The 15 Best Airbnbs in Portugal, Whether You Want a Tropical Retreat, a Beachfront Stay or an Urban Adventure

• Sleeps: 6
• Rate: $164/night
• Why We Love It: beach front, ocean views, family-friendly, pet-friendly

This stunning beach house on the Apulia dunes has humble roots as an old fishermen's shelter, but has since been transformed into a truly breathtaking abode—featuring wood-paneled ceilings and sun-drenched rooms, as well as a balcony and a generously-sized terrace from which guests can enjoy panoramic ocean views. Spacious, cozy, charming and perfectly located, this Bruga rental checks all the boxes.

• Sleeps: 6
• Rate: $254/night
• Why We Love It: lake views, natural beauty, outdoor and water activities, private setting, outdoor space, family-friendly

Located just outside the rural village of Montargil, and a stone’s throw from the namesake lake, this gorgeous property boasts a modern aesthetic and whole host of amenities. For starters, there are floor to ceiling windows that provide views of both the lake and the surrounding countryside; there’s also a pool, jacuzzi, private parking lot, outdoor space, well-appointed kitchen and a TV in every room. Suffice it to say, this is a pretty comfortable place to return after a day of water activities on Lake Montargil.

• Sleeps: 4
• Rate: $71/night
• Why We Love It: outdoor area, beach access, prime location, budget-friendly

The Milfontes patio houses are located in close proximity (i.e., walking distance) to a number of pristine beaches, as well as Milfontes’s bustling downtown area. The apartments themselves are on the smaller side, but they’re sunny, clean and charmingly decorated with a generously-sized shared patio and barbeque area for guests to enjoy. The superhosts who run the show are, by all accounts, very warm and accommodating, too. Bottom line: If you’re looking for a quaint and cozy village stay that doesn’t break the bank, this one fits the bill.

• Sleeps: 4
• Rate: $153/night
• Why We Love It: organic design, natural beauty, outdoor activities, proximity to beaches, fairytale vibes, pet-friendly

Perched atop a forested hill, this whimsical and enchanting windmill home is like something out of a fairytale. The interior boasts organic design elements, including a stone-flanked fireplace in the small, but comfortable living space, and a floating wooden spiral staircase that leads to a cozy second floor bedroom and a truly awesome third floor bedroom with a seriously cool, conical ceiling and a large window. As for the surroundings—it’s a nature lover’s paradise featuring winding forest trails to explore and a location that’s just minutes away from some of the most beautiful beaches on the Silver Coast.

• Sleeps: 2
• Rate: $122/night
• Why We Love It: breathtaking ocean views, beach and town access, couples retreat

This sleek and modern one-bedroom penthouse condo is a swoon-worthy couples retreat featuring a fully-equipped kitchen and, most notably, a private balcony terrace with unmatched ocean views. Indeed, the views are truly remarkable—but the location, just 50 steps away from a beautiful beach and just as close to the bars, shops and restaurants of Carvoeiro is pretty hard to beat, too.

• Sleeps: 4
• Rate: $136/night
• Why We Love It: farm stay, scenic views, peaceful setting, impeccable design, historic village, family-friendly

This beautiful, modern home sits on a sprawling family farm in the historic and oh-so scenic city of Guimarães. Guests have views of and access to the entire property, which boasts a blueberry field, a gorgeous sprawling garden and a swimming pool. Quiet, serene, tastefully-decorated and surrounded by nature—this is definitely one to write home about.

• Sleeps: 2
• Rate: $149/night
• Why We Love It: agricultural setting, tropical gardens, pool, natural beauty, beach access, modern design, couples retreat

This property, consisting of four sleek and sustainably-built condos, is located off the West Coast of Madeira, on an island that’s prized for its pristine beaches and stunning natural landscape. As such, there are enough water activities and hiking trails to keep you busy—but that’s only if you can tear yourself away from the property itself, which features beach access, a (shared) infinity pool, numerous social areas and lush tropical gardens with herbs, spices and fruit for all.

