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.

If you know which part of Portugal you're heading to skip to our Portuguese Destination Guides:

• The Best Places to Stay in Lisbon
• The Best hotels in the Douro Valley
• The Best Places to Stay in the Algarve
• The Best Places to Stay in Madeira
• The Best Places to Stay in Alentejo
• The Best Places to Stay in Tavira

The Best Places to Stay in Portugal

For a City Break: Lisbon

• The Heritage Av Liberdade, situated on one of Lisbon's most famous streets, is an award winning hotel - the brain child of architect Câncio Martins, renowned for the Buddha Bar in Paris and Strictly Hush in London.
• The only Art Deco hotel in Lisbon, the Hotel Britania has been beautifully restored and retains many period features. Bedrooms are large and a library and intimate bar on the ground floor give the place a distinctly private club feel.
• The Hotel Lisboa Plaza offers traditional, old world charm coupled with very personalised service. The bar and fabulous terrace emphasise the relaxed ambience. With a long list of devotees who wouldn't dream of staying anywhere else, you might want to book well ahead!
• Book a room at the Solar do Castelo and you'll have bagged the only accommodation within the walls of the Castle of Saint George, which rises out of the beautiful labyrinth of the old Moorish quarter. This unique hotel manages to effortlessly blend the old and new, with exposed stone walls complemented by new pale wood and rich fabrics.

For Foodies and Wine Buffs: Porto and the Douro Valley

• Six Senses Douro Valley is the one to book if you're looking for a seriously luxurious and pampering stay in the Douro Valley. It will not disappoint with its sleek, contemporary rooms, plus excellent spa and gourmet restaurant.
• Some of Porto's port houses offer accommodations too, one of the best examples being The Yeatman by well known Port brand, Taylors. Rising above the port houses to offer views of the Douro Valley, this is a lavish place to stay, with a fantastic spa, infinity pool and plenty of marble. But still awash with character.
• Porto is filled with magnificent art and architecture, and the Hotel Vidago Palace is an excellent example. The beautiful Art Nouveau buildings and pristine parklands are well worth the short hike into town.
• The Palacio Freixo, a baroque masterpiece built in the 18th century, is another. There are many restored public areas, so you can pretend you're living in a palace. But it's also got all the mod. cons.. Including an infinity pool overlooking the stunning Douro.

For Sunshine: The Algarve

• Just outside historic Sagres on the unspoilt Western Algarve, the Martinhal Beach Resort is a luxurious resort village with plenty of space and plenty to do. There are five swimming pools, kids clubs for all ages and a fabulous spa located in its own private grounds.
• Quinta do Barranco da Estrada is an idyllic, 12 room, rural hideaway overlooking peaceful Santa Clara Lake. Canoeing and sailing are included in the price, plus you can walk, birdwatch, eat great food and generally chill out.
• Vila Vita Parc is a truly luxurious cliff top resort, with outstanding facilities for all the family. There's a kids club for every age group, watersports galore, and a nine hole golf course to name but a few. There's also a private sandy beach, great spa and Michelin starred cuisine.
• Vivenda Miranda began life as the home of a 17th century noble family. It now offers twenty-five bedrooms, a stunning pool and terrace with breathtaking views and direct access to the Porto de Mós beach, just outside Lagos.

For Families: Madeira

• Reid's Palace is the perfect place for an easy family holiday. There's plenty to do in the grounds, including an indoor play space and outdoor playground, multiple pools and supervised activities - including tennis lessons. And they'll help you organise activities for the whole family to do together.
• Quinta de Bela Vista offers a very family-friendly five star experience. There's beautiful grounds, a beautiful bay view, and plenty of facilities to keep everyone as busy as they want to be.
• Hotel da Vila's 15 rooms are bright and airy, but basic. It makes the grade here because its balcony rooms are great value - especially with the views - the food is good and reasonably priced and you have access to the flashier sister hotel up the hill, the Estalagem da Ponta do Sol.

To Escape and Relax: Alentejo

• Monte de Fornalha is perfect if you're looking for a rustic retreat. Set in amongst the vineyards, this whitewashed farmhouse has been tastefully and traditionally decorated. Its three rooms and three suites, as well as a peaceful pool and terrace, offer the perfect place to relax.
• The Casa da Ermida de Santa Catarina is a top Hotel Guru choice. It's right on a beautiful lake in the spectacular Parque Natural de Serra de Sao, so a fair way off the beaten track, yet with plenty to keep you occupied, including wine tasting, nature and fabulous walking.
• Vinho verde accompanied by sardines and shellfish on the barbecue, Alentejo's cuisine is a pleasant surprise to many. Yes, it's rustic, and not fancy, but it's also fresh, local and original. Wine and food enthusiasts should book the Herdade da Malhadinha Nova. This restored farmhouse, and gourmet restaurant, is on a 450 hectare, family-owned wine estate. The ten rooms and suites are stylish and modern.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Portugal,
• refine your search to the best places to stay in the Algarve,
• the best places to stay in Lisbon,
• or the best places to stay in Porto,
• or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.