Tourists looking for a completely unique experience in Portugal are turning their attention to Airbnb and the cool accommodation options on offer, ranging from rustic homes to eclectic concepts. Here are just a few of the more creative and popular retreats we think are the best Airbnbs around, in mainland Portugal and beyond.
Located in northern Portugal’s green Minho region, the Casa do Rio, a stone cottage snuggled into a forested landscape, has been dubbed ‘the most sought-after Airbnb in Portugal‘. For tourists wanting the best of nature, this gem is hard to beat, particularly as it has the soothing backdrop of flowing water from the nearby river and is located near mountains. The closest restaurants and bars are approximately 15-20 minutes away by car, and the house is surrounded by nature trails. The Casa do Rio fits four people comfortably, with one bedroom and two sofa beds.
Bright and airy, the Clérigos Room offers breathtaking views of the historic Clérigos Tower in Porto. This listing is also located inside a UNESCO classified building in the heart of the city and is within an easy walking distance from many of Porto’s must-see landmarks, including Livraria Lello & Irmão and the beautiful São Bento station (an excellent stop for those who appreciate Portugal’s azulejos (tiled exteriors).
If a road trip to some of Portugal’s best surfing spots sounds like an adventure that’s too good to pass up on, consider booking a room in the adventurous Truck Hotel. A hotel on wheels, it has five bedrooms, a kitchen, living space, bathroom, and even a terrace. The Truck Hotel cruises along the Alentejo coast during the fall and even heads to Morocco during the winter months.
Madeira is a beautiful destination for nature and hiking enthusiasts, and the Casa Típica de Santana is one of the area’s traditional homes located near some spectacular walking routes and ocean views. This cozy house boasts a distinctive straw roof and fits five guests.
Instead of planning to stay downtown in Lisbon, you can choose to sleep on the Tagus River in this boat Airbnb. It fits up to four guests in the two bedrooms and comes with a kitchen and bathroom. The boat is docked in Belém near the Discoveries Monument, the Belém Tower, and the riverside cafés and restaurants, which makes it ideal for exploring Lisbon’s historical side.
The Moinho das Feteiras is a charming mill near Ponta Delgada Azores that is available for two couples. The panoramic sea views and lookout point are just one part of this Airbnb’s charm; the other part is the mill itself, built in the 1800s. São Miguel island is the largest in the Azores archipelago and a treasure trove destination with its breathtaking green landscape (it goes by the nickname of ‘the green island‘), mesmerizing lakes, whale watching opportunities, and unique local culture.
Explore Portugal with a partner or friend in the WonderVan, a van adapted with sleeping space inside. Perfect for adventurous travelers, it offers a unique way to camp out while seeing more cities/regions and/or beaches in one trip. The van comes equipped with the basics, making it more of a camping rather than a glamping experience.
