Where to Stay in Portugal: Handpicked Holiday Homes, Apartments and Villas
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:
- Holiday Homes in Lisbon & Lisbon Coast
- Holiday Homes in Porto
- Holiday Homes in the Algarve
- Holiday Homes in Alentejo inc. Comporta
- Holiday Homes in the North of Portugal inc. Douro
- Holiday Homes in the Azores & Madeira
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).
Looking for that perfect villa in Portugal? We've done the research so that you don't have to.
When the pandemic hit the world, we used the lockdown time to pull together the holiday homes and villas (including Airbnbs) in Portugal we already knew and loved, 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.
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
– Historical Centre, Lisbon
Serviced stylish apartments set in a stunning townhouse, right in the heart of historic Lisbon. All the accommodation types showcase their own exclusive interior design, with a choice of one or two bedrooms, and every living room comes furnished with a sofa bed.
Casas na Portuguesa
– Bica, Lisbon
Casas na Portuguesa offers two and three-bedroom apartments housed in a recently renovated building, combining traditional Portuguese architecture with modern features. The apartments are located near Ribeira Market in Lisbon’s Bica neighbourhood, known for its highly-photographed funicular railway that connects the lower part of the city to Bairro Alto. It's also near to Chiado, Estrela and Cais do Sodré, making it a great starting point to discover Lisbon.
Patio São Vicente Guest Houses
– Alfama, Lisbon
Patio São Vicente offers cute cottages with equipped kitchens and a shared charming patio, located in Lisbon’s picturesque Alfama neighbourhood.
Bem Lembrados
– Cascais
This spacious two-bedroom apartment is located in the Bairro dos Bem Lembrados neighbourhood, in the coastal town of Cascais. The town centre and the main beaches are a 10-minute walk from the apartment.
Sea´ya Family Surf Houses
– Cascais
Sea’Ya Family Surf Houses consist of three totally independent villas, in the picturesque village of Charneca in Cascais, less than 2km from the famous Guincho beach. Surrounded by nature, these beach holiday homes are also a great option for those traveling with family.
West Coast Design and Surf Villas
– Azenhas do Mar, Sintra
Azenhas do Mar is a picturesque village on the coast of Sintra, around a 40-minute drive from Lisbon’s centre. These well-equipped five charming one-bedroom apartments all come with a balcony and sea view, plus a shared terrace. Booking in advance is recommended.
Casa da Cornelia
– Costa da Caparica
This well-equipped three-bedroom cabin is located right on the beach, near beach bars, cafes and some amenities – although you’ll feel a world away. Oh and it’s only a 20-minute drive from Lisbon to Costa da Caparica.
<orange>Looking for more options in Lisbon & Lisbon Coast?<orange>
Buy the Full List: 35 Handpicked Holiday Homes, Apartments and Villas in Lisbon & Lisbon Coast
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.
Flattered to be in Porto
– Foz do Douro, Porto
We absolutely adore the Flattered to be in Porto apartments, situated in the residential neighbourhood Foz do Douro where we grew up. They are our top choice recommendation if you want to stay by the beach in Porto, with some of the apartments offering soothing sea views. The apartments are cleaned daily and a basket with an array of delicious fresh breakfast goods is delivered to you each morning. The kitchens are very well equipped which makes these apartments a great choice for longer stays or families.
B28 Apartments
– Historical Centre, Porto
B28 are among some of the best serviced apartments in Porto, tucked away on the charming street Rua de Belomonte in the heart of the historical centre. The apartments are light and airy with minimalist decor, ornate ceilings and hardwood custom doors – not to mention the killer views some of the apartments offer. Accommodation options range from studios to two-bedroom apartments which are ideal for families. Fresh bread is delivered to your door each morning, and a daily cleaning service is also included in the price of your stay.
Local Tip: Nearby don’t miss Escovaria de Belomonte, a historical artisan shop selling brushes of all types – the store is one of Porto’s most precious gems.
