The seaside town being taken over by £830 million tourism development | World | News

A once untouched, quiet seaside town with rolling rice hills is being taken over by a £830 million tourism development.

Just 90 minutes from Lisbon lies the charming Melides in southwest Portugal.

Although it is not as well known as the Algarve Melides is becoming the new sought-after place with tourist developments taking over the laid back town.

Over the past 20 years Melides has transformed from being a sleepy coastal area to a fan favourite for the rich and famous thanks to French designer Christian Louboutin buying a secluded house here two decades ago.

And now Portuguese real estate company Vanguard Properties is investing more than £830 million ($1 billion) in development in nearby Comporta.

This mega development will include two golf courses.

Locals are now worried that their beloved town is falling victim to overtourism with prices in the area skyrocketing.

“Prices are absurd,” said Margarida Goncalves, who works at a cafe in nearby Grandola. “There are hardly any affordable homes in the market. The few units available are selling for the same price as in Lisbon.”

Tensions in the area are also focused on a members-only resort in CostaTerra. This a luxury residential community plays host to a sea of entrepreneurs, celebrities and royalty.

Guy Villax, former chief executive of Portuguese pharmaceutical company Hovione, says locals are being priced out and the traditional restaurants which are sadly losing their character.

He told Bloomberg: ”Prices have doubled, grilled fish with tomato and onion salad has been replaced with the same international fare as everywhere else,” he said. “Simple, delicious and authentic is a thing of the past.”

The rapid development of golf courses and luxury resorts along the coastline has sparked local concerns about the environmental impact.