Over the past years, Portugal has not only attracted tourists worldwide, but has also become a beloved destination for numerous international celebrities. From Madonna to John Malkovich, these well-known personalities have not only visited but chosen to call Portugal their home, either permanently or as a holiday retreat. Let’s have a look on 10 celebrities which have chosen Portugal as their home.
Madonna’s Portuguese love affair
Among the most talked-about celebrity residents, Madonna’s connection with Portugal made headlines. Initially considering Sintra and Ericeira, she eventually stayed at the historic Palácio do Ramalhete in Lisbon from early 2018 to late 2019, a property that famously inspired Eça de Queiroz’s novel ‘Os Maias’.
Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander’s Alfama residence
Joining the list of Alfama residents, actor Michael Fassbender and his wife, actress Alicia Vikander, purchased a luxury home in 2017 at the Palácio de Santa Helena. There, they can enjoy the charm of Lisbon’s historic heart.
John Malkovich’s longstanding bond with Lisbon
John Malkovich fell in love with Lisbon over two decades ago. His commitment to the city went beyond purchasing just a property, as he also opened the Bica do Sapato restaurant. However, since 2019 the restaurant has closed its doors and never reopened again.
Christian Louboutin: The designer’s retreat
Renowned designer Christian Louboutin has a deep connection with Portugal. After living in Comporta, he moved to Melides and owns a historic palace in Lisbon’s area of Largo dos Lóis.
Besides Lisbon, the designer spends the seasons between his homes in Paris, Alentejo and Melides, where he even opened a luxury hotel called the “Vermelho hotel”.
Monica Bellucci’s Alfama hideaway
Italian actress Monica Bellucci owns a house in Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, where she escapes to between film shoots. It is said that Christian Louboutin convinced her to come to Portugal.
Scarlett Johansson’s Príncipe Real investment
Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson chose the fashionable Príncipe Real area for her Lisbon home. She invested 1.3 million euros in a luxury apartment and joined one of the city’s most trendy districts.
Bonnie Tyler’s southern love: The Algarve
Unlike her fellow celebrities, singer Bonnie Tyler opted for Portugal’s southern charm and purchased a mansion in the sunny region of the Algarve. Not far from Albufeira, she admitted that she would spend 99% of her time here, if her career would not be as demanding.
Eric Cantona: luxury in Lisbon
Eric Cantona, the legendary former Manchester United player, owns a luxury building in the Colina de Sant’Ana, now a hotel, and another property between Rato and Príncipe Real for personal use.
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s expo residence
Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman and her husband, New Zealand singer Keith Urban, have a property in the modern Parque das Nações, Expo area of Lisbon.
Princess Eugenie’s coastal escape
In 2022, Princess Eugenie, daughter of Prince Andrew and niece of King Charles III, moved to the CostaTerra Golf & Ocean Club in Melides, for her husband Jack Brooksbank’s work. She now divides her time between Portugal and London.
Also for 2024, Portugal continues to be a top destination for those seeking an escape into nature, design and tranquility.
