Best Places to Find Farms for Sale in Portugal

Sitting back in the Portuguese countryside, with a glass of vinho verde (Portuguese green wine), some freshly baked bread, and perhaps some local queijo (cheese). If you are looking past the modern city apartment or beach villa, have you considered looking into farms for sale in Portugal?

Now more than ever, we are opting for some peace and quiet and to get out of the hustle and bustle of city life. This is exemplified by the digital nomad phenomena, which has really become a force to be reckoned with in the past few years. It is now increasingly possible to work from just about anywhere in the world, given that you have a stable Wi-Fi connection.

Why not, then, escape to the heart of the Portuguese countryside and invest in a charming farm or rural house? In this article, we will discuss some key reasons to consider buying a farm in Portugal and provide some insights into the types of farms on the market. Following this, we’ll delve into the practicalities of buying a farm in Portugal before running over some of the best areas in the country to own a farm.

Types of Farms in Portugal

Portugal’s agricultural scene is very varied, from vineyards to olive groves and from a range of soil conditions, climate, and topography. As the basis of Portugal’s incredible cuisine, it should be no surprise that the country excels in food production, with the largest sectors being in the production of wine, fruits and vegetables, olive oil, cereals, pigmeat, and poultry.

Range of farm types

If you are looking to buy a farm in Portugal, you’ll be able to find vineyards, fruit orchards, olive groves, rural holiday cottages, livestock farms, mixed-use farms, and other farm types available in a range of sizes and in different parts of the country. Agriculture land for sale in Portugal will allow you to capitalize on Portugal’s incredible climate to grow some excellent produce. Bear in mind that certain parts of the country are better for producing certain products; for example, the Alentejo region accounts for 50 percent of olive oil production and is a top region for fruit and vegetable production, while Ribatejo, in the northern Alentejo, is great for livestock farming.

Rural tourism

Given Portugal’s continued popularity amongst tourists and expats, rural tourism could be a lucrative venture for investors. Options for rural tourism can include a blend of authentic agriculture practices and authentic farm stays. Visitors can immerse themselves in the country’s picturesque landscapes, engaging in hands-on agricultural experiences (such as learning about the winemaking process, exploring local traditions, and culinary tours) and savoring local flavors. Learning about produce from source to table is an immersive experience that more and more tourists are looking to uncover, to experience a genuine connection with nature and traditional practices.

There are many locations in Portugal where eco-tourism and wellness centers are likely to increase in popularity in recent years, such as the Douro Valley, the Alentejo, and the Silver Coast.

A wide range of options

Should you be looking for a small farmhouse and only want to grow small amounts of produce – perhaps just for you and your family – you’ll find several options across the country. If located in a rural area, you will probably be pleasantly surprised by the affordability of properties on offer.

So, whether you want a living room overlooking green rolling hills or a cozy abode to move to with your family, you’ll find several options available to you.

Best Areas to Look for Farms for Sale in Portugal

Rural Portugal is often overlooked in favor of the 1,794 km coastline. However, exploring the heart of the country is a delight. From the green rolling hills of the Alentejo to the hidden gems in North Portugal, the countryside of Portugal is simply stunning.

Whether you are looking to move to Portugal for a calm and unique experience, to get away from the busy life back home, to be more in touch with nature, or simply for a change of scenery, Portugal is a good point of call.

The Alentejo

The “Bread Basket of Portugal”, the Alentejo, is the beautiful beating heart of the country. The Alentejo is defined within Portugal as the land that borders the Tagus River at its northernmost point, down until you reach the Algarve on its southern border.

The Alentejo is a favorite with Portuguese locals as a holiday destination and is often overlooked by expats. The area is characterized by its rolling hills, picturesque horizons, and field-after-field of produce. The Alentejo experiences the warmest temperatures in the summer but also some of the coldest in the winter. However, many modern farmhouses are equipped with private pools to cool down in the summer months or roaring fires to keep cozy through the coldest nights. And you don’t have to give up ocean views, you’ll also find properties here by the coast that offer sublime sea views.

