Costa Azul translates as ‘blue coast’, and those who choose to buy property in the Costa Azul soon discover why. The calm blue waters of the ocean and warm sandy beaches make the Costa Azul very popular with those wishing to buy property in Portugal.
The Costa Azul stretches south of Lisbon, running down to the Algarve. A number of fishing villages line the coast, all of which have kept their traditional atmosphere and charm. Although the beaches are easily on a par with those of the Algarve, the Costa Azul is far less crowded and attracts fewer tourists, making it more peaceful. Even the Costa de Caparica, a major holiday resort popular with those living in Lisbon, does not attract huge amounts of tourists. The unspoiled Costa Azul may well be the perfect place to buy a property in Portugal for your retirement. The historic city of Setúbal, the third largest in Portugal, is also located in the Costa Azul.
The Costa Azul has a warm climate similar to that of Southern Spain, with long, hot summers and mild winters. There are little extremes of temperature throughout most of Portugal, and relatively little rain – perfect for someone tired of British weather. Portugal also has relatively low humidity, making it more comfortable than many parts of Europe and the Mediterranean.
The easiest way to travel to the Costa Azul would be to fly to the Aeroporto da Portela de Sacavé, more commonly referred to as Portela Airport, which is located within the city of Lisbon. From there, it is relatively easy to hire a car, and travel on to wherever in the Costa Azul the property you wish to view is located. Flights to Portela Airport are scheduled regularly, by a number of airlines and from a number of airports in Europe and the UK.
Property and land can be very cheap compared to other parts of Portugal, although property located within the larger cities will be more costly. Buying land may cost as little as £40,000, while properties will be more expensive. Three bedroom villas usually cost over £200,000, with the price rising depending on where the property is located and how large it is. As with buying property anywhere in Portugal, in pays to shop around before settling on the real estate on the Costa Azul that you wish to purchase.