Single-level Alentejo villa designed for easy living

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This spacious three-bedroom villa in Mértola offers the perfect combination of modern comfort and timeless Alentejo charm. With everything arranged on one level, it’s ideal for a relaxed retirement—whether you’re entertaining family in the open-plan kitchen and living area or enjoying long lunches on the sunny terrace. High ceilings and wide hallways give a sense of space and accessibility, while built-in storage keeps life clutter-free. Just minutes from Mértola’s historic centre and surrounded by tranquil countryside, this is a home where you can truly slow down and savour each day.

 

Price: €225,000
Location: Mértola, Beja
Special features: Single-level layout, wheelchair accessible, open-plan living, sunny terrace, ensuite master bedroom
Close to: Mértola town centre, Guadiana River, local cafés and markets, 50 mins to Algarve beaches

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Elegant villa with fruit trees and sunroom near Alcobaça

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This spacious four-bedroom villa in a quiet neighbourhood of Alcobaça offers a wonderful setting for retirement living. Enjoy relaxing mornings in the sunroom with a view of the garden, long lunches with family in the large dining room, and afternoons strolling among your own fruit trees. With a garage, wine cellar, air conditioning and automatic gates, this home combines comfort and practicality. Just minutes from Alcobaça’s charming centre, it’s perfect for retirees seeking space, serenity, and the joy of Portuguese village life.

 

Price: €239,000
Location: Aljubarrota, Leiria
Special features: Sunroom, fruit trees, wine cellar, air conditioning, garage
Close to: Alcobaça town centre, local shops and cafés, 20 mins to Nazaré beach, 1 hr 20 mins to Lisbon Airport

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Bright Algarve apartment with pool and marina access

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This charming two-bedroom apartment in Vilamoura is the perfect base for a sun-soaked retirement. Set in a private condominium with a pool and beautifully kept gardens, it’s made for relaxing days under the Algarve sky. Stroll to the marina for morning coffee or an evening meal by the water, or enjoy a round of golf just minutes from your door. With its light-filled interiors and open-plan living space, this apartment makes everyday life feel like a holiday.

 

Price: €250,000
Location: Vilamoura, Faro
Special features: Pool, private gardens, open-plan layout, built-in wardrobes, light-filled rooms
Close to: Vilamoura Marina (walking distance), beaches (4 km), golf courses (3 km), Faro Airport (24 km)

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Rustic granite home with garden and peaceful forest views

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This beautifully restored three-bedroom house in Paredes de Coura offers all the space and comfort you need for a fulfilling retirement. With a sunny vegetable garden, a cosy porch for morning coffees, and a DIY workshop for hobbies, it’s perfect for those ready to embrace a slower pace of life. The tranquil setting offers views of lush pastures and forest, with the Corno de Bico nature reserve just moments away—ideal for gentle walks and spotting local wildlife.

 

Price: €325,000
Location: Paredes de Coura, Viana do Castelo
Special features: Granite construction, vegetable garden, cosy porch, workshop, garage for 2 vehicles, own water supply plus mains
Close to: Corno de Bico Protected Landscape, Paredes de Coura town centre (7 km), local cafés and shops

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Spacious single-level villa with gardens near the coast

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This elegant four-bedroom villa in Marinha Grande offers a wonderful blend of peace, space and convenience. Set on a generous 18,000m² plot, it’s perfect for enjoying nature, gardening, or simply relaxing on the sunny patio. Inside, the bright open-plan living area flows easily into the garden—ideal for entertaining family and friends. With quiet beaches just five minutes away and everyday amenities close at hand, it’s a perfect home for those seeking a relaxed and sociable retirement in Central Portugal.

 

Price: €350,000
Location: Marinha Grande, Leiria
Special features: Single-level layout, front and rear gardens, spacious garage for 3 cars, central heating, peaceful residential area
Close to: Vieira and São Pedro de Moel beaches (5 mins), bakeries, cafés, Marinha Grande town centre, 1 hr 30 mins to Lisbon Airport

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Tranquil Algarve villa with gardens just 10 minutes from the coast

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This bright and airy single-level villa near Olhão is a dream setting for a relaxed retirement. With three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a spacious kitchen opening to the garden and terrace, it’s designed for easy, comfortable living. Enjoy sunny days tending your private garden or dining al fresco with countryside views. Modern features like air conditioning, solar panels and fibre-optic internet make year-round life a breeze. Just minutes from local shops, restaurants, golf courses and sandy beaches, it’s the perfect place to slow down and savour the Algarve’s sunshine and charm.

 

Price: €395,000
Location: Olhão, Faro
Special features: Single-level design, air conditioning, solar panels, private fenced garden, parking
Close to: Local shops and restaurants (5 mins), golf courses (15 mins), beaches (10 mins), Faro Airport (20 km)

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Luxury Algarve apartment with pool, gym and sun-soaked balcony

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This modern two-bedroom apartment in central Lagos offers the perfect combination of style, convenience and leisure. Located in a private condominium, it comes with access to an indoor heated pool, gym, sauna, Turkish bath, and landscaped gardens—ideal for staying active and relaxed all year round. The bright living space opens to a spacious west-facing balcony with a built-in barbecue, perfect for al fresco meals and afternoon sun. With golf courses and golden beaches just minutes away, and Lagos’ charming marina and historic centre within walking distance, this is an idyllic home for a vibrant, sun-filled retirement.

