The best villas to rent in Portugal
For a true dose of escapism, look no further than a Portuguese villa. From world-famous wine regions to unassuming fishing villages, Portugal’s vast landscapes are littered with pretty places and even prettier properties to soak up the laidback culture here. Character-packed Algarve farmhouses and Madeira island hideouts are the prime choices if you’re seeking utter seclusion, or for a colourful taste of city life, opt for a swish pool villa on Lisbon’s outskirts. Whether you're booking for a couples getaway or a hearty family reunion, the lovely estates come in all shapes and sizes, and below, we’ve rounded up some of the best villas in Portugal for every occasion.
While we have not stayed in every villa featured, unless otherwise stated, these listings are vetted based on Superhost status, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor.
More recommendations for where to stay in Portugal:
- The best Airbnbs in Portugal
- The best hotels in Portugal
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- The best villas in the Algarve
- The best hotels in the Algarve
- The best Airbnbs in Porto
- The best Airbnbs in Lisbon
- The best Airbnbs in Lisbon for families
Casa John, Setúbal
Found among white-sand beaches and world-class golf courses, this Balinese-inspired villa is one of pure relaxation. Plus, if you fancy a change of scenery, Lisbon city centre is just thirty minutes away by car. But with countless laps around the heated saltwater pool, jolly family tournaments at the ping pong table, and cosy movie nights on the huge TV, there’s little reason to leave. There are four queen-size bedrooms, each with beachy wicker decor, and trunk-style coffee tables and human-size ceramic vases only add to the splendour of the sophisticated greyscale spaces. It’s no wonder, then, that this home scores a perfect five-star rating on Airbnb.
Sleeps: 8
Price: From around £342 per night, with a three-night minimum stay
Alojmento Quinta da Amieira, Porto
It’s not always easy to find a spacious villa near the city, but this home on Porto’s outskirts has five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a sprawling swimming pool on the lawn. This charming, restored farmhouse preserves the white, wood-panelled facades of its 1970s original, while embellishing the interiors with a sleek, contemporary design. Expect a mint-toned kitchen island, embedded electric fireplace, and several light-filled bedrooms, all with pretty sheer curtains and marble adjoined bathrooms. But the back garden steals the show here, as beyond the shady wraparound terrace lies a sweet-smelling orchard and small onsite farm, with happy hens and flourishing vegetable patches.
Sleeps: 10
Price: From around £590 per night, with a two-night minimum stay
Villa Calcada, Madeira
On the brink between imposing red cliffs and a secluded pebbly cove, Villa Calcada is suspended in a tranquil bubble of palm trees and Madeiran wildlife. Sloping beamed ceilings and exposed stone walls immerse guests in the hut-style vibe, while vintage furniture and eclectic decor fills every nook. Sleeping arrangements include two ground-floor bedrooms with garden access, and two snug bedrooms on mezzanine floors, reached by dainty wooden staircases. Outside, soak up the sun on cushioned loungers by the seafront, before cooling off in the kidney-shaped pool and retreating to the cobblestone patio, perfect for al fresco suppers with a stunning ocean view.
Sleeps: 4-8
Price: From around £260 per night, with a seven-night minimum stay
Villa Chantelle, Lagos
It’s rare to find a moment of peace and quiet when sharing a villa with nineteen other guest, but the abundance of secret garden spots here allow privacy for all. From draped four-poster day beds beneath olive trees, to mosaic-tiled benches hidden behind fragrant lavender, every stroll around the manicured grounds unearths another hidden gem, and the huge swimming pool terrace provides a lovely communal point of reunion. Each bedroom has its own lavish personality, ranging from silky spreads to floral quilts, but the common thread across all is the king-size bed and en suite. Underfloor heating, premium toiletries and complimentary bathrobes for all mean guests need not fight for the master room. Group trips to nearby Lagos are just a short drive away, for exploring the untarnished walled city home to some of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches.
Sleeps: 20
Price: From around £1,010 per night, with a seven-night minimum stay
Douro Valley Villa
Travellers flock to the Duoro region for its magnificent vineyards, so skip the tours and delve straight into the valleys with this aptly named villa. This home is poised on the bank of the River Duoro among acres of stripy fields, and the sights only become more wonderful when absorbed from the massive private swimming pool a couple rows below. The house itself adopts a modern style which strips back all the frills, with floating staircases and a sleek kitchen island, but these unfussy interiors seem purposeful to let the exteriors take centre stage. With floor-to-ceiling windows stretched along the open-plan living space and each en suite bedroom, the valleys follow you as you move from room to room, providing a postcard-perfect view which never grows tiresome.
Sleeps: 6
Price: From around £605 per night, with a two-night minimum stay
Casa Olhão, Algarve
It would be unrealistic to describe any part of the ever-popular Algarve as ‘little-known’, but compared to nearby neighbourhoods Portimão and Vilamoura, Olhão has more of a sleepy, relaxed fishing town vibe that will suit those looking to try an authentic, relaxed part of the coast. This villa is an ideal spot; whether you plan to explore the town, or stay home and enjoy the rooftop and its inviting pool. It comfortably sleeps four, with a spacious upstairs kitchen, comfortable outdoor dining terrace and that wonderful rooftop; which looks out across the whitewashed houses of Olhão and offers up stunning sunsets. Owner Richard has worked hard to ensure guests leave feeling like they've truly explored the area, and the house app includes tips and reviews from him to help you plan your days perfectly. Just be sure to give yourself a few hours walking around the town; the villa is perfectly located for seeing basically everything, from the pretty tiled houses to incredible local eateries.
