The best Airbnbs in Portugal
Bustling city streets, sprawling vineyards, whitewashed villages, vast rivers, glistening coastlines – Portugal is a land of contrasts, a medley of landscapes and terrains. Finding the right place to explore it all from is the trick; somewhere that welcomes you home but inspires you to explore. These are the best Airbnbs from which to base yourself in Portugal, from a smart Lisbon apartment to a converted farmhouse in the Douro Valley. For more, see our pick of the best Airbnbs in Lisbon.
Joao de MedeirosVilla for a large group, Douro Valley
Tried and tested
A trip to the Douro Valley is high on plenty of bucket lists, and it's not hard to see why; the wine and port is delicious, of course, but the landscape, which is listed as a World Heritage Site, is something truly special. Right in the middle is this villa, which used to be a family home and is now rented out by two sisters who grew up here and still care for the property lovingly. The villa has seven rooms and sleeps 14, with a large kitchen, dining area, living room and outdoor space with a pool; we stayed in late October when it was still warm enough to swim. It's worth flying into Porto and catching the train to the valley to see the best of the views from the windows as you steam along the railway tracks. Pick up a few bottles of local wine on your way to the villa and spend the evening watching the sun go down on the property's terrace.
Sleeps: 14
Price: £575 a night (minimum two nights)Some more Portugal Airbnbs we like the look of
While we have not stayed in every Airbnb featured, we have carefully selected these as recommendations based on their location, design, previous guest reviews and the fact that they have achieved Airbnb's Superhost status at the time of our research. All listings on Condé Nast Traveller are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
River view apartment, Gaia, Porto
Looking out over the river towards Porto from the banks of Gaia (across the Luis bridge from the main city centre) is a stunning way to see the city. This modern luxury apartment has the feel of a hotel, with its marbled bathroom and blackout curtains, but comes with the privacy and space you can only find in an Airbnb. Features include a large private balcony, a full-size kitchen for hosting and a dedicated dining room, and guests rate the place particularly highly for cleanliness and value.
Sleeps: 4
Price: £149 a night
Modern townhouse, Silves
The design of this townhouse is steeped in Moorish influence. It pays homage to Moroccan riads with its palette of ochre yellows and rich blues paired with vibrant patterned tiles creating a boho chic feel that still feels authentically Portuguese. Hosts Miguel and Sara have taken great care to source proper handmade tiles and vintage furniture, and the dreamy emerald green plunge pool on the pretty sun deck adds a final stylish flourish. Big groups will love staying here; there’s a sound system, wine chiller and gas barbecue for parties and, outside, a table for 10 ensures plenty of room to sit for relaxed group dinners.
Sleeps: Eight
Price: From around £224 per night, with a seven-night minimum
Peaceful villa, Comporta
This stylish villa is a modernist retreat, with a neutral palette and concrete finishes ensuring a cool respite from the Portuguese heat. Inside, a full chef’s kitchen makes a hub to gather around at dinner parties and, if you head out to the terrace, there’s a saltwater pool surrounded by plenty of comfy loungers to dip into during the midday heat. Previous guests really love this villa’s location – it’s just five minutes’ drive from the sandy beaches at Carvalhal and Pego, as well as being surrounded by miles of woodland, ready for morning runs and leisurely afternoon strolls alike.
Sleeps: 10
Price: From around £427 per night, with a three-night minimum
Seafront villa, Câmara de Lobos
The now owners of this 200-year-old former fisherman’s cottage worked tirelessly for three years to transform the once-dilapidated home into a bright and breezy space that makes full use of those idyllic sea views. And the views are something special – gentle arches frame vistas of glittering waves, while a roomy terrace with plenty of loungers overlooks the tide as it crashes into rocks below. The interiors are simple, with rich wood beams on the ceilings and whitewashed walls, and a scattering of appropriately-nautical bits and pieces throughout. Spend a morning sat on the balcony with a coffee while watching the fishermen leave the harbour, then head off to the beach, just a few minutes away.
Sleeps: Four
Price: From around £175 per night, with a six-night minimum
A chic cabin, Comporta
In the heart of Comporta, two minutes away from the beach and surrounded by warm sand is this cabin, which makes a stunning getaway for up to four people. Highlights include the outdoor seating area, which is just shaded enough to allow you to enjoy the Portuguese sunshine without scorching, and the barbecue for afternoons that turn into evenings enjoying the sea breeze. The town centre is just half a mile away, if you plan to venture to some of Comporta's restaurants, and guests particularly enjoy the feeling of being in nature here.