Armazém Luxury Housing Apartments
– Historical Centre, Porto
These stylish apartments are run by Armazém Luxury Housing, one of our favourite boutique hotels in Porto (you can read more about the hotel here). The apartments are located just a few metres from the hotel, in the historic centre of the city.
Villa Almada by Canto de Luz
– Downtown, Porto
This two-bedroom villa is housed in the grounds of the boutique hotel Canto de Luz. The villa is an oasis in the heart of the old town, featuring its own dining terrace, a private garden and a small but mighty swimming pool. Also worth mentioning is the homemade breakfast, the daily housekeeping, a 50” smart TV (inc. Netflix), an Xbox with games, a gas BBQ, a bean to cup coffee machine and a music smart speaker.
Condes de Azevedo Palace Apartments
– Downtown, Porto
These serviced apartments are set in a unique renovated 13th-century palace in downtown Porto. There are 19 generously sized apartments and studios, with fully equipped kitchens and access to a shared garden. As a bonus, they offer a 24-hour front-desk service and breakfast is delivered straight to your door.
S.Bento Residences
– Historical Centre, Porto
S.Bento Residences offers 16 stylish fully-equipped apartments, each uniquely decorated. Renowned Porto architecture studio Pedra Líquida designed the building. Its origin was an old ruin located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it rises as an extension of the cliff itself. The inside houses comfortable self-catered apartments and a 24-hour reception desk, with concierge service.
Skinny House
– Massarelos, Porto
Skinny House is an architect-designed building named after its striking slim facade. This gorgeous two-bedroom townhouse comes with a pretty cool rooftop terrace and two bikes that guests can use for free. It’s located in Massarelos, near the river and within walking distance of the historic centre of Porto.
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Buy the full list: 31 Handpicked Holiday Homes and Apartments in Porto
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.
Casa 1876
– São Brás de Alportel, Algarve
Casa 1876 is a family holiday home in São Brás de Alportel, in southern Portugal. Rural and elegant, Casa 1876 is a modern farmhouse set in a beautiful olive grove area, with serene views over the valley and the sea in the distance. Its four bedrooms can comfortably host up to eight people. We think this is one of the most beautiful villas in the Algarve.
The Lemon Lodge
– Aljezur, Algarve
Tucked away between the Monchique hills and endless beaches of Costa Vicentina, The Lemon Lodge is a small-scale organic farmstead. The renovated Algarvian Taipa farmhouse offers two unique lodgings, surrounded by a landscape of pine trees. If you wish, they can make your experience entirely off-grid so that you can properly switch off and be at one with nature.
The Modernist
– Faro, Algarve
What used to be known to locals as ‘the ugliest building in Faro’ has been brought back to life as a three-storey building with six apartments available to rent. Inspired by the 1970s everything has been impeccably renovated in full respect of its original Mid-Century Modern Design. Each apartment comes with a kitchenette, a private balcony, a shared garden patio and a rooftop to sunbathe and enjoy panoramic views of Faro (outdoor shower included). A truly unique place to stay in Faro.
Flattered to be in Algarve
– Tavira, Algarve
Facing the centuries-old Tavira saltpans, these two-bedroom holiday apartments are housed in the multi-residential complex of Convento das Bernardas - a modern renovation undertaken by Eduardo Souto de Moura, one of Portugal’s most acclaimed architects and 2011 Pritzker laureate. There are two saltwater swimming pools, a parking space for each unit and beautifully kept outdoor spaces and communal areas.
Casa da Oliveira
– Bordeira, Algarve
This little one-bedroom house is situated in Bordeira, a small rural village in south-west Alentejo and the Costa Vicentina Nature Park. The house has been fully renovated by the owner, an interior architect. The whiteness of its walls, the irregular steps made of shale, the hand-painted wooden materials, all work together to make this house a very charming and cosy place to stay.
Holiday House in Aldeia da Pedralva
– Vila do Bispo, Algarve
This four-bedroom holiday home is located in the countryside near beautiful wild beaches. It’s part of Aldeia da Pedralva, a resort that was built from the ruins of an abandoned Portuguese village. There’s a communal seasonal swimming pool, a couple of restaurants, and plenty of outdoor activities such as surfing, biking and bird watching. Expect to spot grazing sheep, donkeys and chickens roaming freely in the surroundings.
