Portugal is fast becoming a hugely popular destination for anyone looking to buy a place in the sun. With house prices in Portugal roughly a quarter of home prices in California, celebrities are also following suit, buying and renting properties all over Portugal. So, if you’re considering moving to Portugal in the future, know that you’ll be in good company.
Celebrities with real estate in Portugal
Madonna
If you’re a big fan of the ‘Material Girl’ singer, you’ll be excited to know that Madonna is the owner of a beautiful home in Lisbon. The property, which was reportedly bought for around $7.5 million, is an 18th-century Moorish Revival mansion.
The queen of pop calls this 16,146-square-foot house her home for most of the year. This was also where Madge and her family chose to spend the lockdown period in 2020 and 2021.
Many believe that her decision to buy property in Lisbon was influenced by her son David’s developing football career. The youngster is a talented player and was for a time part of Benfica’s junior team.
View this post on Instagram
Scarlett Johansson
The American actress fell in love with Lisbon a few years ago and decided to buy an apartment in the stunning Príncipe Real neighborhood. Local estate agents believe that the beautiful three-bedroom flat was sold for around $1.6 million.
It is easy to see why Johansson chose the upmarket Príncipe Real district. This central neighborhood is filled with lush gardens, colorful 19th Century mansions and hip bars and restaurants. It is also home to one of the most exciting selection of stores in Portugal.
John Malkovich
Emmy Award-winning actor John Malkovich has deep ties running in Portugal. From financing film development projects to investing a sprawling luxury nightclub, he has found both a home and business opportunities in the country. Malkovich also owns a trendy restaurant set on the dock at Santa Apolónia in Lisbon. According to him, he loves the country’s unique architecture, bright colors and beautiful landscapes with rolling hills and rivers.
Garrett McNamara
In 2011, Garrett McNamara, American big-wave surfer, beat the world record by surfing the largest wave ever surfed. This incredible event took place in Nazaré in Portugal.
During his experience, McNamara fell in love with the small coastal town with its mild climate and natural beauty. This placed Nazaré on the map not only as a mandatory stop for surfers to test their skill but for tourists from all over the world to witness the incredibly large waves.
McNamara eventually retired to the beautiful city of Sintra. There he settled with his family to take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere, dynamic culture and security of the Portuguese territory.
Chris Evans
Captain America star Chris Evans is dating Portuguese actress Alba Baptista and has been visiting her regularly throughout 2022. During the early days of their romance, Evans frequented some hotels in the city, but it is rumored that he now rents an apartment in Lisbon. He is often spotted on the streets of the bustling city.
According to close friends of the actor, Evans sees himself settling down and starting a family. His destination of choice might just be Lisbon or some other part of Portugal.
Which areas of Portugal are most sought-after by celebrities?
Two of the most popular regions for celebrities looking for properties are Lisbon and the Algarve. In Lisbon specifically, the municipal district of Santa Maria Maior, including the neighborhoods of Baixa and Chiado, is one of the most sought-after (but expensive) places to buy property. Properties cost on average €700 per square foot or more. Property in these areas is highly valued, and prices are still increasing.
In the Algarve, it is the Portimão and Albufeira areas that are most popular among celebrities who bought or rent homes in Portugal. These coastal areas are close to some of the best casinos, shops and restaurants. The areas also allow those with boats and yachts to dock in a beautiful port.
Other popular areas in the Algarve include Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago and Almancil. These areas form what is called the Golden Triangle and are known for their luxurious homes along the coast.
Why are more celebrities moving to Portugal?
In recent years, Portugal has enjoyed an increasing demand in the luxury real estate property market and there are many celebrities who own or rent properties in Portugal. However, the taste of celebrities for the country is not a completely new trend. In the 1960s, The Beatles often visited the Algarve. Formula One driver Ayrton Senna also chose this region to live until his death in 1994.
The top reasons why celebrities are moving to Portugal from the US include the sunny weather, the peaceful and safe lifestyle, and the rich and hip cultural life. Celebrities with kids are also choosing Portugal because the country offers such a family-friendly lifestyle.
Living in Portugal in good company
Many celebrities are already living in Portugal and increasingly more famous people are buying houses for sale in the country. If you’re considering making the move to this peaceful and culturally rich European corner, be sure to make mental notes of where the stars hang out to eat, drink and stay to experience some of the best spots the country has to offer.
