Alcântara

Set West-Side of Lisbon’s historic centre Alcântara is defined by its proximity to the 25 de Abril suspension Bridge, which frames the neighbourhood with its impressive red steel arches.

Built-in 1966 and often compared with San Francisco’s Golden Gate bridge, the 25 de Abril provides the city’s main escape across to the golden surf beaches of the Caparica coast. This makes the neighbourhood a favourite amongst families, nature lovers and surfers, who can hop to the beach in under 20 minutes before a day at their desk.

Traditionally a quiet, middle-class suburb, over the past decade Alcântara has undergone a creative revolution, ignited by the LX Factory, a vast fabric factory dating back to 1846 that has been transformed into a vibrant hive of over 200 creative studios, shops and restaurants since it opened in 2008. Just a few blocks away, you’ll find collective co-working and dynamic live music venue Village Underground, while a number of museums, such as the recently opened Museu Berardo de Art Nouveau & Art Déco  and the Museu da Carris, provides an extra cultural draw.

Communal spaces such as these offer great incentives for creatives, entrepreneurs and digital nomads, who value having some of the city’s leading and most affordable coworking and office spaces just a short stroll from home. And once the day is wrapped up? There are runs along the river towards Belém, strolls in the Tapada das Necessidades park or sunset drinks overlooking the river on the rooftop at restaurant Rio Maravilha to enjoy.

  • Baixa-Chiado: 15 minutes by tram or train.
  • Costa da Caparica: 20 minutes by car
  • International Portela Airport:15 minutes by car
 
View in Google Maps

The experts say

Apartments for sale in Alcântara tend to be spacious, defined by modernist upgrades, high-ceilings and loft-like conversions that can feel more like Brooklyn than Lisbon. Rental potential is strong and consistent, as this area continues to gain in popularity. While property prices have risen in line with Lisbon’s recent boom, there is the sense that the neighbourhood still has a lot more to develop. For investors looking for entire buildings to buy, Alcantara is a neighbourhood of interest.

The property market in Alcântara

Alcântara is a neighbourhood where the quality of life rates highly; it’s easy to park, you are within walking distance of some of Lisbon’s top international schools, and services, including the brand-spanking-new CUF private hospital, supermarkets and clinics, are plentiful and easily accessible. Residents also value the proximity to the Monsanto forest, accessing the up-market beaches of Estoril and Cascais by direct train from Alcântara-Mar, and the speedy 15-minute tram or bus ride into Lisbon’s historic centre.  While a neighbourhood metro station is still in planning phases, Alcântara benefits from being on the train line that runs between Cascais and Lisbon’s central Cais do Sodré. Roads are predominantly wide and flat, making it a good option for young families with push-chairs.

Those who invest here may also be eligible for a Portuguese Golden Visa which grants residency to non-EU citizens who invest €500,000 or more in real estate and paves the way to EU citizenship. 

Three insiders tips for Alcântara

DO: Stroll through LX Factory, stopping to browse at bookstore Ler Devagar, eat the city’s best chocolate cake at Landeau, shop for artisanally crafted souvenirs and toast sunset at rooftop bar Rio Maravilha.
EAT:Lunch at O Ultimo Porto. Set right on the water and only open for lunch Monday-Saturday, this is one of the best places for grilled fish in town with honest prices and a view over the water.

At glance

  • The enigmatic artwork that enlivens Alcântara train station was undertaken by a global collective of artists to breathe new life into this once-rundown area.
  • Lisbon’s best sourdough bakery, Gleba, is located in Alcântara. It stays open till stocks last, which is usually not long past lunch-time.
Read about another destination Browse our property portfolio

Shortlist

No shortlist found

- Added to shortlist

- Removed from the shortlist

Undo