Tucked just across the Tagus River from Lisbon, Almada is a hidden gem that blends coastal charm with cultural richness. Cross the iconic 25th of April Bridge and you will find yourself in a serene enclave where pine forests meet golden beaches, and the pace of life slows to a sun-soaked rhythm. From the laid-back neighborhood of Verdizela to the dramatic cliffs of Fonte da Telha, Almada offers a perfect weekend escape filled with surfing, hiking, and beachside dining. Whether you’re sipping cocktails at a beach bar or hiking the forest trails of Mata dos Medos, the natural beauty here is both invigorating and restorative. I had the distinct pleasure of visiting the Coldwell Banker Southbay office and then enjoying dinner beachside with the broker/owner, Sacha Fischietti. Over fresh seafood and caipirinhas, Sacha shared what makes the area so special for her, “Almada offers the best of both worlds, you’re just minutes from Lisbon, yet surrounded by beaches, nature, and a relaxed, authentic Portuguese vibe.”

But Almada is more than just a beach lover’s paradise, it’s a place where history and culture quietly shine. Marvel at panoramic views from the Cristo-Rei statue, wander the ruins of the medieval Castle of Almada, or enjoy a peaceful afternoon at Casa da Cerca’s botanical gardens. For a taste of the sea, indulge in fresh grilled fish or choco frito at a riverside restaurant in Cacilhas, where scenes from Money Heist were filmed. And if you’re craving even more tranquility, the nearby beaches of Comporta and the wild coast of Costa Vicentina promise unforgettable getaways. Almada is where adventure meets relaxation, just a heartbeat away from Lisbon’s vibrant energy. Sacha reiterates how the proximity to the city allows for the best of both worlds, continuing, “what makes Almada special – living between the beach and the city, practically in the capital but away from the bustle of a big city, where international people are brought together by Portuguese traditions, food, and music… a unique combination.” Read on to learn more about Almada!

Where do you live? I live on the south bank of Lisbon, in a neighborhood called Verdizela, which is about 24 kilometers south of Lisbon. If you’re coming from Lisbon, you’ll cross over the 25th of April Bridge, which spans 2.27 kilometers over the Tagus River, connecting Lisbon with Almada. The bridge is iconic – kind of like the Golden Gate Bridge. The area is peaceful, close to the coast and nature, and while we’re close enough to Lisbon to visit easily, it feels like a bit of a quiet and laid-back escape.

What is the perfect weekend day like? The beaches from São João da Caparica all the way to Fonte da Telha are amazing – there’s something for everyone. If you’re into sports, you can surf, play beach volleyball, beach tennis, kitesurf, or even for the very brave, paraglide off the fonta da telha cliffs. If you’d rather relax, you can just chill on the sand and soak in the sun. Plus, there are tons of beach bars and restaurants, so you’ve got plenty of options for food, drinks, or even a night out.

But it’s not all about the beach. The area where I live also has a lot of forest and nature trails, which is perfect for hiking if you want a break from the beach. It’s nice to have both the coast and the woods nearby.

If you’re looking for museums or bigger cultural events, Lisbon is your best bet. But Almada has its own charm, with landmarks like the Castle of Almada and the Cristo-Rei statue. Casa da Cerca is also a great spot for cultural events, or even just to have a coffee or walk in the botanical garden and it has stunning views of the river and Lisbon.

If you venture a little farther toward Sesimbra, you can explore the Arrábida Natural Park- it’s stunnin. Arrabida also has some of the best beaches (Praia dos Galápos, Praia da Figueirinha, Praia do Portinho da Arrábida, Praia do Creiro and Praia da Ribeira do Cavalo) In the summer, it gets pretty busy with tourists, but it’s still worth the visit if you love nature and beautiful beaches.

What are the common modes of transportation there? Most people here get around by car as it is just more convenient, although there is a solid transport system. We got a good network of buses, the Almada metro (above ground), trains and ferries to Lisbon, etc.

 Tell us about the foods your area is known for. Almada is not known for any specific or traditional dish, but being close to the coast opens the appetite for delicious dishes tied to the sea such as grilled fish, caldeiradas (stews), choco frito (fried cuttlefish), clams, etc.

What is your favourite meal, at home or at a restaurant? I’m a fan of BBQs at home – nothing beats a relaxing afternoon by the pool with some grilled food and good company. But when I feel like going out, I love visiting the local restaurants near me that offer delicious seafood.