Tranquility and calm are what you will find in the Alentejo. Here, the old ways of life are still very much visible, creating an easy-going ambiance. An added bonus is that some of the very best wines are produced here.

Where would a person from Portugal buy a property? Well, a safe answer may be the Alentejo. What could be more appealing than sipping on some vinho tinto (red wine) and tucking into some fresh Portuguese delicacies whilst overlooking the vineyards and fertile lands where your food has been produced? Yes, you may just find your dream home here, nestled in the heart of the Portuguese countryside.

You can find out more about this charming part of Portugal in our article: Alentejo Portugal Real Estate Guide.

Santarém

A short one-hour drive north of Lisbon, you have Santarém. Continually favored by Portuguese monarchs, intense trading during the Middle Ages gave Santarém a period of great socio-economic development. The buildings and monuments still provide a window into Portugal’s history.

With beautiful countryside not far from the coast, Santarém offers a great climate all year round and some beautiful properties. The proximity to Lisbon and the Lisbon Coast makes it an excellent location, plus the Silver Coast is also easy to get to, with many charming towns lining the west coast of Portugal. You will find many farms and properties here that come with a swimming pool, perfect for those hot summer nights.

The North

North Portugal l offers a window into a life that has yet to adapt to modern realities. Here, you will find locals retaining the traditional ways of life in the heart of the countryside. Properties in North Portugal are also amongst the most affordable in the country.

Close to Porto and historic cities, such as Braga and Guimarães, North Portugal has ample to offer. Property close to Castelo Branco could also be an affordable option. Also, if you are looking for vineyards in Portugal, there are many wineries and vineyards in the north to explore.

Below are three exceptional regions known for their wine production and natural beauty. If you are looking for vineyards for sale in Portugal, you should consider these locations.

Douro Valley

The Douro region in North Portugal is one of the country’s greatest attributes. Wine lovers may already be well acquainted with the name, as it is where the full-bodied Douro wines are lovingly crafted. However, if you are looking to buy a property in this region, you’ll find quaint little villages, rolling green hills, and drop-dead stunning landscapes.

Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia are part of the Douro and sit at the mouth of the Douro River. However, as you move further inland, you’ll find property prices decrease while the beauty of the natural landscape becomes even more apparent.

If you head north from the Douro Valley, Trás-os-Montes is also a top location to consider, close to the Spanish border, where you should be able to secure a farm at a very affordable price. North Portugal is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes and is only now getting the wide acclaim that it deserves. Vila Real and properties close to Braga are also good options to consider.

You can find out more in our article: Complete Douro Real Estate Guide 2024.

Viseu and the Dão region

Investing in a farm in Viseu and the Dão region of Portugal can be a wise choice due to its stunning natural landscapes, strong potential for wine production, diverse agricultural prospects, laid-back way of life, promising investment opportunities, and exceptional quality of life.

Moreover, it provides cost-effective living, whereby you should be able to find a traditional-style home at an affordable price.

Our article on Viseu, Portugal, real estate can provide you with more information on the perks of living in this charming area.

Alto Minho

The northernmost wine region in Portugal is Minho, recognized primarily for its signature wine style: The refreshing and light white Vinho Verde.

Located between Porto and the Spanish border, if you’re looking for a part of Portugal where you’ll come across a lovely home in a quiet village or a large farm with equestrian facilities at an affordable price, then you may find it here.

This is a relatively unexplored part of the country, meaning that property prices will be lower than in other parts of Portugal. If you are looking for an affordable part of the country to purchase property, Alto Minho could be an excellent option.

Silver Coast

While a coastal region of Portugal, the Silver Coast still envelops part of the interior of Portugal. If you are looking for sublime countryside and natural beauty that is also not too far from the coast, consider the Silver Coast. Proximity to both Lisbon and Porto are other key selling points to buying here.

Combining the natural beauty of the countryside, sweeping views of the Atlantic, and the possibility of getting to the two largest cities in a couple of hours, living on the Silver Coast is, in many ways, the perfect location.

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.