Sleeps: 14
Price: £79 a night (minimum two nights)
Ivo Tavares StudioChic loft, Aveiro
Aveiro, a town between Lisbon and Porto famed for its canals and colourful fishermen houses, is often described as ‘the Venice of Portugal’. From this chic loft you'll be perfectly placed to explore the historic centre. The mezzanine bed looks out over the canal and towards the river, and the minimal style is in perfect contrast to the bright colours of the city. All the local amenities are in walking distance, and guests love the unique design of the apartment.
Sleeps: 4
Price: £63 a night (minimum two nights)
Relaxing mountain home, Coimbra
Explore Portugal's varied landscape in this stunning home in the Serra da Estrela mountains, mainland Portugal’s highest range. Wine lovers will be particularly keen to visit the many nearby vineyards, home to some of the country's best winemakers, but if it's a quiet stay away from it all this property, set a quarter of a mile down its own private track, will do the trick. It sleeps just two, but the owners can help you book the sister property, Casa Figo, if you're travelling as part of a larger group.
Sleeps: 2
Price: £49 a night (minimum two nights)
Jose CamposBeachside retreat, Comporta
Comporta, a beachside destination near to Lisbon, is loved by chic locals and those looking for a relaxing weekend by the sea. This minimalist home, with a private pool, is located behind a pine forest for ultimate seclusion. The beach is five minute's drive away, and local restaurants nearby, but you'll need to think ahead if you're interested; the property books up months in advance thanks to its simplistic design and ideal location.
Sleeps: 6
Price: £33 a night (minimum three nights)
Seaside retreat, Lisbon
Set inside a vast villa, this charming house has everything you need for a soothing retreat between towering mountains and sprawling sea. Interiors are laidback and minimal, using lots of neutral shades, lamp lighting and light wooden details. The bathrooms are sleek with grey marble walls, double sinks and tiling, while the kitchen has modern appliances and an open-plan dining-room layout. But the real selling point is the location – step outside to discover a pristine pool looking out to the ocean with plenty of sunbeds to go around plus a manicured garden, barbecue and views of the Sintra Mountains. The space is also available for exclusive rental – just get in touch with the host for information on rates.
Sleeps: 4
Price: from £86 a night (minimum two to five nights)
Terracotta urban studio, Porto
From the street, this stone house looks like most of the other buildings lining the streets of Porto. But behind the navy-blue door lie five studio apartments sharing a tranquil outdoor deck, with high terracotta-painted walls hiding a square-shaped pool from neighbours, with comfortable sunbeds and an olive tree. Each studio comes with a double bed, bathroom (with walk-in shower), dining and work area and fully equipped kitchen, and guests share a living-room space creaking with antiques, from well-worn leather sofas and vintage clocks to piles of books and vintage luggage used as tables.
Sleeps: two per studio
Price: £99 a night (minimum two nights)
Converted farmhouse, Douro Valley
This loft farmhouse sits in the heart of the Douro Valley, a country escape deep in the hills of the UNESCO world heritage site. On the ground floor, there's an open-plan living area with worn, rustic cabinets housing piles of well-thumbed books and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the valley. The olive-green-timber exterior distinctly divides the lower floor and loft from the outside, but inside there's a unified aesthetic of whitewashed walls hung with quirky artwork and brightly patterned rugs on wooden floors. Wake up for breakfast with a view before spending the day lazing by the pool. The hosts offer several extra services – ask to arrange a boat trip along the Douro River, book a massage with a local therapist, or order farm room service for homemade lunch or dinner delivered to the house.
Sleeps: 14
Price: £345 a night (minimum two nights)
Website: airbnb.co.uk
Historic roundhouse, Setúbal
Sometimes a holiday villa just won’t do the trick. If you’re looking for something a bit more out of the ordinary, book into this renovated windmill in the outskirts of Setúbal. Explore the small towns of Casal das Figueiras, Grelhal and Troino or hike around Arrábida natural park, before returning to your remote windmill hideout. Enter through giant double gates to access the property, in which eclectic decor reveals a mishmash of architectural influences. Stone staircases wind around the different floors, with vintage lamps and wooden beams converging with floral-patterned armchairs, multicoloured rugs and curtains, and structural remnants of the original building – the bed is set underneath a giant wooden mill wheel, and shelves have been worked into ancient pillars to hold books, lamps and other antique paraphernalia. Dine on the top-floor terrace, with views across the sea.
