Handpicked Holiday Homes, Apartments and Villas

Handpicked by JO&SO
LAST UPDATED:
Jun 2025
Handpicked Holiday Homes, Apartments and Villas by JO&SO

Below is a mix of the Best Holiday Homes, Apartments and Villas in Portugal we have visited and love, plus those that have caught our eye - divided by the following regions:

So far we have mostly focused on bringing you our favourite boutique hotels and small guesthouses in Portugal. However we’ve had multiple requests for additional recommendations, specifically for holiday homes, apartments and villas (preferably with dreamy swimming pools) in Lisbon and on the Lisbon Coast, Porto and the Douro, Alentejo (including Comporta), the Azores and Madeira.

We have always been a bit torn about this. We think they can be brilliant options but it would be a monumental task for us to test all of them in the same way we do with the hotels and serviced apartments that we feature in our collection (and our Watchlist, which we are working our way through).

Villa in Comporta - Best Holiday Homes and Villas by JO&SO
Looking for that perfect villa in Portugal? We've done the research so that you don't have to.

Below you will find the holiday homes and villas (including Airbnbs) in Portugal we already know, plus those that we would definitely love to check out in the future. These lists include a variety of options, from apartments for couples in the cities, to beautiful villas in the Portuguese countryside that are perfect for groups and families.

For us, a place to stay is not just about how it looks. It’s the vibe and most importantly - the location. Whenever we visit a place we ask ourselves two questions: Would we come back? Would we recommend it to a like-minded friend? We have to be honest about the answer to those questions, and both of us have to agree.

It’s important to bear in mind that there are some very special locations in Portugal that are yet to offer a wide range of accommodation options. In some instances, we may have to compromise a little on a place to stay in order to experience for a killer location.

We want to ensure that every place we recommend will create awesome memories for you. While preparing these selections of holiday homes, apartments and villas in Portugal, we continually refined our lists. If you are like us i.e a planner who likes to hunt down the absolute best places to stay on your trips, we hope these shortlists will save you a lot of time.

Keep scrolling to discover some of the best Holiday Homes, Apartments and Villas in Portugal.

Handpicked Holiday Homes, Apartments and Villas in Lisbon and on the Lisbon Coast

Our beautiful Portuguese capital offers a wide range of holiday rentals and serviced apartments all over the city, as well as some cosy beach houses. We've been researching it all so that you don't have to.Scroll below to discover some of our tops picks for Holiday Homes, Apartments and Villas in Lisbon and on the Lisbon Coast.

The Lisboans Apartments
The Lisboans Apartments
The Lisboans Apartments
The Lisboans Apartments
The Lisboans Apartments — view
Visited by JO&SO
Watchlist

The Lisboans Apartments

These serviced stylish apartments are set in a stunning townhouse right in the heart of Downtown Lisbon's Baixa neighbourhood, a stone's throw away from the best historical sightings. All the accommodation types showcase their exclusive interior design, with a choice of one to two bedrooms, and every living room comes furnished with a sofa bed. Daily cleaning, laundry services and breakfast are included, which is a lovely touch.

Dona Graça
Dona Graça
Dona Graça
Dona Graça
Dona Graça — view
Visited by JO&SO
Watchlist

Dona Graça

Dona Graça offers gorgeous boutique serviced apartments in the heart of Graça, an old and charming neighbourhood built on the hilltops of Lisbon. This elegant and intimate 19th-century house offers eight stunning independent apartments with a peaceful atmosphere. The well-kept secret here is the private orange tree garden with a swimming pool, perfect for recharging after a busy day walking up and down the hills of Lisbon. Breakfast is delivered daily to your door.

Handpicked Holiday Homes and Apartments in Porto

Our hometown has some really lovely boutique hotels and guesthouses, but if you’re looking for an apartment or home to rent in Porto, you will also be spoilt for choice. When visiting Porto, if you have time we highly recommend a 1-3 day trip to the wine region of Douro. Scroll below to discover some of our tops picks for Holiday Homes and Apartments in Porto.

