Another walled gem is Evora, about 2 hours south of Lisbon, says Bathurst. “Historically, Evora was a major trading and religious centre contained within the city’s ancient walls. These days it is a young and vibrant city, with a large student population attending one of the world’s oldest universities.” The city is surrounded by the wine region of Alentejo, known for its vineyards, olive groves, fortified towns and traditional villages. She says, “This city has a warm climate, great wine and fine restaurants. The cobbled streets are charming and overlooked by an impressive, colourful cathedral that offers fantastic views of the surrounding wine region, it’s a real gem.”
“Evora has some excellent property opportunities from delightful new townhouses to refurbished places and vineyards in the Alentejo wine region. The area also falls within the low-density rehabilitation criteria for Golden Visa, meaning that there are Golden Visa opportunities from only €280,000.
Another walled city is Portuguese Lagos, situated on the Western side of the Algarve. Lagos is a mecca for outdoor sports especially known for its surfing and mountain biking. It also offers wonderful cultural attractions and a well-preserved old town with town walls dating back to the 16th century, says Bathurst. “The old town is full of beautiful, colourful architecture,” says Bathurst. “There is no shortage of churches but one of the most interesting is the Capela dos Ossos (the Chapel of Bones), at the Church of San Sebastian. The marina is the town’s social hub, with a throng of bars, restaurants and shops. The area is famous for its beaches, the best on the Algarve, it’s great for swimming and kayaking as you search for orcas, dolphins and whales,” she says.
“There is a huge variety of property in Lagos, says Bathurst. “From central historical townhouses to villas and modern apartments. The area is popular for holiday rentals which, though seasonal, can earn good annual yields. It’s also popular with lifestyle retirees looking for sailing, relaxation and golf. Some resorts offer guaranteed returns,” she says.
Walled cities, especially these three in Portugal offer good value for South Africans looking to diversify their wealth portfolio with international property. Hurst & Wills offers personalised advice and, thanks to our experience in the market, can assist anyone looking to purchase property abroad.
