Portugal travel guide: best hotels and experiences
Places to stay and things to do in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve
- 1. Rua Camara Pestana I
- 2. Vista Douro
- 3. The Ritz-Carlton Penha Longa Resort and Spa
- 4. A ten-day vinicultural voyage with the World of Wine
- 5. Herdade da Comporta
- 6. Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve
- 7. W Algarve
- 8. Four Seasons Fairways
- 9. Outpost - Casa das Arribas
- 10. Ana Ana Artistic Habitat
- 11. Casa Arte
- 12. Quinta Nova
- 13. Craveiral Farmhouse
1. Rua Camara Pestana I
This luxury apartment to rent in Lisbon is located within one of two turn-of-the-century mansions which have been beautifully converted into an elegant apartment building and a small boutique hotel. The property is situated in central Lisbon, on the city’s most central hill with stunning views across the city and to the River Tagus below. Lisbon’s sophisticated high street, Avenida da Liberdade, runs beneath the property and is reached in just five minutes down steps, or guests can use the Lavra funicular which is the oldest funicular in Lisbon. Via The Luxury Travel Book, rates start from approximately £1,300 per week. Sleeps two.
2. Vista Douro
From its position on a high plateau, Vista Douro benefits from outstanding views over the Douro River. Built in the 17th century, it retains its original charm and character, while adding modern comforts. The luxury villa rental in the Douro Valley offers plenty of space for a relaxing holiday for a large family, or a group of friends. Via The Luxury Travel Book, rates start from approximately £6,100 per week. Sleeps 18 in 12 bedrooms.
3. The Ritz-Carlton Penha Longa Resort and Spa
This breathtaking retreat is nestled in a 545-acre natural park in the Sintra Mountains, western Portugal. The serene resort is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who can enjoy hiking among rolling green hills, a 27-hole golf course, a choice of three swimming pools as well as easy access to beaches in nearby Cascais and Estoril, just ten minutes away. Guests can relax in the 1,500sqm Thai-inspired spa, and dine-out in the property’s eight restaurants, two of which boast a Michelin star. Rates from £214 per room, per night.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
4. A ten-day vinicultural voyage with the World of Wine
World of Wine (WOW) in Porto has curated a trip of a lifetime experience for wine and port enthusiasts. From Porto to the Douro Valley, this ten-day excursion that is filled with culture, history, and of course, wine, is the ultimate experience for connoisseurs, and undeniably one for the bucket list. Wine experiences include: six nights at The Yeatman Hotel in Porto on a B&B basis; private wine masterclass at The Yeatman Hotel; private tour of Taylor, Fladgate & Yeatman Port wine houses in Vila Nova de Gaia; plus access to each of WOW’s six experiences - The Wine Experience, Planet Cork, The Chocolate Story, The Bridge Collection, Porto Region Across The Ages, and The Fashion & Fabric Museum - for the duration of the visit. WOW offers the curated wine experience from £7,434 based on two people. Email marketing@wow.pt for details.
5. Herdade da Comporta
The Herdade da Comporta luxury villa in Comporta is situated on a five-acre estate in a secluded area nestled on the sand dunes. This charming holiday rental is just 100m from the beach and features six separate bungalows with seven bedrooms which can comfortably accommodate 12-14 guests in total. The six bungalows are linked by paths through beautifully designed gardens, with white sand and sand dune vegetation as well as lavender and rosemary. Guests staying at this luxury villa rental will enjoy utmost privacy and their own private beach. Via The Luxury Travel Book, rates start from £36,390 (€42,500) per week and includes housekeeping, villa manager, chef and assistant chef, welcome drinks and snacks.
6. Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve
The iconic, cliff-top retreat located in Albufeira, southern Portugal, is set above the country’s glistening beaches. Moorish-influenced décor features throughout, and guest rooms include private balconies with views of the Algarve’s red cliffs and Atlantic Ocean. The hotel’s amenities include a nine-hole golf course, tennis club, revitalising spa, eight swimming pools, and a host of fine-dining options. Perfect for families, children will love the hotel’s Porto Pirata, the biggest kids club in the region which includes two lifelike pirate ships, a bouncy castle, a basketball court and mini-golf course. Rates from £235 per room, per night.
7. W Algarve
Opening in August, the W Algarve will be the brand’s first property in Portugal. Located on the iconic Algarve coast, the 134-guestroom hotel boasts direct access to three beaches and iconic sea views from each room. The 23 lavishly appointed suites include duplex apartments with private plunge pools and an Extreme WOW suite with a hot tub. The Sea Sky rooftop bar provides unrivalled views of the Algarve coastline and when the sun sets, guests can make the most of W’s renowned Wet Deck parties. Rates from £200 per room, per night.
