Self-catering apartments & holiday villas in Portugal

More about Portugal

Make a holiday rental, home, or villa in Portugal your home away from home.

Accommodations in Portugal

Portugal experiences pleasant climates around the year, making it one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. Properties range from resorts along striking beaches in dynamic cities to villas in traditional towns amidst olive groves, vineyards and wheat fields. The diverse geography reflects the diversity of Portuguese culture. As a country historically known as a cultural meeting place— you will find Portuguese, Brazilian and African food, music, and people. Additionally rentals, apartments, and villas in Portugal’s major cities, Lisbon, the Algarve, and Porto are known to have one of the most relaxed and attractive atmospheres in Europe, while also remaining affordable. This makes it an ideal place for a last minute holiday.

Places to holiday in Portugal

The Algarve – With its sunshine, warm seas, and dramatic landscape, the Algarve should be on the top of anyone’s list when looking for a holiday rental in Portugal. Consisting of five main regions, Sagres, Lagos, Faro Tavira and Silves with rentals varying along beautiful beaches, such as the Praia do Peneco and Praia da Gale to lush golf courses, such as Parque da Floresta in Budens and the Oceanfront Course at Vale de Lobo. The Algarve rentals are satisfying for any type of holiday seeker.

Faro - As the Algarve's capital and a major commercial center, Faro is also a gorgeous holiday spot with medieval and renaissance style villas and a large number of monuments including the Nossa Senhora da Assuncão Convent and São Francisco Church in the old town. Several flights to Portugal arrive directly to the Faro Airport, which has made the city an easy haven for holiday renters. Faro rentals, apartments, and villas are also on site of some of the most beautiful beaches, including the Ria Famosa, where flamingos can be seen taking to the air.

Lisbon - The capital of Portugal is positioned on low hills beside a river making it one of the most stunning holiday sites. Famous for its abundance of eateries, the Rua de São Jose is the restaurant street. Lisbon's sweets are also particularly famous, especially the pastéis de Belém, a small crème tart. Additionally, downtown Lisbon rentals are surrounded by romance and rich in architecture, with tree-lined avenues, mosaic pavements, and old church towers including the Church of São Roque, Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, Padrão dos Descobrimentos, and Carmo Convent. Lisbon apartments are also located near a fabulous art collection with the proximity of the Gulbenkian Museum, the National Museum of Ancient Art, the Archeological Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Porto - Portugal's second-biggest city above the Rio Douro was once a medieval waterfront. Today it is scattered with old port-wine boats and beautiful architecture. Along the coast, Porto rentals line the beach, like the cosmopolitan beach of Espinho and busy ports, like Matosinhos, with splendid seafood, or traditional fishing towns like Póvoa de Varzim. Right next to Porto you can stay at Vila Nova de Gaia villas, where Port wine is blended and aged and take a river cruise along the Douro.

Things to do in Portugal

Portugal is notorious for its traditional folk festivals. These festivals are celebrated throughout the year in various parts of the country, so visitors can catch a festival even when planning a last minute holiday. Festivals are ideal for those looking to indulge in some deliciously fresh food, noisy but jovial music, and markets overflowing with creative, one of a kind works. Carnaval is one of the biggest events of the year, featuring colorful parades and outrageous partying about six weeks before Easter. Similarly there are vast celebrations during the Easter Holiday Week. Moreover, Portugal is also home to amazing music festivals encompassing a wide variety of genres, including fado, an urban music associated with the Portuguese guitar. The most famous festivals are in the summer like Festival do Sudoeste in Zambujeira do Mar, Festival de Paredes de Coura in Paredes de Coura, and Rock in Rio Lisboa in Lisbon.

Weather in Portugal

High season in Portugal is June to September. However the climate is temperate, so just about everywhere the weather is pleasant for the beaches, golf courses, or just walking around the cities, from April to October and year-round in the Algarve. The ski season is from January to March.

Travel to Portugal

Most flights to Portugal arrive at Lisbon, which has the main airport of the county but several airlines fly into Porto and Faro. Portugal’s national airline, TAP Air Portugal, operates direct flights to Lisbon, Faro, and Porto from a number of countries. Portugalia Airlines operates flights from within Europe. The best prices on airline travel can be found on Easy Jet and Ryan Air. By rail, the quickest way is to travel by Eurostar. By bus, Eurolines operates an extensive network of coach services to many destinations throughout Europe, including Lisbon, Faro, Porto, and Lagos. Buses and trains also run to Spain from all major cities.

See the Portugal Travel Resource Directory.

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