Casas da Serra
– Tavira, Algarve
Casas da Serra Tavira are four beautifully renovated country houses located in the beautiful foothills of the Algarvian mountains, about 10 kilometres from Tavira and 8 kilometres from the sea. The traditional country houses named Serro da Volta, Casa do Troco, Monte do Cansado and Casa do Pátio are the perfect place for a holiday in the wild natural habitat of the eastern Algarve, away from the crowded hotels and holiday resorts.
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Buy the full list: 41 Handpicked Holiday Homes, Apartments and Villas in the Algarve, which we have divided into three sections: Eastern Algarve (including Faro, Olhão and Tavira), Western Algarve Part I (Costa Vicentina) and Western Algarve Part II (incl. Lagos, Alvor, Silves)
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.
Casas de Arroz
– Comporta, Alentejo
These four architect-designed ‘huts’ (houses with thatched roofs inspired by local fishing huts) in Possanco can be rented independently or all together. There’s a shared infinity pool overlooking the neighbouring rice fields and wild meadows. Cabin rental in Comporta doesn’t get much better than this.
Manos 114
– Comporta, Alentejo
Manos 114 is a cosy three-bedroom villa located in Comporta, just a five-minute drive from the beaches of Carvalhal and Pego. Surrounded by pine trees, this is the perfect place to relax and to enjoy morning and evening walks. The villa is a perfect retreat all year round, including in winter by the fireplace.
Campo de Arroz
– Comporta, Alentejo
Campo de Arroz is a beach house with an inviting swimming pool located in Comporta’s magnificent rice fields near the beautiful Carvalhal and Pego beaches. It features a house and a garden cabin, which can be rented either together or separately, and accommodate up to 10 people.
Cabin in Comporta
– Comporta, Alentejo
This stylish modern cabin in Comporta has spectacular views and is within walking distance to the beach and the village. The house has two bedrooms, one with a double bed and the other with a bunk bed - ideal for a family with kids or a couple. A swimming pool is a recent addition.
Precious House in Comporta
– Comporta, Alentejo
Precious House in Comporta is a modern, well-designed three-bedroom villa in Comporta, surrounded by a natural landscape of pines and eucalyptus. The house comprises three bedrooms, two bathrooms, laundry space and an open plan kitchen to a 60sqm living room. There’s a 12-metre lap pool and a sun deck.
Monte do Pardieiro do Meio
– Grândola, Alentejo
This four-bedroom villa sleeps up to 10 and truly shows what the Alentejo region is about. This idyllic place is surrounded by nature and cattle, and the nearby village of Grandola with all its amenities is only a 10-minute drive away. Comporta and some of the spectacular wild beaches are less than a 30-minute drive.
Casas da Horta
– Alcácer do Sal, Alentejo
Casas da Horta comprises two two-bedroom villas which can be rented together or individually, each with a private outdoor patio, a swimming pool, a fireplace and a well-equipped kitchen. The estate has an inviting lake for swimming and the picturesque town of Alcácer do Sal is 8km away, while the pristine beaches of Comporta are a 30-minute drive. To top it all off Lisbon’s international airport is only an hours’ driving distance from these beautiful villas.
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Casa no Montinho
– Ourique, Alentejo
Casa no Montinho is located in Ourique, in the deep heart of the Alentejo countryside. The farm stay comprises two semi-detached buildings, which can be rented independently or as a whole. There are various spaces for relaxing, including a sundeck and saltwater swimming pool. Housekeeping is available on request.
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Buy the full list: 34 Handpicked Holiday Homes, Apartments and Villas in Alentejo, including Comporta
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.
Quinta do Cedro
– Armamar, Douro
Quinta do Cedro is a small two-bedroom farmhouse located just an hour’s drive from Porto’s international airport. This charming holiday home features a swimming pool and is surrounded by vineyards, apple trees and fruit orchards. We really love the colourful eclectic decor 🙂
Quinta do Olival Loft Farmhouse
– Armamar, Douro
This authentic Douro farmhouse has been fully renovated and converted into an idyllic six-bedroom holiday home. At Quinta do Olival, you will feel the country vibes, as the farmhouse stands out with its artistic decor and its charming views of the valley and vines.
