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Portugal is the western border of the Iberian Peninsula, ranging from the high hills of the Douro Valley in the north to the rockrose-scented beaches of the Algarve in the south. It's also a mecca for culture-loving, sun-seeking travellers who come to laze on golden sands or wander the weathered schist villages in the Centro mountains. Cities like Lisbon offer a clue to the country's long and enthralling history – maritime museums and mighty castles like Sao Jorge abound. Porto offers potent port tipples and cool cafe culture. Portugal holiday rentals with pools mean cranking up the relaxation. Those by the coast have roaring surf and irresistible seafood.
Portugal's past tells a tale of explorers and adventurers. Portugal holiday rentals in Lisbon are a great place to start exploring all of this history, with the Maritime Museum and its weathered maps, sailing charts and relics of Vasco da Gama's journeys around the globe beckoning down on the Tagus estuary. The nearby Lisbon Oceanarium offers a more natural introduction to the high seas, with sunfish and puffers and sharks of all sorts. Don't miss the National Azulejo Museum, either – it's the place to discover the country's long-held tradition for ceramic art.
Where to begin? A bout of beach basking, perhaps? Portugal holiday rentals in the Algarve have you covered – the sands are long and lovely, washed by dolphin-peppered seas and backed by high cliffs. Some seafood? Stick to the south, where fishing villages meet BBQ tavernas in towns like Albufeira. How about history? Lisbon can't be beaten on that count – its quaint Alfama district and amazing maritime museums make sure. Hiking? Hit the hills of the Douro Valley, or clamber to the schist villages on the inland peaks. Surfing? There's loads, from beginner-friendly Peniche to rip-roaring Nazare for the experts.
Portugal is long and thin. That means the north has a whole different climate to the south, with average summer highs of around 20 common in Porto when the Algarve is being baked in heat of nearly 30 degrees. That makes months like June, July and August perfect for seeking out Portugal holiday rentals with a pool. Autumn is a local favourite, known for its milder weather and warm seas – a surfing trip perhaps? Winter – December, January, February – sees some snow in the north and the chance of skiing in the mountains.
Portugal majestically blends its different habitats. Take Sintra, where the mist-shrouded mountains covered in cork woods drop suddenly down to the Atlantic Ocean, creating wave-battered cliffs that are pure drama from top to bottom. Up in the heights of the Serra da Lousa in Coimbra District schist ridges give way to forests where wild deer stalk. Down in the Algarve, long beaches that glow with golden sand are backed by high cliffs and the seas are home to dolphin pods aplenty. Porto, meanwhile, has the Douro River and its verdant banks clothed with vineyards.
Portugal is known for its beautiful beaches and array of seaside amenities. Holiday homes are available near places like Praia da Rocha, a scenic beach with towering rock formations and shops and restaurants, and Praia da Marinha, a popular beach with rustic surrounds, pit caves and soaring cliffs. You'll also find a mix of scenic white-sand beaches and clear waters in Tavira Island.
Portuguese cuisine is comprised of Mediterranean influences, such as bountiful seafood from the Atlantic coast, spices from colonial periods and produce from the fertile landscape. Olive oil, garlic, parsley, cinnamon, vanilla and saffron are prominent in Portuguese cuisine, as well as pork, beef, octopus, cuttlefish, crabs and prawns. For an authentic Portuguese experience, visit a restaurant near your holiday accommodation to try caldo verde, salted cod or caramel custard.
Our 2022 accommodation listings offer a large selection of 33,864 holiday lettings around Portugal. From 5,488 villas to 15,225 houses, find unique self catering accommodation for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends for a long holiday or a weekend break.
There are many lovely places to stay for a long holiday or just a weekend break in Portugal. From Vrbo UK travellers, the popular destinations to visit are:
Vrbo UK offers you the possibility to discover many other popular destinations in Portugal! Please use our search bar to access the selection of self catering accommodations available in other popular destinations.
Whether you are travelling solo or with family and friends, here are the cities in Portugal with the largest selection of holiday lettings for a perfect city break:
For other cities, please use our search bar to access the selection of holiday homes available.
Yes of course. Our owners offer a large selection of self catering accommodations near to airports. Airports with a large selection of self catering accommodations in Portugal are:
For other airports, please use our search bar to access the selection of holiday rentals available.
Vrbo UK offers a large selection of holiday lettings near great places to visit in Portugal. From Vrbo UK travellers, the top popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:
But there are many other points of interest around Portugal listed on Vrbo UK where you can find your place to stay. Just write your wanted destination in our search bar and have a look at our selection of holiday accommodations.