Sleeps: 6
Price: From around £116 per night
Villa Boa Vista, Cruz João Mendes, Alentejo
It doesn't get more calm and tranquil than the Alentejo countryside, and this large villa sits atop a hill overlooking the fields and forests of nearby Melides, one of our favourite destinations for 2023. The pool and large outdoor area are particular selling points of this villa, particularly if you're the type to gather a group of friends and cook large, delicious meals to wash down with local wines. On-site cleaning services will turn down beds and prepare breakfast, so you get the luxury experience of a hotel but the privacy of a villa.
Sleeps: 12
Price: From around £2,179 per night, with a seven-night minimum stay
Villa Epicurea, Sesimbra
Just 40 minutes from Lisbon is Arrábida, where the eco-lodge Villa Epicurea can be found. With three suites in the main house and two private villas (which sleep four people), it's not entirely yours to enjoy – but you will experience the benefits that come from the property. These include on-site catering (all meals are vegan or vegetarian and prepared using organic ingredients), the infinity pool and yoga dome and activities including massages, surf lessons, horse riding on the beach, private picnics and more. Within walking distance is Praia da Foz, and the villa itself is surrounded by nature for you to soak up. There are several wellness retreats held throughout the year, should you wish to experience everything Villa Epicurea has to offer.
Sleeps: From 2-4
Price: Villas from around £244 per night
Casa Moderna, Comporta
If you've been dying to get to Comporta but haven't yet had the chance, this in-demand villa should surely be on your wishlist. Built using natural materials, it blends into the scorched sand and earth landscape, all thatched roofs and wooden pergolas. This is a villa designed to make the most of the outdoors, so you'll find plenty of spaces to sit and take in everything around you. All six bedrooms have patio doors, to help you easily access the outside areas, and there is a large kitchen available to help you create memorable meals with friends. Of course, there's also a large pool to help you cool off when the warm weather gets to be a little bit too much.
Sleeps: 12
Price: From around £2, 294 per night, with a seven-night minimum stay
City hideaway, Porto
Not all villas in Portugal are found alongside the beach or in the countryside. Porto is fast becoming one of the most in-demand areas of the country, and it's not hard to see why; history, excellent food and impressive views all come together to make the perfect weekend break. This property is perfectly located for you to make the most of everything available to you. With chic, homely designs and memorable finishing touches, it's ideal for two days or two weeks.
Sleeps: 2
Price: From around £106 per night, with a two-night minimum stay
Windmill house, Caparica
One of Lisbon's best beaches, Caparica, is a wonderful place to stay if you want both a beach and city break; and where better to enjoy the views than in this quirky windmill? The wonderfully unique property is fully-furnished and entirely comfortable, with a sitting room, full kitchen, bedroom and bathroom – plus, of course, a wonderful view over to Lisbon from the outdoor terrace. There's even a pool available to use in the garden if you don't fancy making it to the beach.
Sleeps: 4
Price: From around £104 per night, with a two-night minimum stay
Mothership, Setúbal
This breathtaking villa was designed by renowned architect Joao Pedro Falcao de Campos, and looks like a work of art. Nestled amongst the rice fields of Setúbal, the three bedroom, three bathroom property is as private as they come; just you, and five other guests of your choosing. Interiors are chic and simple to match the outside; think white walls and decor, with wooden accents. There's a large kitchen for hosting, and free-standing bathtubs sit alongside floor-to-ceiling windows to allow you to take in the sunset as you relax.
Sleeps: 6
Price: From around £1,599 per night, with a seven-night minimum stay
Campo de Arroz, Comporta
Comporta, a wild stretch of Atlantic coast, an hour and a half south of Lisbon, spent generations unnoticed before being snapped up by Portugal’s most powerful banking clan, which ensured strict rules for anyone intending to build a house here. These days, a select band of architects are finding inspiration in the area’s unusual scenery – storks nest on every other telephone pylon – and the homespun vernacular of whitewashed fishermen’s huts and horizontal-striped, woven-reed exteriors topped with palm-frond roofs. Regulars will tell you that the best way to experience Comporta is to rent a house. And this one, a family-friendly project that sleeps 10, makes the most of its views over rice fields that flick from water-logged to luminous green as the seasons change. From the stripped-down main bedroom, which has poured-concrete floors, wooden ladders and shaggy, palm-fibre lampshades, there’s a view of the sunrise over the fields, punctuated only by the orange trees in the garden. Outside is a huge barbecue with a pergola-sheltered table, and a swimming pool to leap into. The other way, the dense forest backdrop is filled with umbrella pines and gnarled cork trees. Without this place’s sandy, wooden decking, it would be easy to forget it’s so close to the beach. But just behind the treeline are miles of unspoilt caster-sugar dunes.
