Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are the latest celebrities to spend more time in Portugal, joining other famous names who are moving there. According to Portuguese news outlet SIC Notícias, Nicole has applied for residency and was seen getting off a private jet in the wealthy town of Cascais. She and Keith are also said to be looking for a home in CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club, a luxury community about 100 miles from Lisbon.
They’re not the only famous people interested in the area. Princess Eugenie owns a home nearby, and it’s rumored that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle bought a house in Portugal in 2024, according to the New York Post.
Kidman and Urban have already bought a home in Lisbon, but they’re still house-hunting in the area. Many celebrities are choosing Portugal because it offers privacy, beautiful scenery, luxury service, and fewer crowds compared to popular tourist places like Santorini or Capri.
Travel expert Jamie D’Aria told FOX Business that Portugal is attractive to celebrities because it has open space, friendly people, and peaceful spots where they can relax without being bothered. Katy Nastro, another travel expert, added that the country’s good tax policies and growing real estate market also make it a smart place for the wealthy to invest or move.
While CostaTerra is popular, some locals aren’t happy. A few people left negative reviews online saying the development blocks access to the beach. Others defended it, saying it brings jobs to the area and focuses on protecting nature.
Another place in Portugal that’s popular with rich travelers is the Algarve, in the south. D’Aria said the hotels there are private and spread out. She gave an example of the Bela Vista Hotel & Spa, which is on a quiet beach with beautiful rooms and a relaxing spa. Guests can enjoy peace or walk to bars and restaurants nearby.
Privacy is a big reason why celebrities are choosing Portugal. The country has fewer people than nearby places like Spain, making it easier to avoid crowds. It also has a mild climate, a high quality of life, and a lower cost of living.
D’Aria said it’s not just celebrities who are interested. Many regular travelers are now picking Portugal instead of Italy, Greece, or Spain. She described Cascais as a quiet beach town with culture, charm, and few tourists.
Tourism in Portugal has been growing. Nastro said that in 2024, 11.5% more Americans visited the country compared to the year before. The U.S. is now the third-largest group of visitors to Portugal. This growth is thanks to more flights, lower travel costs, and a special visa program that helps people live there if they invest.