Quinta do Gato
– Armamar, Douro
This four-bedroom villa with a beautiful swimming pool is set in a fully renovated rustic house in Armamar, in the Douro Valley. It has two double bedrooms, one twin room and another room with two bunk beds, sleeping up to 10 people in total. Restaurants and supermarkets are a 10-minute drive away.
Casa Soenga
– Vieira do Minho
This charming holiday home is an hours drive from Porto, and it’s a great choice for those seeking a relaxing, nature-infused break not far from the city. Surrounded by a lush forest and with views of the mountains and river, Casa Soenga has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a saltwater swimming pool. The nearby Peneda-Gerês is one of Portugal’s most incredible national parks, boasting hiking trails, waterfalls and untouched forests.
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Buy the full list: 11 Handpicked Holiday Homes and Villas in The North of Portugal, including the Douro Valley
The Portuguese islands of the Azores and Madeira are small groups of beautiful volcanic islands located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
Madeira is a four-island archipelago while the Azores is composed of nine smaller islands, offering a more rugged nature-based experience. Even though Madeira has a larger tourism infrastructure than the Azores, we actually think that the Azores offers a wider choice when it comes to boutique small hotels and holiday homes.
Scroll below to discover some of our tops picks for Holiday Homes, Apartments and Villas in the Azores and Madeira.
Quinta dos Peixes Falantes
– São Miguel, Azores
Two beautiful and well-equipped studios and a couple of one-bedroom houses in Ribeira Grande, with access to a private garden and swimming pool. The holiday homes are surrounded by a garden that guarantees silence and total privacy for an immersive experience in the Azores.
Pink House Azores
– São Miguel, Azores
We love the look of this restored old barn turned into designer boutique accommodation, just a 7-minute drive from the historical centre of São Miguel in the Azores. There’s a seasonal outdoor pool.
La Maison
– São Miguel, Azores
Surrounded by gardens, La Maison is a spacious four-bedroom villa in Lagoa, on the island of São Miguel in the Azores. It offers a private heated pool, and it’s only a five-minute walk to the beach. La Maison is owned by boutique hotel White Exclusive Suites & Villas, just 50 metres away.
Lava Homes
– Pico, Azores
This special resort on the island of Pico has a small village feel, offering panoramic sea views and an incredible heated swimming pool (14x5m). There are fourteen accommodation units, from one to three bedrooms, all with kitchenettes and breathtaking views of the north Atlantic. There’s also a grocery store and a restaurant, offering both dine-in and take-away options.
Three House Hotel Apartments
– Funchal, Madeira
The Three House Hotel in the heart of Funchal offers various studios to two bedrooms apartments with kitchenettes and access to the hotel’s amenities, including the swimming pool. The roof terrace boasts one of the most beautiful views of Funchal.
Apartments Praça Amarela
– Funchal, Madeira
These well-designed apartments all face one of the most picturesque squares in Funchal. Some nice touches include the artisan ceramics, original artworks, cotton bed linen and the complimentary bathroom amenities.
<orange>Looking for more options in the Azores and Madeira?<orange>
Buy the full list: 17 Handpicked Holiday Homes, Apartments and Villas in the Azores and Madeira
Click here to save 50% when you purchase our special bundle. For €15 you will receive all of our Handpicked Lists of Holiday Homes, Apartments and Villas all over Portugal + our bespoke Lisbon and Porto TipMaps + an exclusive bonus list of 40 sites for Glamping, Huts, Windmills, Tents and Tipis in Portugal for Outdoor Lovers.
Here's hoping you create new memories here in Portugal. Tag us on Instagram (we would love it if you do!) and let us know how it goes. 🤗
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Obrigada,
xx
Joana and Sofia
© Photos by JO&SO and by each of the mentioned places.
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