• Sleeps: 2
• Rate: $56/night
• Why We Love It: historic, beach access, scenic views, couples retreat, outdoor activities, pet-friendly

Here, another hilltop windmill with gorgeous natural surroundings and numerous accommodations. A municipal heritage building built in 1798, the Marinhas windmill’s elevated position provides incredible views of both the ocean and the rolling hills surrounding it. Best of all, this rental provides easy access to several of the region’s prehistoric monuments, and is within walking distance to numerous hiking trails and the beach. That said, it’s worth noting that the unique location of this rental makes it better suited to more of the rugged, adventurous type.

• Sleeps: 2
• Rate: $182/night
• Why We Love It: tropical setting, natural beauty, beach access, romantic couples retreat, pet-friendly

Hidden in a banana forest on the cliffs of Madeira, you’ll find this luxury tipi—an “ecoglamping” site in a truly magical setting with a waterfall in the backyard, the sound of waves crashing 100 meters below and hammocks hung in lush gardens. Plus, this tropical paradise has all the amenities you could possibly need—including WiFi, a proper bed and bathroom, a full kitchen, swimming pool and easy access to the beach. (OK, it’s hardly camping…but who cares?)

• Sleeps: 4
• Rate: $94/night
• Why We Love It: ocean views, balcony, central location, beach access, bright and airy interior, pet-friendly

This bright and sunny apartment in Algarve is a fully-renovated and well-appointed space, featuring a balcony with ocean views and a convenient location just steps away from the popular Quarteira beach. Plus, the airy, sun-drenched interior is nicely decorated and just downright cheerful.

• Sleeps: 6
• Rate: $871/night
• Why We Love It: ocean views, beach and town access, geological attractions, family-friendly, spacious

Another rental in the fishing village of Algarve, this seaside stunner is located near the famous Benagil Caves, and within close proximity to the beach and the bars, restaurants and shops of the vibrant town center. The location is quiet—perfect for relaxation—and the ocean views are stellar. Plus, there’s a pool and a mile-long amenity list that includes every kitchen item under the sun and all the supplies you could possibly need to babyproof the place. (Family vacation, anyone?)

• Sleeps: 6
• Rate: $94/night
• Why We Love It: rooftop pool, modern design, beach and town access, family-friendly, garden views, pet-friendly

This luxury three-bedroom villa—part of a small condominium in Albufeira—boasts a private heated rooftop pool and a classic modern aesthetic that deserves a spread in an interior design magazine. Better still, the quiet property is conveniently located just 10 minutes away (by foot) from the beach and Albufeira’s charming Old Town strip. Needless to say, this place has all the features necessary to woo a small crowd or medium-sized family. (Hint: “Babysitter recommendations” caught our attention.)

• Sleeps: 4
• Rate: $219/night
• Why We Love It: ocean views, large terrace, jacuzzi, beach and town access, family-friendly

This classic Albufeira fishing house has a cheerful, modern interior, a seriously snazzy (and oversized) jacuzzi and multiple well-appointed terraces with stunning ocean views, including one that’s big enough for outdoor entertaining. However, the property’s most appealing feature is perhaps its location, which is a mere minute’s walk from both the beach and the town’s historic center. (Casa do Caesar has also earned an impeccable five-star rating, which is nothing to shake a stick at!)

• Sleeps: 6
• Rate: $276/night
• Why We Love It: ocean views, pool, beach access, geological attractions, family-friendly

Casa Verde is a gem in Benagil, located a stone’s throw away from the namesake caves and a one minute walk from the beach. Water activities abound in this sunny coastal spot and the town is quite lively, too. As for the property, it boasts all the comforts of home, plus a terrace with (you guessed it) breathtaking ocean views and a pool. Per the reviews, the hosts are extremely friendly and helpful, to boot.

• Sleeps: 2
• Rate: $135/night
• Why We Love It: prime urban location, modern design, terrace, couples retreat, budget-friendly

This pristine, sun-soaked loft in the heart of Lisbon boasts a sparkling white and oh-so airy interior with an impressive amount of floor space and a modern feel. There’s also a charming patio overlooking the cobbled streets and historic buildings of the neighborhood, which happens to be one of the trendiest and culturally-vibrant areas in Portugal’s capital city. File this one under ‘urban couples retreat.’