The Best Villas to Rent in Portugal

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 is 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. 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 for cooling off when the warm weather gets to be a little bit too much.

Sleeps: 12

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-fiber 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

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; so there’s no need to bring shoes. Inside, the floors are smooth, polished concrete, and sun-bleached driftwood informs the styling. 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

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 artwork, 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, if the studio is included for an additional fee)

It would be unrealistic to describe any part of the ever-popular Algarve as “little-known,” but compared to nearby neighborhoods 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

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 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 freestanding bathtubs sit alongside floor-to-ceiling windows to allow you to take in the sunset as you relax.

Sleeps: 6

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 center is just 30 minutes away by car. But with countless laps around the heated saltwater pool, jolly family tournaments at the ping pong table, and cozy movie nights on the huge TV, there’s little reason to leave. There are four queen-size bedrooms, each with beachy wicker decor, trunk-style coffee tables, and human-size ceramic vases, which only add to the splendor of the sophisticated greyscale spaces. It’s no wonder, then, that this home scores a perfect five-star rating on Airbnb.

Sleeps: 8

Jesús Moraime (Baixa House's owner) and María Ulecia (its manager) may be Spanish, but they have both fallen in love with Lisbon. They're 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). 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 color against the painted white backdrop. The look is a fresh take on the midcentury-modern, with Ercol-esque furniture alongside 70s 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 cookie-cutter. 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

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 fill 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

It’s rare to find a moment of peace and quiet when sharing a villa with 19 other guests, but the abundance of secret garden spots here allows privacy for all. From draped four-poster daybeds 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

Travelers flock to the Douro region for its magnificent vineyards, so skip the tours and delve straight into the valleys with this villa. This home is poised on the bank of the Douro River among acres of fields, and the sights only become more wonderful when absorbed from the massive private swimming pool a couple of 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, in order to let the exteriors take center stage. With floor-to-ceiling windows stretching 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

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. 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

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 each), 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

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 of 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

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 blossoms: 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-colored 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; midcentury 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 favorite people and rent all the houses: It's a brilliant take-the-whole-place set-up.

Sleeps: 6