8. Four Seasons Fairways
The Four Seasons Fairways resort in the Algarve has announced that the latest phase of its ongoing villa refurbishment programme is complete. This most recent round of work will bring the total number of refurbished villas at the resort to 98. Each elegant villa is set in beautifully landscaped gardens and features its own pool or Jacuzzi, terrace or garden and outdoor BBQ/cooking station. For 2021, Four Seasons Fairways offers seven nights in a two- or three-bed villa or apartment with swimming pool or Jacuzzi from £1,150 to £3,550 on a self-catering basis.
9. Outpost - Casa das Arribas
Outpost is a historic property perched atop cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and just a 40-minute drive from Lisbon. The house was built by Portuguese architect Raul Lino, who was responsible for rediscovering the romanticism of the Sintra castles. It’s now available as six separate holiday apartments. Children of all ages are welcome and the pool, garden and nearby beaches make it a perfect family getaway. Welcome Beyond offers nightly rates at Outpost from €165 (£141.89), based on two sharing, room only.
10. Ana Ana Artistic Habitat
Ana Ana is a place that combines hospitality, style, comfort and art in its many forms. It is the house-atelier of the artist, creative director and interior designer Eric de Bruijn. The house is located in the heart of Portimão, only a few metres from the riverside, and a 15-minute walk from the nearest beaches. Welcome Beyond offers nightly rates at Ana Ana Artistic Habitat from €400 (£343.98), based on ten sharing.
11. Casa Arte
This villa blends the privacy of a home with the comfort of a luxury hotel, in the wild part of the Algarve. The Moorish style building is a traditional Portuguese construction that follows the typical architecture of the Algarve. The decoration brings some contemporary, minimalist and modern features to create a very casual and cosy atmosphere - a perfect mix of aesthetics, elegance and comfort. There are four suites and one family room, comfortably sleeping up to 12 people in total. Welcome Beyond offers nightly rates at Casa Arte from €490 (£421.38).
12. Quinta Nova
Nestled in the vineyards of an 18th-century estate, Quinta Nova overlooks the rich vine-laden tapestry of the Douro Valley. With a combination of oenology, fine dining and attentive hospitality, this peaceful and spacious family property with 11 rooms offers breathtaking views within the UNESCO World Heritage Site wine region.
13. Craveiral Farmhouse
Craveiral Farmhouse is the passion project of the founder Pedro Franca Pinto, a Lisbon lawyer who had dreams of becoming a farmer. A life defining project, he bought the land more than ten years ago, taking an unloved field of carnations and transforming it into Craveiral Farmhouse. Located on nine acres of land, the collection of 38 whitewashed self-contained cottages with simple wooden terraces are surrounded by pine forest and fruit trees. There are four swimming pools, a well-being area, an educational farm with animals (donkeys, horses, pigs and goats to name a few), an orchard of indigenous trees, a permaculture garden, nature centre and small shop. Plenty of activities are on offer, guests are encouraged to ride the farm’s horses and donkeys, and there are also 4x4 and quad bike tours, picnics with homemade products and BBQs.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - November 2, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - anti-fascism, early voter turnout, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Geoff Capes obituary: shot-putter who became the World’s Strongest Man
In the Spotlight The 'mighty figure' was a two-time Commonwealth Champion and world-record holder
By The Week UK Published
-
Israel attacks Iran: a 'limited' retaliation
Talking Point Iran's humiliated leaders must decide how to respond to Netanyahu's measured strike
By The Week UK Published
-
Forget the overtourism of the Amalfi Coast and head to Madeira, Portugal
The Week Recommends Try this stunning alternative in the Atlantic Ocean
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
What are digital nomads?
The Explainer Dozens of countries now offer remote working visas but the schemes vary and there are downsides too
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Isles of Scilly: discover the abundant joys of island life
The Week Recommends Ramble, sail and feast your way around Scilly to experience a region like no other
By Julia O'Driscoll, The Week UK Published
-
Mexico City travel guide: art and design
The Week Recommends Modern vibrancy, design legacy and ancient heritage puts Mexico's jewel alongside other art capitals of the world
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
An unspoiled island in the Bahamas
The Week recommends Explore the natural beauty, windswept beaches and crystal-clear waters of Eleuthera
By The Week UK Published
-
Edinburgh, Scotland: where history ambles alongside the present
The Week Recommends Plan your trip to the Scottish capital
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Rio de Janeiro: a guide to Brazil's iconic city
The Week Recommends There's far more to Rio than just mountains, beaches, music and dance
By Tom Yarwood Published