For many years, buying property in the Algarve has been closely associated with proximity to the sea, beaches, and coastal towns. But as prices continue to rise in some of the most sought-after areas, more buyers are starting to consider the Algarve countryside as an alternative. With more space, a quieter pace of life and closer ties to nature, rural properties in the Algarve are attracting growing interest from those looking to buy a home in the region.
Buying a home in the Algarve countryside does not necessarily mean being far from everything, unless that is what you are looking for. In many cases, a country house can be just 30 minutes from the beach, offering the best of both worlds: the peace and space of the countryside, with the coast still within easy reach.
1. Why are buyers looking for property inland in the Algarve?
One of the reasons behind this shift is the difference in property prices between some of the Algarve’s most sought-after coastal areas and locations further inland. While the average asking price per square metre in Lagos is around €4,639, lower prices can be found in more inland areas, such as Silves, where it stands at €3,379/m². For those looking for more space or who have some flexibility when it comes to location, this difference can open up new possibilities: living close to the coast while being away from the busiest areas during the peak summer months.
2. Who is looking for country houses for sale in the Algarve?
Country houses in the Algarve countryside are not only attracting buyers looking for better value. They also appeal to those who want more space and a quieter lifestyle, closer to nature. But who are these buyers?
They are often retirees looking for a slower pace of life and a better quality of life, families who value having more space to live and grow, remote workers who want to swap the city for a quieter setting, or simply people who have always dreamed of owning a home surrounded by nature. For some, it is about finding a permanent home in the countryside. For others, it is about having a second home where they can spend more time with family and friends. What they have in common is a desire to experience the Algarve at a slower pace, with more time for the things that matter.
3. Where to find rural property in the Algarve?
In the Algarve, you can find country houses just a few minutes from the coast or, if you prefer, further inland. The rural areas around the municipalities of Lagos, Vila do Bispo, Portimão and Silves are a good starting point for those looking for rural properties in the Algarve, with different landscapes and ways of life to choose from. At Casas do Barlavento, these properties are also part of our portfolio, from homes surrounded by nature to houses with land, many within easy reach of the beaches and main urban centres. We have been helping buyers explore these different ways of living in the Algarve for many years, and know the local areas well, as well as what to consider when looking for a country home.
- · Barão de São João is a good example of a rural area close to the coast. This small rural community in the municipality of Lagos offers a peaceful setting surrounded by nature, without being too far from the town and its beaches. The Barão de São João National Forest covers around 2,000 hectares of woodland, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities such as family picnics, walking and mountain biking. Located around 13 kilometres from Lagos, Barão de São João has an average asking price of €3,817 per square metre.
Take a look at this 15-hectare property in the Algarve countryside, with space to develop a new project and plenty of potential for a new lease of life. Set in a quiet location just 7 kilometres from Barão de São João, it is also offered at a particularly attractive price.
- · Bensafrim is a parish in the western part of the municipality of Lagos, in a distinctly rural area. The Ribeira de Bensafrim stream runs through it, as does the Via Algarviana, a long-distance walking route that starts in Alcoutim and ends at Cape St Vincent, in the municipality of Vila do Bispo. Nearby, you will find the Bravura Dam, an area that offers opportunities to enjoy nature and outdoor activities throughout the year. Just 9 kilometres from Lagos, Bensafrim has an average asking price of €3,817 per square metre.
In Bensafrim, this house for sale with one hectare of land, landscaped gardens and a saltwater swimming pool is an example of the type of country houses for sale in the Algarve where you can enjoy living surrounded by nature without being far from the region’s main towns. With three bedrooms and a separate studio, the property also features several outdoor areas and views across the surrounding countryside.
- · Budens, in the municipality of Vila do Bispo, is around 15 kilometres from Lagos and just a few minutes from some of the beaches along the Costa Vicentina. Salema, Figueira and Boca do Rio are among the nearest beaches, while the village also has supermarkets, restaurants and other local businesses. The surrounding landscape is characterised by farmland and rural areas. In terms of property prices, the average asking price in Budens currently stands at €4,145 per square metre.