Village by BOA
Village by BOA
Village by BOA
Village by BOA
Village by BOA — view
Visited by JO&SO
Watchlist

Village by BOA

A 19th-century neighbourhood in Porto has been turned into 40 accommodation units across five restored buildings. Village by BOA features fully furnished apartments ranging from one to two bedrooms, designed with natural materials and a neutral colour scheme. The hotel's web app allows guests to manage reservations and book tours, while The Space, a penthouse venue atop the building, hosts exclusive boutique events.

Flattered to be in Porto
Flattered to be in Porto
Flattered to be in Porto
Flattered to be in Porto
Flattered to be in Porto — view
Visited by JO&SO
Watchlist

Flattered to be in Porto

Flattered to be in Porto offers beautifully designed serviced apartments located by the beach in the seaside district of Foz do Douro. The five uniquely decorated apartments were renovated by local architects Barbosa & Guimarães. Design lovers will admire the bespoke bookcases, vintage furniture, designer lighting, and sumptuous fabrics. Some of the apartments enjoy lots of natural light and sea views.

Handpicked Holiday Homes, Apartments and Villas in the Algarve, including Costa Vicentina

The Algarve is Portugal’s most sought after destination and there are many good reasons why. The Algarve has gorgeous golden sandy beaches with a beautiful turquoise sea, delicious fish, world-class golf and friendly locals. It’s a region with an unforgettable scent of almonds, oranges and figs.⁠ There are still many secrets in the Algarve waiting to be discovered. Scroll below to discover some of our tops picks for Holiday Homes, Apartments and Villas in the Algarve, including Costa Vicentina.

The Modernist
The Modernist
The Modernist
The Modernist
The Modernist — view
Visited by JO&SO
Watchlist

The Modernist

The Modernist offers six minimalist apartment-style suites in the centre of Faro. Set in a genuine 1970s modernist building, each suite has been restored with full respect for the original mid-century modern design. There's a shared garden patio, a rooftop where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, and an outdoor shower. Discover Faro's architectural gems with the self-walking tour created for guests.

Flattered to be in Algarve
Flattered to be in Algarve
Flattered to be in Algarve
Flattered to be in Algarve
Flattered to be in Algarve — view
Visited by JO&SO
Watchlist

Flattered to be in Algarve

Located just a short walk from the picturesque Tavira's Old Town, these two beautifully designed minimalist apartments are set within the beautifully renovated Convento das Bernardas building - a former monastery transformed by the acclaimed Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto de Moura

The Lemon Lodge
The Lemon Lodge
The Lemon Lodge
The Lemon Lodge
The Lemon Lodge — view
Visited by JO&SO
Watchlist

The Lemon Lodge

The Lemon Lodge, nestled between Monchique's hills and Costa Vicentina's wild beaches, is an off-grid farmstead in rural Algarve. Founded by eco-conscious friends, it offers unique, eco-friendly accommodations near Aljezur, with its stunning beaches, surf spots, and historic trails.

Casa da Oliveira
Casa da Oliveira
Casa da Oliveira
Casa da Oliveira
Casa da Oliveira — view
Visited by JO&SO
Watchlist

Casa da Oliveira

Casa da Oliveira - Monte Branco is a whitewashed traditional home that has been meticulously restored by its owner, an interior architect. Located in rural Aljezur, in the western Algarve, the house accommodates up to ten guests, Casa da Oliveira offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a delightful terrace with garden views.

Holiday Homes in Alentejo, including Comporta‍

The Alentejo region is home to some of the most beautiful villas in Portugal, from architect-designed holiday homes in Comporta overlooking pretty rice fields to authentic farmhouses in truly rural settings. Be ready to embrace the slow life and discover charming sleepy villages, spectacular wild beaches and fantastic regional cuisine. Scroll below to discover some of our tops picks for Holiday Homes, Apartments and Villas in Alentejo, including Comporta.

