Thanks to its beautiful beaches, dramatic coastlines, rich history and traditional cuisine, Portugal is a rewarding destination for a luxury holiday. The country offers something for every type of traveller, whatever the season, from the Algarve’s sun-soaked shores to the cultural energy of Lisbon. Discover the best places to visit in Portugal, whether you are seeking historic cities, fishing villages, or natural wonders. A stay in a Villanovo villa provides the perfect base to explore the country in comfort and style, combining privacy with easy access to Portugal’s highlights.
The Algarve is one of Portugal’s most celebrated coastal regions, best known for its dramatic cliffs and sculpted rock formations with breathtaking views of the turquoise sea. Praia da Marinha, often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, is made up of small coves nestled in majestic cliffs. The best time to go is in spring or autumn, away from summer crowds. At the northern edge of the Algarve, Odeceixe is a popular beach for surfing that also has calm lagoons at low tide. Coastal adventures include boat trips to the vaulted Benagil Sea Cave, accessible only by water, and ferry rides to the Blue Flag beaches of Tavira Island, prized for their soft sands and clear, shallow waters.
Our clients' recommended villas in the Algarve: Villa Rikana (Albufeira); Villa Colombe (Ferragudo); Casa Agostos (Quinta do Lago)
The Alentejo invites you to explore an easygoing, authentic side of Portugal. Drive past olive tree groves and vineyards to whitewashed villages such as hilltop Monsaraz and Évora, whose historic centre recalls Portugal’s golden age. Nearby, the once-sleepy fishing villages of Comporta, Melides and Tróia enchant with their unspoilt beaches, sweeping dunes, and relaxed lifestyle. Here, locals and international celebrities dine side by side on fresh Atlantic seafood. For an unforgettable experience, your Villanovo concierge can book horseback riding along the beach or through the Sado Estuary, where Comporta’s iconic white storks are often spotted.
Our preferred villas in the Alentejo and Comporta: Villa Mateus (Praia do Pego); Villa Kinya (Muda); Villa Treina (Troia)
Just around 30 minutes from Lisbon, one of Europe's most charming cities, the Lisbon Coast blends elegance, history, and the natural beauty of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Sintra feels like a fairytale, with its pastel-coloured manor houses, Baroque palaces, romantic gardens and verdant hills. Plus, the UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts a lively medieval fair each July. The chic seaside town of Cascais is beloved for its marinas, golf courses and beautiful beaches, offering everything from calm coves to Atlantic waves for surfing. Once a holiday retreat for Portugal’s royal family, Cascais' relaxed atmosphere makes it a favourite summer escape for locals.
Exceptional villas in Cascais and Sintra: Villa Blueview (Cascais); Villa Alkis (Cascais); Villa Sisi (Sintra)
Porto is one of Portugal’s most characterful cities, celebrated for its riverside charm, traditional tiled façades and world-class wine culture. Its historic centre is rich in atmosphere, with traditional Portuguese food served in family-run restaurants, while nearby Matosinhos, the city of sardines, is famed for its fishing port and outstanding seafood. Just inland, the Douro Valley is one of the loveliest day trips from Porto. Terraced vineyards follow the curves of the river, best admired on boat tours or scenic drives, offering a timeless landscape shaped by centuries of wine-making tradition.
Our recommended villas in Porto and the Douro Valley: Villa Diogo (Porto); Villa Rive du Douro (Douro Valley); Villa Cima (Douro Valley)
Northern Portugal reveals a more rugged and authentic side of the country, shaped by mountains, tradition and a strong sense of local culture. Braga, often called the Rome of Portugal, charms visitors with its pretty old town and cute cafés. Nearby Guimarães, whose historic centre has UNESCO World Heritage Status, is rich in medieval buildings and national history. For nature lovers, Peneda-Gerês National Park offers oak forests, green valleys and cascading waterfalls, dotted with twenty rural villages. Hiking trails connect landscapes and communities, allowing visitors to meet with locals and experience northern Portugal’s living heritage at a slower, more meaningful pace.
Our clients' favourite luxury villas in northern Portugal: Villa Rosaura (Vila Real) and Estate Serenidade do Norte (Ponte de Lima)
Villanovo offers a carefully selected range of villas in Portugal with direct access to the beach, a swimming pool, or sea views, house staff, or locations on a golf course. Thanks to their abundance of amenities, these homes are the perfect setting to have the best time with your loved ones.
These villas are located in Portugal’s most desirable regions, including the Algarve, Comporta, northern Portugal (Porto), and the Lisbon area (Sintra and Cascais).
The Villanovo concierge service is available before and throughout your stay, booking exclusive tours, children's activities, day trips, wine tastings, restaurant reservations or a private chef in your villa. Thanks to this personalised service, you are sure to have the best time on your holiday in Portugal.
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