This house for sale in Budens has a large garden with several fruit trees and a swimming pool for the warmer months. The upper floor also features a separate two-bedroom space with its own entrance, which could be used by family and friends or as a rental. The house is within walking distance of restaurants and local shops, and around a five-minute drive from Burgau and Salema.
- · Barão de São Miguel is a small rural parish in the municipality of Vila do Bispo, with a landscape shaped by farmland and the traditional character of the Algarve countryside. The São Miguel Church and the small centre of the village are part of its identity, while the proximity to Burgau provides easy access to the coast and the region’s beaches. Lagos, Vila do Bispo and Sagres are also within a short drive.
In Barão de São Miguel, this three-bedroom villa is a different example of the country houses in the Algarve, designed for year-round living with a smart home system and energy-efficient features. It also has a private swimming pool, garage, storage space and an electric vehicle charging point. Located near the entrance to the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, it is around 13 kilometres from both Lagos and Vila do Bispo, and just a few kilometres from Burgau.
- · Mexilhoeira Grande is the most rural parish in the municipality of Portimão, with a landscape shaped by farmland and a very different atmosphere from the town centre. Despite its proximity to Portimão and Alvor, it has retained its own identity, with local shops and services, a railway station and several historical points of interest, including the Alcalar Megalithic Monuments and the Abicada Roman Villa. The parish is also home to the Algarve International Circuit. The average asking price is €3,769 per square metre.
In Mexilhoeira Grande, this four-bedroom villa for sale is surrounded by gardens and has a heated saltwater swimming pool, set on a plot of around 2,000 m². Just 10 minutes from Portimão and Alvor, it is a good example of how country houses in the Algarve can be close to towns, beaches and all the amenities needed for everyday life.
- · Silves is a historic town in the Algarve countryside, best known for its rich heritage and the imposing Silves Castle. Beyond the town centre, the municipality stretches across a landscape of orchards, farmland and smaller parishes, where rural properties can be found just a few kilometres from the town. Its location also offers easy access to the coast, with Lagoa and Portimão just a short drive away.
In São Bartolomeu de Messines, this rural property has been recently renovated and retains several traditional Algarve architectural features. The main house and four separate accommodation units are spread across different spaces, including bedrooms, kitchens and terraces, while outside there is a swimming pool and several areas for entertaining. It is just a five-minute drive from the centre of São Bartolomeu de Messines and less than 15 minutes by car from Silves.
4. What should you consider when buying a country house in the Algarve?
Buying a home in the Algarve countryside can mean more space and peace, but it also comes with a few practical considerations that you may not have to think about when buying an apartment or a home in a more urban setting.
Access to the property:
Not all country houses are accessed via tarmac roads. Some properties are at the end of rural tracks or in areas where a four-wheel-drive vehicle may be more suitable, particularly during the wetter months.
Water supply:
It is important to understand where the property’s water comes from. Depending on its location, the house may be connected to the mains water supply or rely on a borehole, well or water tank. If the property has its own water supply, it is worth checking how the system works and its storage capacity.
Sewerage:
In rural areas, not every property is connected to the mains sewerage system. Some rely on septic tanks or other self-contained systems, so this is something to consider before buying a property.
Electricity and connectivity:
Another practical consideration, and one we can hardly do without these days, is the availability of electricity and a reliable internet connection. For people who work remotely, this can be an important factor when choosing a country house.
Condition and legal status of buildings:
Rural properties may include outbuildings, storage buildings, garages or other structures that have been added over the years. Before buying, it is important to check that all existing buildings are properly registered and to understand what options there are for renovation, alteration or extension.
Wildfire prevention:
In rural areas, it is also important to be aware of the rules regarding vegetation management and land clearance, particularly in areas at higher risk of wildfires. Before buying, it is worth understanding the responsibilities that come with owning the property.
Your country house could be in one of Portugal’s most popular tourist regions, just minutes from the beaches or the Algarve’s main towns. If you are considering buying a rural property in the Algarve, getting to know the different areas and what each has to offer is a good place to start. At Casas do Barlavento, we help buyers find properties in different parts of the Western Algarve and can help you find a location that suits what you are looking for.
