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
– Sé, Lisbon
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.

Locke de Santa Joana
– Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon
Locke de Santa Joana is set in a former 17th-century convent — now home to 370 rooms and apartments, social spaces, and a strong cultural and culinary focus. It’s the largest Locke to date and the brand’s first opening in Portugal. The interiors blend preserved architectural features such as original azulejos, vaulted ceilings, and stone staircases — with contemporary design in soft, natural tones. Studios and suites come with fully equipped kitchens, and many include washer/dryers, yoga mats, and boutique bath products. Accommodation ranges from compact city rooms to spacious penthouses and the 75 m² Suite Santa Joana.

The Verse
– São Bento, Lisbon
The Verse is a boutique aparthotel tucked away on one of Lisbon’s most historic streets, with interiors by Studio Astolfi and architecture by Carrilho da Graça. Set in a beautifully restored building by architect Carrilho da Graça, The Verse features 15 thoughtfully designed apartments—ranging from studios to spacious two-bedroom options with private patios or terraces.

Ando Living
– Baixa, Lisbon
Set in the heart of Lisbon’s Baixa district, Ando Living – Madalena House offers 12 beautifully designed serviced apartments that combine the style of a boutique hotel with the comfort of home. Each apartment features elegant interiors, fully equipped kitchens, and bright living spaces with views of the historic city streets.

Vila Rodrigues
– Arroios, Lisbon
Set in Lisbon’s lively Intendente neighbourhood, Vila Rodrigues is a beautifully restored 19th-century vila turned minimalist urban retreat. Created by designers Francesca Saponaro and Sam Coltart, its seven houses and five apartments combine natural materials, clean lines, and a calm, contemporary feel.

Look Living, Lisbon Design Apartments
– Santos, Lisbon
The Look Living apartments in Lisbon are nestled between the Cais do Sodré and Santos neighbourhoods, renowned for their waterfront promenades, historic Time Out Market, bustling nightlife, and a mix of contemporary art galleries and antique shops. Renovated by Florêncio Pedro Arquitectos, The Look Living apartments are set in a 19th-century palacete with distinctively Lisbon interiors. The spacious apartments feature a blend of tiles, wood and minimalist décor with an emphasis on Portuguese brands. Services include breakfast delivery and a personalised concierge.

Casas na Portuguesa
– Bica-Chiado, 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.

SeaYa Villas
– Cascais
Sea’Ya Villas 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.

Outpost Casa das Arribas
– Colares, Sintra
Casa das Arribas is perched on the cliffs just outside the picturesque village of Azenhas do Mar in Sintra, offering an unbeatable view of the coast from Cabo de Roca to Ericeira. It comprises seven apartments with fully equipped kitchens and a vast shared garden with a swimming pool, yoga studio, tennis court, spa, BBQ area and numerous sitting areas with views of the Atlantic Ocean.

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.

Areias do Seixo Villas
– Santa Cruz
Areias do Seixo Villas are located on the west coast of Portugal, only a 50-minutes drive north of Lisbon. Boutique hotel Areias do Seixo has created five unique three-bedroom villas, each with an outdoor terrace, a private pool, a fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen. Santa Cruz beach is only a 10 minute walk from the villas.
Bear in mind that while the villas are perfect for families, that Areias do Seixo Hotel’s main building (bedrooms, restaurant, spa and outdoor swimming pool) is designed for people over 16 years of age. However, children can access the reception, lobby, bar and terrace areas, between noon and 6pm, namely, for light meals service. Those seeking something more adventurous can also stay a the Shelter, a glamping experience by the lake.
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.

B28
– Historic Centre, Porto
B28 Apartments are set in an authentic 17th-century Porto bourgeois building which has been renovated with extreme care to bring back its original splendour. The seven fully equipped apartments are flooded with light and are beautifully decorated. We love the minimalist decoration, intricate ornate ceilings and hardwood custom doors. These are among some of the best serviced apartments in the centre of Porto, and we highly recommend them.

Armazém Luxury Housing Apartments
– Historic Centre, Porto
These stylish apartments are run by Armazém Luxury Housing, one of our favourite boutique hotels in Porto. The apartments are located just a few metres from the hotel, in the historic centre of the city.

Village Aparthotel By BOA
– Historic Centre, Porto
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.

Ando Living - Flores 200 House
– Historic Centre, Porto
Set along one of Porto’s most atmospheric streets in the Ribeira district, Ando Living – Flores 200 House is a collection of 11 stylish apartments where old-world charm meets modern simplicity. Each space feels calm and considered, with soft tones, natural textures, and a few thoughtful details — from locally made bath products to endless coffee and tea. A relaxed, design-led base for soaking up Porto’s riverside life.

S.Bento Residences
– Historic 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.

Condes de Azevedo Palace Apartments
– Historic Centre, Porto
These lovely 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.

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.

Baumhaus Serviced Apartments
– Boavista, Porto
Designer apartments set in a gorgeous four-storey building in the centre of Porto. Guests can also enjoy a beautiful garden with an iconic pine tree, perfect for relaxing after a day exploring the city.

Flattered to be in Porto
– Foz do Douro, 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. The kitchens are very well equipped which makes these apartments a great choice for longer stays or families. Some of the apartments enjoy lots of natural light and sea views.

Casa Castanha
– Massarelos, Porto
Casa Castanha 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.
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 Modernist
– Faro
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.

Casa da Oliveira - Monte Branco
– Aljezur, Algarve
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 showcases a harmonious blend of natural materials, such as solid wood and cosy wool rugs, which pay homage to the traditional charm of both the building and the Portuguese village it resides in.