 

Price: €429,000
Location: Lagos, Faro
Special features: Heated pool, gym, sauna, private garage parking, air conditioning, spacious balcony with barbecue
Close to: Lagos Marina (10 mins walk), historic centre (10 mins walk), beaches and golf (10 mins drive), Faro Airport (1 hr)

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Charming Algarve cottage with pool and countryside views

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This delightful two-bedroom villa near Loulé offers the perfect blend of comfort and tranquillity for a relaxed retirement. Surrounded by olive, carob and oak trees, you can spend sunny afternoons on the covered terrace or enjoy a swim in the private pool with sweeping countryside views. The cosy interior features cane and beam ceilings, a fireplace for cooler evenings, and a bright kitchen with breakfast area. Just minutes from a golf course, local village shops and the vibrant market town of Loulé, this is a peaceful retreat with all the Algarve’s pleasures close at hand.

 

Price: €530,000
Location: Loulé, Faro
Special features: Private pool with terrace, covered veranda for al fresco dining, fireplace, carport, quiet setting
Close to: Golf course (5 mins), local village, Loulé market town (10 mins), Algarve beaches (20 mins), Faro Airport (25 mins)

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Luxury Algarve apartment with private rooftop and pools

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This elegant two-bedroom apartment in the prestigious Palmyra condominium at Vila Sol offers everything you need for a relaxed, sun-filled retirement. Start your mornings on your private rooftop terrace, soaking up the views over lush gardens, and spend your afternoons swimming in one of four beautifully maintained pools or strolling around the landscaped grounds. With a light-filled living room, a cosy fireplace for cooler evenings, and two spacious bedrooms (including an en suite), it’s designed for comfort and style. Secure underground parking, 24-hour security, and proximity to golf, beaches, and local restaurants make this the perfect Algarve retreat.

 

Price: €575,000
Location: Quarteira, Faro
Special features: Private 34 m² rooftop terrace, 4 pools, landscaped gardens, fireplace, underground parking for 2 cars
Close to: Vila Sol Golf Course, Quarteira beaches (10 mins), Vilamoura Marina (10 mins), Faro Airport (20 mins)

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Algarve farmhouse retreat with guest apartment and panoramic views

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This charming three-bedroom villa near Estoi is the perfect blend of country serenity and modern comfort. Set on over 34,000m² of private land, it features a saltwater pool, landscaped gardens with fruit trees, and breathtaking views stretching from Olhão to Faro. The main house offers bright, open living spaces, cosy wood-burning stoves, and a large terrace with an outdoor kitchen for sunny al fresco meals. Two annexes—including a fully self-contained apartment—are ideal for hosting visiting family or friends. With solar panels, mature gardens, and a vegetable patch, this is a ready-made haven for retirees seeking space, privacy, and a relaxed Algarve lifestyle.

 

Price: €650,000
Location: Estoi, Faro
Special features: Self-contained guest apartment, saltwater pool, solar power, outdoor kitchen, 2.500m² fenced garden
Close to: Local café and mini-market (600 m), Estoi (3 km), beaches (12 km), Faro Airport (15 km)

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Contemporary Algarve villa with pool and rooftop terrace

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This elegant three-bedroom villa in Aldeia de Marim blends luxury with ease—perfect for a sun-filled retirement by the coast. Just a five-minute stroll from Praia dos Cavacos and the Olhão-Fuzeta eco-trail, it offers a relaxed lifestyle with beaches, markets and cafés close at hand. Inside, bright open-plan living spaces flow seamlessly to the private pool and terraces, ideal for al fresco dining and entertaining visiting family or friends. The master suite boasts its own terrace with Ria Formosa views, while the expansive rooftop invites sunset drinks or gentle yoga with a sea breeze. With air conditioning, heated bathroom floors and solar panels, comfort is guaranteed all year round.

 

Price: €750,000
Location: Olhão, Faro
Special features: Private pool, rooftop terrace with 360° views, heated bathroom floors, solar panels, secure parking for 2 cars
Close to: Praia dos Cavacos (5 mins walk), Olhão town (5 mins), Tavira (20 mins), Faro Airport (25 mins)

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Elegant Sintra villa with pool in exclusive Quinta da Beloura

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This four-bedroom villa in Quinta da Beloura offers a rare mix of sophistication and comfort—perfect for retirees seeking a vibrant yet peaceful lifestyle. Fully renovated in 2019, the home boasts spacious living areas with garden and pool views, a private wine cellar, and a beautifully landscaped garden with a barbecue and wood oven for memorable family gatherings. Four en-suite bedrooms provide plenty of space for visiting guests, while the basement lounge is ideal as a home cinema or hobby space. With access to golf courses, a riding arena, gyms, and international schools within the gated community, plus Lisbon and Cascais just minutes away, this is the perfect retreat for a sun-soaked, cosmopolitan retirement.

 

Price: €1,650,000
Location: Sintra, Lisbon Region
Special features: Private pool, garden with BBQ and wood oven, wine cellar, four en-suite bedrooms, garage for 2 cars
Close to: Quinta da Beloura golf and amenities, Cascais (15 mins), Lisbon (30 mins), Lisbon Airport (35 mins)

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