Casa Marítima
Casa Marítima
Casa Marítima
Casa Marítima
Casa Marítima — view
Visited by JO&SO
Watchlist

Casa Marítima

This stunning five-bedroom villa near Pego and Carvalhal beaches in Comporta boasts a dreamy infinity pool and lush garden. Walk along the sensory path lined with fragrant rosemary, lavender, and more. The spacious villa features Comporta-style architecture, three double-bedroom suites, and an open-plan living room and kitchen that leads to an outdoor terrace. Decorated by Barracuda Interiors with a mix of Portuguese crafts and late-20th-century furniture, it also showcases a collection of ocean-related objects reflecting the owner's passion for the sea.

Casas de Arroz
Casas de Arroz
Casas de Arroz
Casas de Arroz
Casas de Arroz — view
Visited by JO&SO
Watchlist

Casas de Arroz

Casas de Arroz offers a peaceful refuge in the village of Possanco, just a few minutes from Comporta's famous beach and picturesque port. Casas de Arroz consists of four independent cabins that overlook the rice fields and meadows, with an infinity pool and a white sand garden. Accommodating between two and four people, these cabins can be rented together or separately, making them perfect for a family or friends' holiday.

‍Holiday Homes in the North of Portugal inc. Douro‍

The Douro Valley is known as a wonderful haven for wine lovers. But the North of Portugal is also a haven for nature lovers. The awesome Passadiços de Paiva in Arouca is an 8 km walk on wooden stairs and suspended bridges, while in the Peneda-Gerês National Park you’ll find dozens of granite villages that haven’t changed much since the creation of Portugal in the 12th century. Scroll below to discover some of our favourite Holiday Homes and Villas in the North of Portugal, including the Douro.

The Pinta Guest House
The Pinta Guest House
The Pinta Guest House
The Pinta Guest House
The Pinta Guest House — view
Visited by JO&SO
Watchlist

The Pinta Guest House

The Pinta Guest House in Douro Valley features beautifully decorated en-suite rooms with touches of vibrant colours, joyful patterns, balconies, and mountain views. Explore the region with this stylish yet budget-friendly guest house in Armamar.

Holiday Homes in Madeira

The Portuguese islands of Madeira are a small group of volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Known for their dramatic landscapes, mild climate, and laid-back pace, they offer a mix of nature, tradition, and quiet charm. The main island, Madeira, is the most developed and home to a growing number of well-designed places to stay. Scroll below to see some of our top picks for Holiday Homes, Apartments, and Villas in Madeira.

Holiday Homes in the Azores

The Portuguese islands of the Azores are small groups of beautiful volcanic islands located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The Azores are composed of nine small islands, offering a rugged, nature-based experience. The Azores offer a relatively wide choice when it comes to boutique small hotels and holiday homes. Scroll below to discover some of our top picks for Holiday Homes, Apartments, and Villas in the Azores.

Quinta dos Peixes Falantes
Quinta dos Peixes Falantes
Quinta dos Peixes Falantes
Quinta dos Peixes Falantes
Quinta dos Peixes Falantes — view
Visited by JO&SO
Watchlist

Quinta dos Peixes Falantes

Quinta dos Peixes Falantes is a rural retreat nestled on the idyllic north coast of São Miguel Island. The estate offers two beautifully furnished studios and two cosy one-bedroom houses surrounded by a garden with a swimming pool. Breakfast is not included in the price, but it can be served upon request.

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So there you go, those are what we consider to be some of the Best Holiday Homes, Apartments and Villas in Portugal right now. We hope you like them as much as we do.

If you are considering to stay in an hotel you might also be interested in checking out our handpicked list of the Best Hotels in Portugal.

Want more handpicked boutique hotels in Portugal? Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to discover our latest finds. Tag us on Instagram @joandso — we’d love to see where you stayed. 🙂

Obrigada,
Joana & Sofia

© Photos by JO&SO and by each of the mentioned places.

Please note that sometimes we use affiliate links and receive a small referral commission from sales, at no additional cost to you. Everything we recommend in our website is handpicked by ourselves and 100% because we like it. By booking through JO&SO you are supporting what we are doing, helping us to keep running the website. For more details read our disclaimer.

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