Destination guide

What you need to know about Portugal

A beautiful country on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is an great place to visit for any traveler. From pristine beaches to gorgeous cityscapes, this country has something for everyone. See the masterfully designed Manueline architecture and taste the delicious Portuguese cuisine. Get the most out of your trip, and experience the rich and varied land of Portugal from the comfort of your very own Portugal vacation rental. Book now, and begin an incredible journey through this historic and unforgettable land.

Things to do

So much to see in Portugal

Portugal makes magnificent wine, so take the time to see and taste it firsthand in the Douro Valley where tours are always available. Next, you can learn about Portugal’s inseparable connection with the ocean at the Lisbon Oceanarium. Not only will you discover fascinating facts about the local marine life and national heritage, but you will learn how to apply a more conscious effort in your daily life to conserve nature. If that’s not enough, be sure to visit Zoomarine Algarve, a thrilling theme park with fun for the whole family.

Activities

Keep yourself busy in Portugal

The hardest part about finding something to do in Portugal is deciding what to do first. You could relax on one of the many beaches on the country’s western coast or head out on a guided tour to catch a glimpse of dolphins surfacing out in the Atlantic. If you’re looking for a more thrilling off-road adventure, take part in a safari through the Algarve region, experiencing breathtaking landscapes, regional architecture with Portuguese and Arab influences, and more. At night, be sure to check out the numerous nightclubs all around the country, especially in Lisbon.

Weather

Feel a climate in Portugal as rich as their history

Portugal has two climate zones, a southern warm Mediterranean climate and a northern more temperate zone. Overall, it’ll be colder up north, somewhere around 54 degrees, while the south is more around 63 degrees. During the winter, freezing temperatures can be common up north, so you can enjoy ski trips in the mountains. If the beach is more your style, enjoy warm water typically in the high 60s to low 70s. Also expect sunny days as Portugal is one of the sunniest areas in Europe with around 320 days of sunshine a year, particularly in the summer.

Natural features

Explore the diverse landscapes of Portugal

Portugal offers vast open plains, desert areas, mountains, and beautiful sandy beaches. No matter what your preference, Portugal can provide. Head north to the Serra da Estrela for skiing during the winter or travel down to Lagoa das Furnas to find a gorgeous lake surrounded by forests and plains. Spend some time at the beaches, especially Marinha Beach in Algarve. Frequently voted one of the best beaches in Europe, this wonderful culmination of soft sand and clean calming ocean waves provides an environment perfect for letting all your problems float away.

How many vacation rentals are available around Portugal?

Our 2019 property listings offer a large selection of 35,450 vacation rentals around Portugal. From 6,462 villa rentals to 7,634 house rentals, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable holiday or a weekend with your family and friends.

What are the most popular destinations to visit in Portugal?

There are many lovely places to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Portugal. From Vrbo travelers, the top most popular destinations to visit are:

  • Lisbon: 4,941 vacation rentals
  • Porto: 2,395 vacation rentals
  • Faro District: 14,143 vacation rentals
  • Albufeira: 7,474 vacation rentals
  • Lagos: 3,990 vacation rentals

And Vrbo offers you the chance to discover many other popular destinations in Portugal! Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available in other popular destinations.

What are the main cities to discover in Portugal?

Whether you're traveling with family or friends, here are the cities with the largest selection of vacation rentals for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Portugal:

  • Carvoeiro: 5,058 rentals
  • Alvor: 4,480 rentals
  • Luz: 3,263 rentals
  • Coimbra: 176 rentals
  • Ericeira: 726 rentals

For other cities, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

Can I find easy-access vacation rentals when traveling by plane to Portugal?

Yes of course. Our owners offer a large selection of vacation rentals near airports. The airports with a large selection of vacation rentals in Portugal are:

  • Lisboa Airport (LIS): 6,399 vacation rentals
  • Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL): 538 vacation rentals
  • Portimao (PRM): 7,462 vacation rentals

For other airports, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

Near which points of interest can I spend my holidays in Portugal?

Vrbo offers a large selection of rentals near lovely places in Portugal. From Vrbo travelers, the top most popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:

  • Portugal dos Pequenitos: 234 rentals
  • Albufeira Old Town Square: 9,459 rentals
  • Cascais Beach: 6,381 rentals
  • Regimento de Sapadores Bombeiros Museum: 6,715 rentals
  • Algarve Casino: 8,225 rentals

But there are many other points of interest around Portugal listed on Vrbo where you can find your place to stay. Just write your wanted destination in our search bar and have a look at our selection.

Explore destinations around Portugal

Faro District
14,143 vacation rentals
Azores
1,113 vacation rentals
Madeira Region
2,693 vacation rentals
Lisbon District
6,498 vacation rentals
Porto District
2,873 vacation rentals
Braga District
999 vacation rentals
Leiria District
1,836 vacation rentals
Coimbra District
424 vacation rentals
Aveiro District
489 vacation rentals
Viseu District
274 vacation rentals
Évora District
250 vacation rentals
Setúbal District
1,421 vacation rentals
Castelo Branco District
157 vacation rentals
Santarém District
252 vacation rentals
Beja District
257 vacation rentals
Guarda District
180 vacation rentals
Portalegre District
149 vacation rentals
Viana do Castelo District
860 vacation rentals
Bragança District
126 vacation rentals
Vila Real District
175 vacation rentals