Sleeps: 9
Price: From around £1,210 per night, with a five-night minimum stay
Casa Do Pego, Comporta
Tapping into the barefoot, salty-haired vibe of Portugal’s coolest holiday destination used to be an exercise in knowing the right people. The best beach shacks were privately owned, and only for friends of friends. Now though, in addition to a number of new hotel openings, the top spots can be infiltrated. This low-slung six-bedroom villa, right behind the high dunes of Pêgo beach in Comporta, is as close as you can get to having your toes in the water. Olive groves and wild pines surround three separate cabanas – ideal for giving grandparents or older siblings a bit of space – that are linked by sandy pathways; there’s no need to bring shoes. Inside, floors are smooth polished concrete and sun-bleached driftwood informs the styling. And while the kitchen is fully kitted out, the house is within walking distance of the gorgeous Sal Beach Club, to which the whole family can decamp for long lunches.
Sleeps: 6
Price: From around £1,031 per night, with a seven-night minimum stay
Baixa House, Lisbon
Jesús Moraime, Baixa House's owner, and manager María Ulecia may be Spanish but they have both fallen in love with Lisbon and are committed to sourcing all sorts of Portuguese products for the interiors of these 13 crashpads, from the linen sheets to the wonderful Alvarez Gómez shower gels (stock up while you're here or buy them from Cologne and Cotton in the UK). The whole place is done with incredible taste and eclectic styling; it's full of market finds, with pottery plates on the walls, bedside lights set on stepladders and flashes of colour against the painted white backdrop. The look is a fresh take on mid-century modern, with Ercol-esque furniture alongside Seventies standing lamps, and G-Plan sideboards paired with canvas butterfly and wicker Acapulco chairs. Retro record covers are framed on the walls beside pretty botanical prints. Kitchens are stocked with gorgeous green cabbage-leaf-patterned espresso cups and cereal bowls, proper coffee machines with freshly ground beans in a jar, daily deliveries of fruit, milk, yogurts and a cake for tea time. Just-baked bread (seeded and sourdough) arrives still warm in a muslin sack that's hung on the door handle at the crack of dawn each morning. Everything here is thoughtfully done and couldn't be further from a cookie-cutter sensibility. Rooms are often let long-term to artists, writers and poets, and there's a feeling of being in a creative hub. But that's not to say this place isn't smart, too - the cool marble bathroom floors are warmed with underfloor heating.
Sleeps: 2
Price: From about £260 per night
Ana Ana, Portimão, Algarve
Ana Ana – ‘I am’ in Arabic – is the house-atelier of artist Eric de Bruijn, whose creative eye has helped him restore and refashion what was once a boat-repair factory, as is evidenced by the hooks that still protrude from the ceiling. In its very sleek current incarnation it offers a vast open-plan ground floor where a sitting room abuts a kitchen, both decorated with de Bruijn’s lyrical, abstract art work, some of his furniture designs and a tangible sense of stillness. Outside cactuses pressed against a pink wall cast shadows onto the lap pool, while upstairs a roof terrace comes with sunbeds, a barbecue and a shaded dining table. Five bedrooms are kitted out with thick mattresses on wooden floors and roomy dressing rooms and there are bathrooms to share. For those who want to be in a town rather than by the beach and who appreciate design details, this will tick all the boxes.
Sleeps: 10 (or 12, plus £100 per night, if studio is included)
Price: From around £600 per night
Villa Pedra, Coimbra
Arriving here, after winding upwards on narrow roads that cut through wildflower meadows, is like stumbling onto a Merchant Ivory film set, so perfectly formed is the stone hamlet lost in the hills of Serra de Sicó. When the car stops, silence falls, broken only by the whistle of the wind and the distant honking of geese. Victor Mineiro, the architect of these seven fantastically renovated cottages and adjoining restaurant (local olives and wine, tremendous coriander poached fish), will appear, all smiles and warmth, with Jack Russells Olivia and Jackie at his heels. He brims with enthusiasm for a project he has spent more than a decade working on, since he and partner Manuel Casal decided to breathe new life into the abandoned village. Gardens are lush and filled with blossom; tiny wild irises, deep purple, have taken root under olive branches. There is a swimming pool and a set of yellow chairs in the shade of a medlar tree. But it is not just picture-postcard prettiness, there is also soul within these old limestone walls. Inside the little ochre- coloured houses, sunlight floods across highly polished stone floors. Portuguese porcelain, old and new, and Mineiro's eclectic artwork sit side by side in the sitting rooms; mid-century furniture and ancient Berber rugs create a lived-in charm. Kitchens have juicers to squeeze the fresh oranges provided, the fridge is stocked with farmyard eggs and Rabaçal, possibly Portugal's best cheese, which comes from the goats that you occasionally hear bleating across the hills, and every morning warm bread, baked in a wood-fired oven at dawn, is hung in a cloth bag on your front door. Why come here? Gather your favourite people and rent all the houses: it's a brilliant take-the-whole-place set-up.
Price: Two-bedroom cottage from around £114 per night