3 Nov, 2024 @ 12:12
1 min read

The Portuguese village that has turned the heads of Prince Harry and George Clooney

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NESTLED along the picturesque Alentejo coast of Portugal, Melides has emerged as a premier destination for property buyers, which include Prince Harry and George Clooney.

Located just 130 km south of Lisbon, this hidden gem perfectly balances luxury living and a relaxed atmosphere.

After attending the Invictus Games in Germany, Harry and Meghan enjoyed a romantic getaway in Melides, where they also met with Harry’s cousin, Princess Eugenie who already owns a nearby home.

They apparently fell under its spell and have reportedly put their names down for a €4.3 million pad in the luxurious development Costa Terra Golf and Ocean Club.

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There they will be neighbors of George and Amal Clooney if rumours of their own interest in the development are fulfilled.

The exclusive project features 300 properties spread across 722 acres, attracting high-profile residents.

The town boasts rolling rice fields, pristine beaches, and azure waters, making it an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. From hiking and biking to horse riding and watersports, Melides offers a wealth of activities, complemented by the nearby Santo Andre nature reserve, home to over 240 bird species and countless butterflies.

Of course you do not have to splash out quite as much as Prince Harry to buy a property there, but you definitely need to be solvent – property values have skyrocketed, with an increase of 150% in the first quarter of 2023.

This rapid appreciation underscores the need for potential buyers to act quickly (or so say the estate agents!)

Despite its growing recognition, Melides retains a laid-back, authentic charm that sets it apart from more tourist-heavy areas like Comporta.

This authenticity continues to attract artists and discerning travelers who appreciate the local culture.

The dining scene in Melides is another highlight, featuring oceanside restaurants like Lagoa O Mar, where visitors can enjoy local delicacies such as Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato (clams in garlic and olive oil) and freshly grilled sardines.

Melides has transformed from a quaint village into a highly coveted property destination, capturing the hearts of royals and celebrities while maintaining its authentic spirit. For those seeking a luxurious lifestyle in a stunning natural setting, this corner of paradise promises an exceptional living experience.

Dilip Kuner

Dilip Kuner is a NCTJ-trained journalist whose first job was on the Folkestone Herald as a trainee in 1988.
He worked up the ladder to be chief reporter and sub editor on the Hastings Observer and later news editor on the Bridlington Free Press.
At the time of the first Gulf War he started working for the Sunday Mirror, covering news stories as diverse as Mick Jagger’s wedding to Jerry Hall (a scoop gleaned at the bar at Heathrow Airport) to massive rent rises at the ‘feudal village’ of Princess Diana’s childhood home of Althorp Park.
In 1994 he decided to move to Spain with his girlfriend (now wife) and brought up three children here.
He initially worked in restaurants with his father, before rejoining the media world in 2013, working in the local press before becoming a copywriter for international firms including Accenture, as well as within a well-known local marketing agency.
He joined the Olive Press as a self-employed journalist during the pandemic lock-down, becoming news editor a few months later.
Since then he has overseen the news desk and production of all six print editions of the Olive Press and had stories published in UK national newspapers and appeared on Sky News.

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