Sleeps: 3
Price: £108 a night
Peaceful townhouse, Lagos
This property emanates tranquillity from all corners with a cream-toned interior that blends light wooden furnishings, linen fabrics, rattan fixtures and hanging plants. The rustic kitchen has a homely feel, with a traditional Portuguese-tiled splashback, blue-and-white painted china and fully stocked shelves hidden behind chequered curtains, while bedrooms carpeted with thick, soft rugs have coffee-coloured bedding and are adorned with dreamlike bird sculptures. But the best part of this peaceful escape is the patio. The door from the kitchen opens up to a hidden suntrap with striped sun loungers, tiled flagstone floors, wooden tables for alfresco dining, an outdoor rain shower and a private pool for cooling down after a day spent exploring the city.
Sleeps: four
Price: £280 a night (minimum two nights)
Palatial villa, Vale Formoso, near Faro
There are plenty of holiday homes to rent in the area, but this mansion in the former civil parish town of Vale Formoso, on the outskirts of the Natural Park and mountain range of Serra da Estrela, is our favourite – a cream-coloured villa with a terracotta-tiled roof, rugged interiors and multiple outdoor areas. In the living room, a giant brick fireplace takes centre stage, surrounded by stone walls, roughly hewn wooden tables and vintage Portuguese ornaments. The kitchen is more modern, with marble flooring, pendant lights and a sleek dining area, while a marble staircase with a glass balcony leads to the bedrooms upstairs, all draped in cosy fabrics in soft hues, with traditional tiled bathrooms and views of the sea. Outside there are plenty of shady corners with tables and chairs for alfresco meals or evening drinks, plus a ginormous pool surrounded by thick greenery, gnarled olive trees and lots of sunbeds.
Sleeps: 10
Price: £959 a night (minimum seven nights)
Riverview windmill, Almada
The perfect spot for those looking for a countryside escape within easy reach of the city. Just across from Lisbon on the banks of the Tagus, this historic windmill has been converted into a unique getaway. The dome-roofed structure has a cosy, wrapped-up feel, with a snug living area on the top floor and a window looking out over the river and towards the capital. Downstairs, rustic wooden ceilings and stone skirting blend with minimal design and pared-back tones. If you can’t get enough of the view, head outside to discover a treehouse hidden amid branches and leaves, great for a sunset supper or lazy breakfast soaking up the surroundings. During the summer months, request a small swimming pool, explore the beaches, feast on pastéis de nata or go for a cycle through the city.
Sleeps: four
Price: from £77 a night
Rooftop terrace apartment, Lisbon
This colourful apartment is the ultimate city-break base. The monochrome interiors, decorated in a range of greens from darker olive tones in the bedroom to mint in the living area, are offset by a large grey sofa, black-and-white rug and plenty of artwork on the walls. The surprising exception to the rule is the second bedroom – a burst of crimson inspired by the deep colours of Portuguese red wines. Loll in the open-plan living space or kick back on the terrace, taking in views across Lisbon’s rooftops and aqueduct. Plus, it’s close to Rato station and the Tram 24 stop, perfectly placed to explore the city.
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Sleeps: four
Price: from £73 a night (minimum three nights)
Remote riad, Budens, near Faro
A Moroccan-style riad rising up between typical Portuguese houses, this grand Airbnb is an excellent option for an alternative stay outside Faro. Rough wooden beams and red-brick archways contrast with crisp white walls and delicately carved furniture in the living areas, while splashes of bright colours and carefully designed mosaic tiling in the bathroom and bedrooms show Portuguese influences. Spend days exploring the small beach town of Budens before returning to the villa for an afternoon relaxing by the jagged-edged polygon pool, reading and sipping on coffee on the outdoor wicker chairs or taking a snooze in the lemon-coloured bedroom.
Sleeps: four
Price: £133 a night
Retro campervan, Leiria
Looking for the airiness of an apartment with a more remote and relaxed vibe? This retro campervan is the best of both worlds. Inside a renovated double-decker bus lie two floors with a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, bathroom, double bedroom and upstairs living room that can be made up into another bedroom. Opening out onto a deck, the bus comes with a private pool, barbecue and shaded seating, plus a hammock and sunbeds on which you can while away the hours. Get into the Portuguese hippie spirit in this secluded spot or head to the nearby beaches about a 40-minute drive away.
Sleeps: four
Price: from £91 a night (minimum two nights)