Flattered to be in Algarve
– Tavira, 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.
These serviced apartments feature two bedrooms, a living room, a fully-equipped kitchen, designer furniture, 100% Egyptian cotton Percale bed linen, and Oliófora toiletries - plus a breakfast basket is delivered to your door each morning. With breathtaking views of the Tavira saltpans and access to secluded beaches, the two apartments at Flattered to be in Algarve accommodate up to six guests each. The complex has two saltwater swimming pools.

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.

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.
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.

Pa.te.os
– Melides, Alentejo
Pa.te.os is a collection of four stunning holiday homes in Melides designed by the well-known Portuguese architect Manuel Aires Mateus. Be surrounded by the gorgeous landscape of Alentejo at one of these four stunning architect-designed houses, available to rent individually or as a complete set. There’s a shared infinity swimming pool, serene courtyards, on-demand massages, and private yoga classes. Wake up to a delicious breakfast prepared in the comfort of your own house.

Spatia Comporta Villas
– Comporta, Alentejo
Spatia Comporta’s villas are tucked among the pine trees, offering space and privacy for families or groups. Each two- to four-bedroom villa features bright, open interiors, generous terraces, and a private swimming pool. Staying in a villa at Spatia combines the comfort of home with access to the five-star hotel’s amenities, including a beautiful gym, as well as tennis, pickleball, and padel courts.

Cabana Lavanda
– Comporta, Alentejo
Cabana Lavanda is a boutique villa in Comporta, surrounded by fragrant lavender fields. It boasts four bedrooms: three en-suites on the ground floor and one on the upper floor, complete with its own living area. With the capacity to comfortably accommodate ten people, it serves as an ideal retreat for family gatherings or groups of friends. Some of the highlights include a spacious kitchen that opens up to the living room, with exposed wooden beams, large windows, cosy sofas, plus heated floors and an indoor fireplace. Outside, a boomerang-shaped 18-metre length infinity pool, poolside cabin, dual porches, and a terrace provide a variety of spaces to savour the holiday.

Casa dos Pescadores
– Comporta, Alentejo
Once a fisherman’s house, Casa dos Pescadores sits between Comporta’s rice fields and the Atlantic, just a short walk from Carvalhal beach. The main house features three bedrooms and a bright, open-plan living area that opens onto a terrace with a dining table, small pool, and outdoor shower. Upstairs, a separate apartment includes its own kitchen and rooftop terrace.

Pure Bungalow
– Comporta, Alentejo
Just a short walk from Pego Beach, Pure Bungalow offers a peaceful hideaway with its own private garden. Inside, there’s a cosy living area with a small kitchenette and dining space for two, plus a double bedroom that opens directly onto the garden.

Casas de Arroz
– Comporta, Alentejo
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. The cabins are made of traditional masonry, thatch, and local wood, paying tribute to the fishing huts of Comporta. The rooms are sunny, comfortable, and open to the outside, with individual terraces.

Campo de Arroz
– Comporta, Alentejo
Campo de Arroz is a holiday villa with an inviting swimming pool located in Comporta’s magnificent rice fields near the beaches of Carvalhal and Pego. With the capacity to accommodate up to 10 people, the house comprises a main house and an independent cabin set in a beautifully landscaped garden. You can rent the home and the cabin together or separately, and in the latter case, the swimming pool area is exclusively reserved for the main house guests.

Flor de Arroz
– Comporta, Alentejo
This gorgeous boutique stay offers a two-bedroom villa with an adjacent two room cabin, accommodating up to eight people in total. Flor de Arroz is located at the foot of the magnificent rice fields of Comporta in Lagoa Formosa.

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.

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.

Alàpega, Live Slow
– Santa Susana, Alentejo
Surrounded by the peaceful Alentejo countryside, Alàpega – Live Slow has eight beautifully designed rooms and sleeps up to sixteen guests. Available to rent as a full villa, it’s a serene escape with a sun-soaked pool, shaded terraces, and a calm, effortless style made for slowing down.

Herdade do Frei Cuco
– Santiago do Cacém, Alentejo
A three-bedroom holiday home with a swimming pool located in Santiago do Cacém’s countryside but also only 7km from the beach. Perfect for those seeking silence, nature and relaxation.

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.
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
– Caniçada, 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.
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
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.

Pink House Azores
– São Miguel, Azores
We love the look of this restored old barn turned into design boutique accommodation, a seven-minute drive from the historical centre of São Miguel. The property comprises two units: a three-bedroom house and a studio with garden views, both featuring well-equipped kitchens. There’s a communal seasonal outdoor pool, daily cleaning, and a delicious seasonal breakfast served each morning.

Azores Wine Company
– Pico, Azores
Azores Wine Company is a winery offering architect-designed serviced apartments on scenic Pico Island in the Azores. This winery pays homage to Azorean wine, capturing the tradition of old Pico wineries where people would drink, eat, and sleep. There's a tasting room, a restaurant, plus five stunning apartments, including four studios and a two-bedroom apartment. Savour rare wines in your own room with climate-controlled mini-wineries.

Lava Homes
– Pico, Azores
This special resort on the island of Pico has a small village feel to it, offering panoramic sea views and an incredible heated swimming pool (5x14m). There are fourteen accommodation units, from one to three-bedrooms, all with kitchenettes and breathtaking sea views. There’s also a grocery store and a restaurant, offering both dine-in and take-away options.
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Obrigada,
Joana & Sofia
© Photos by JO&SO and by each of the mentioned places.
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