Portugal's variety is one of its greatest assets. Along with its calendar full of colourful festivals and unique culture. In a single day, you can travel from verdant mountains in the north to the vineyards on the slopes, through the rocky centre to the rustic rural pleasures of the Alentejo region and on to the glamorous golden sands of the Algarve and the coast. When choosing the best places to stay in Portugal it really depends on what you are in search of. There is a wide range of accommodation, from charming traditional B&Bs to uber-chic luxury stays.
Lisbon is a vibrant capital city abounding with charm and colour and filled with the music of Fado and the characteristic rattling of yellow trams trundling past decorative tiled façades. Most of us know Porto, an ancient port city graced with spectacular architecture and surrounded by Port wineries.
Many turn to Portugal for sunshine and cloudless blue skies, in which case you're here for the Algarve! As well as mile upon mile of golden sand framed by characteristic limestone rocks standing guard dramatically over turquoise waters, the Algarve is also rich in birdlife, golf courses and surf breaks. While the resorts around Faro and the airport are well developed, the Western Algarve is still a beautiful semi-wilderness.
Madeira is another year-round warm and sunny destination, and of course, it tempts with its Madeira cake and wine too. While Alentejo offers more dramatic, rural scenery, and a wonderfully relaxed pace of life in amongst vineyards, white towns and megalithic monuments. Alentejo covers almost a third of Portugal, from the Atlantic coast to the Spanish border and the Algarve, but it has only about seven per cent of the population. And its charming old white towns, where nothing has changed for decades, are sparsely dotted amongst olive groves and cork forests. Alentejo's beaches are beautiful and on a road trip along white cliffs and virginal coasts you'll feel like you're the only people in the world.
With so much to offer Portugal is unsurprisingly a popular summer destination, so in order to get a room at one of the best places to stay in Portugal we recommend booking well in advance.
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Lisbon
Lisbon’s only Art Deco hotel is a beautifully restored heritage townhouse in the heart of the city. The spacious rooms feature cork and parquet floors, art deco fixtures and marble bathrooms. More private members club than hotel. A truly unique and memorable stay.
Lisbon
A unique historical setting for 14 individually decorated contemporary bedrooms. The old blends with the new - stone walls, pale woods, heavy bricks, all the mod cons. Charming inner courtyard and garden with Medieval remains. The only hotel within St. George's Castle walls.
Porto (União de Freguesias do Centro)
This boutique hotel is housed in a beautiful renovated 16th-century residence nestled in Porto's historic centre. The interior design pairs period touches and modern furnishings; the best rooms boast original features like magnificent painted ceilings. A charming heritage hotel in a great location.
Vila Real (R. da Capela)
This family run country home is a short walk away from the picturesque town centre. Surrounded by gardens and an outdoor pool, the main house and cottages have red-tiled roofs, stone walls, hand painted tiles and antique furniture. A home made breakfast is served at the terrace everyday.
Olhao (Algarve)
A beautifully restored traditional 19th century house in the centre of town. Ten fresh and airy rooms boast a stylish mix of period features and contemporary luxury, plus there's a spacious cosy lounge, and charming courtyard for balmy breakfasts or sundowners. A chic B&B in the heart of the action.
Algarve
Luxury cliff-top family resort in lush gardens. Contemporary, light rooms with white on white decor drawing the eye to the spectacular sea views. Fantastic children's facilities, tennis courts, golf course, luxurious Sisley spa, and excellent food. A beach paradise.
Alentejo (Cerro da Fontinha)
A charming country house B&B with a communal kitchen, gardens, pool, and children's playground. Farmhouse chic bedrooms are excellent value and extra beds can be included. Within striking distance of beaches. A great choice for a budget family beach holiday.
Reguengos de Monsaraz
A rustic inn perched on a mountain ledge with stunning valley views. Charming rooms and suites have stone floors, wooden furnishings, and private balconies. Lovely terraces, swimming pool, gardens, and restaurant. Great for families or couples on a budget.
Peniche (Peniche 2520-204 )
A smart coastal base set in the pretty fishing town of Peniche. Style is understated and chic, with the four bedrooms featuring contemporary fittings, pale wooden floors and whitewashed walls - an unfussy yet sophisticated ambience. A real home away from home and great value too!
Torres Vedras (1, Casal das Pedrosas )
A modern whitewashed villa set in simple, pretty gardens with a lovely indulgent pool. Inside, terracotta tiling and traditional wooden furniture create a friendly atmosphere while smart rooms are airy with polished concrete floors and unfussy modern furniture. A charming coastal bolthole.
Porto (União de Freguesias do Centro)
This boutique hotel is housed in a beautiful renovated 16th-century residence nestled in Porto's historic centre. The interior design pairs period touches and modern furnishings; the best rooms boast original features like magnificent painted ceilings. A charming heritage hotel in a great location.
Porto (Porto)
An opulent heritage hotel occupying a restored 1900s bourgeois residence in the heart of Porto's historic centre. Intricate tiles line the hallway leading to the bright, expansive suites; the best of which boast balconies. Original features abound, updated with modern design details. A stylish stay.
Ponta do Sol
Minimalist beach chic on a cliff top with fabulous views, excellent spa and restaurant. All white rooms with private balconies, trendy open-air bar and infinity pool. Ideal for an active summer holiday with all the luxury indulgence to go with it.
Funchal (Madeira)
A stunning five star hotel set in beautiful gardens overlooking the sea. Restaurants, bars, billiards, a swimming pool, and seamless rooms with private balconies. Unrivalled views that match the splendour of its interiors: a hilltop countryside mansion for those wanting lofty luxury.
