Ronaldo’s seaside neighbourhood leads Portugal’s surge

When Cristiano Ronaldo finally decides to hang up his football boots, the world will be his oyster. Yet it is Portugal he intends to return for his retirement.

And it is perhaps fitting the sprawling mansion he has built in Cascais is in the town which was once a retreat for Portugal’s royal family.

The seaside town, a short train ride west of Lisbon, developed its reputation as the playground for the wealthy in the 19th century.

Ronaldo’s return – he intends to live there with his family once the full-time whistle is blown on his stellar career – will only cement its place as one of the most desired in all of Portugal.

He commissioned a huge, glass-fronted €20 million home in Quinta da Marinha. Boasting 10,000sq ft of living space, indoor and outdoor pools, cinema room, a huge garage space for his sports cars and, if rumours are to be believed, solid gold taps.

It is already seeing affluent international buyers flocking to the area, snapping up historic mansions and investing in high-specification developments.

Little wonder then, that together with nearby Estoril and Sintra, the region has long been nicknamed the ‘Portuguese Riviera’, celebrated for its sandy beaches, fine dining and members-only clubs.

Luxury property market

While Cascais has long attracted wealthy Portuguese families, a major turning point for international investment came in 2012, when Portugal introduced its Golden Visa programme alongside the Non-Habitual Resident tax regime (launched in 2009). Although property purchases were later removed from the Golden Visa scheme in 2023, demand has remained resilient.

Neighbourhoods such as Gandarinha, Quinta da Marinha, Estoril and Costa da Guia are considered the most desirable.

Detached homes typically start around €5–6 million for older properties, rising to €10 million for renovated versions.

Top of the range villas can reach €15–17 million, with the most prestigious estates in Quinta da Marinha fetching as much as €25 million. One current listing has set records with an asking price of €32 million.

Smaller flats begin around €900,000, while three-bedroom units in gated communities average €3 million. Branded residences remain rare, though Hilton is due to open a project in 2027, joining an older Sheraton-branded scheme.

Lifestyle and amenities

Cascais offers a lifestyle that blends resort living with cosmopolitan convenience. The area boasts six golf courses, equestrian clubs, a modern marina and an acclaimed Museum Quarter. Green parks, award-winning restaurants and a regular 30-minute train link to Lisbon add to its appeal.

Families relocating from abroad are also well served, with international schools including King’s College School, IPS Cascais, Aprendizes and the International Christian School of Cascais.

Celebrity residents and global interest

Cristiano Ronaldo is not the only high-profile name to have helped shine a spotlight on Cascais.

Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman has been seen house-hunting, while Jennifer Lopez and Monica Bellucci have both spent time in the town.

Even James Bond has links here — Ian Fleming is said to have drawn inspiration for Casino Royale from the Casino Estoril and Palácio Estoril Hotel, once meeting points for wartime spies.

The town is also attracting a younger, entrepreneurial set, from rising influencers to tech founders, many investing in multimillion-euro homes at an early age.

Market outlook

Over the past decade, top-tier properties in Cascais have more than doubled in price. In the past five years alone, values at the upper end have risen by around 25%.

With limited land available and high building costs, further supply will remain constrained, particularly in the luxury segment.

It underlines the investment potential of the area.

Interest from American buyers has surged, more than doubling over the last three years, while European and Brazilian investors remain strong players.

Despite its growing international profile, Cascais retains an understated character — wealth here is often more discreet than in Mediterranean hotspots such as Monaco or Marbella.

What was once a relatively quiet seaside retreat is now firmly on the global map of luxury real estate. Cascais has become not only a symbol of Portugal’s prestige but also one of Europe’s most desirable coastal addresses.

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Contact Portugal Pathways to find out how to buy luxury real estate in Cascais

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About Portugal Pathways

Portugal Pathways has supported hundreds of Golden Visa residency-by-investment applications and provides expert guidance through its professional supply chain network on luxury property, wealth management, and tax optimisation, including post-NHR tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, IFICI tax incentive applications, money transfers and bespoke relocation solutions to enhance life and investments in Portugal.

About Portugal Investment Owners Club

The Portugal Investment Owners Club, or P Club for short, is a unique investor membership community designed for discerning individuals, families, and organisations committed to exploring and capitalising on life in Portugal and enjoying money-can't-buy experiences and exclusive events.

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Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways and Portugal Investment Owners Club (P Club for short) websites and in email communications is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult and check with a qualified professional advisor before relying on any information provided on this website or in email communications. As it relates to investments in Golden Visas or other wealth management solutions offered by regulated and professional advisors, it is important to note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Private equities can be highly illiquid and come with risk and should always be under professional independent advice. Golden Visa investments need to be held for 6 to 7 years to allow for permanent citizenship/passport in the EU.

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