Where do you recommend someone vacation in your region and why? If you’re looking to get away to a more peaceful and beautiful part of the region, I’d recommend heading a bit further south to Comporta or the Costa Vicentina. The beaches are amazing – perfect for a chill, relaxing getaway. What really makes these places stand out is the laid-back vibe and the quality of the experience. It’s the kind of spot where you can enjoy the perfect mix of nature, peace, and a nice, tranquil atmosphere. It’s an ideal place to just unwind and enjoy the surroundings.

What is your favourite recreational or leisure time activity?  There’s so much to enjoy here! I really love walking in the forest (especially the Passadiços da Mata dos Medos which have lovely miradouros), especially on a sunny day, as it’s a great way to connect with nature. When I’m in the mood to relax, I enjoy spending time at some of my favorite beach bars with friends, soaking in the sun and the laid-back vibe. Of course, I also love just kicking back and relaxing on the beach itself.

For a bit more adventure, I’m into cycling (BTT) in the forest trails and playing paddle at the FCT – Nova University of Lisbon. It’s a perfect mix of outdoor activities that keeps me active and connected to the beautiful surroundings.

Is there a specialty your area is known for? Almada has the best view of Lisbon from places like the Castle, the Boca do vento panoramic elevator, and the Cristo-Rei statue. Cais do Ginjal, despite the deterioration of the buildings, still offers one of the most beautiful walks in Almada, always parallel to the river taking you towards the restaurants Atira-te ao Rio and Ponto Final – whether for a meal or a drink these restaurants are a must!

Jardim do Rio and Boca do Vento Viewpoint are pleasant green areas next to the Tejo River and provide access to the historic center via the elevator.

Share a little known but interesting fact about the area/region:

• Almada is home to the impressive Cristo-Rei statue, one of the largest Christ the Redeemer statues in the world, offering stunning views of Lisbon and the Tagus River.
• Almada has deep historical roots, dating back to Roman times, with ruins of Roman settlements still visible.
• The Castelo de Almada, though partially destroyed, stands as a reminder of the region’s medieval past, providing spectacular views over the city and river.
• Almada is also part of the Arrábida Natural Park located between Sesimbra and Setubal, known for its lush forests, cliffs, and some of the most beautiful beaches.
• The region’s maritime history is significant, with strong ties to the Portuguese Navy and shipbuilding. Royal Estate of Alfeite is the main installation and operational base of the Portuguese navy.
• Lastly, Almada has a literary connection, as the mother of Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa lived here, adding to the cultural richness of the area.
• Fun fact: the Money Heist had some of its scenes filmed in Cacilhas – showing stunning views of Lisbon and the Tagus River.

If you were to live in any other region where we have a Coldwell Banker presence, where would it be and why? I would choose Lisbon city center, more specifically Príncipe Real. I just love the vibe of the neighborhood – it’s a perfect mix of tradition and modernity. It’s very central, with everything you need right at your doorstep, from charming cafes and restaurants to cultural spots and beautiful city parks. There’s unique energy to the area, and it feels vibrant yet relaxed, making it an ideal place to live in the city. That said, I would still definitely have my weekend home by the coast.

Territory Summary: Almada is located on the southern bank of the Tagus River, directly across from Lisbon. It is known for its stunning coastal views, and it is easy to have access to the capital via the 25 de Abril Bridge. Almada has a nice mix of urban living with natural beauty, offering popular beaches like Costa da Caparica as well as a lively cultural scene. Over the last few years, the area has seen an increasing interest from both locals and international buyers due to its lifestyle appeal and still relatively affordable property prices when compared to Lisbon

Key Facts:

Population: Almada´s population is around 180,000, while the Setúbal District, which includes Almada and several other municipalities, has a population of approximately 900,000 people. Worth highlighting though is that Almada is one of the most populated and vibrant municipalities benefiting from its proximity to Lisbon and its coastal location. There has also been a large inflow of international families which represent about 12% of the population in Almada alone.

Language(s) Spoken: Portuguese essentially, however due to the large inflow of international families we tend to hear more English

Climate: Hot during the summer and mild during the winter, with some cold days. Portugal is known to have about 270 days of sun. Where I live usually, the temperature is a degree or two higher than Sintra or Cascais.

Currency: Euro

Industry Facts:

• Types of Architecture: Essentially architecture from the 70s (late modernism), low rise apartments. Nowadays there is a blend of the old and new. A lot of refurbishments ae taking place and more services and amenities are available.
• Price per Square Meter: this varies and depends on location, for example in Almada is around €2800/sqm, while if we move on to Costa da Caparica, €3500/sqm, moving into the more luxury areas would start at €6200/sqm.

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