Amazing Portugal provides a kind of wonderful combination between wild landscapes, party beaches, luxury holiday villages, medieval cities, magnificent palaces and much more. Not everyone is able to internalize this unimaginable variety, but the amount of attraction to the various Portuguese destinations is so great that the main summer destinations must be booked at least several months in advance.
The accommodation options in Portugal are extremely diverse, thanks to the changing climate and the diverse ways of life. From the European class-elegance of Lisbon to the tropical wooden cabins of the natives of the Azores, you will find a match for every age and preference, for every travel style, request and total budget.
The Portuguese are known for their hospitality and most accommodations meet a high and quality standard. Portugal itself maintains a relatively relaxed price range compared to other European destinations and invites you to stay and spend time in one of the most beloved, intriguing and safest destinations on the entire continent.
Hotels in Lisbon
The bottom line:
- Lisbon is built on several hills, so you will need strenuous walking, or a bigger budget for taxis and metro
- A particularly diverse price range, where every average budget will suit a different accommodation area within the city
- The transition seasons are the most ideal for a vacation, when the peak of summer and winter will require special preparations
Accommodation level:
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a well-kept and lively city, which offers a rich history, architecture in a variety of styles and a lot of interest and possible entertainment places. There are many places to stay in the city and due to its construction spread over 7 different hills, there is a wide variety of accommodation options and price ranges. So that you get the most out of the experience from Lisbon, to locate yourself in the area closest to the activities and type of vacation that suit you.
The luxurious city hotels We offer excellent room service and good service, spacious rooms and a beautiful view. Smooth From the 5 star hotels Located in ancient buildings and palaces that have been converted into accommodation complexes. Their prices start at 120 euros per night for a couple.
A cheaper option is live in "dorms" - a kind of hostels that offer shared low-cost rooms. The options are a room with several beds at a cost of 10-15 euros per person, or renting a double room with a private shower at an average cost of 45 euros per night. These prices refer to the hot and tourist season in Lisbon.
Recommended accommodation areas:
The most central area in the city for tourists and in general, is Baixa (Baixa). The word "Baisha" which means "low", refers to the lower city and is present in every big city in Portugal. Here you will find countless ancient buildings built above narrow alleys that are centuries old, most of the city's leading attractions and also a very diverse accommodation for tourists: young people, the elderly, families with small children and any group of travelers who need accessibility and comfort due to difficulties in getting around. However, Baisha is a busy and bustling area and this must be taken into account.
Two other areas that will suit those who want to experience Lisbon's fine nightlife are Bairro Alto and Chiado - central and sought-after areas for accommodation thanks to the multitude of trendy pubs, restaurants and cafes around. Bairu Alto is located within walking distance of Baisha and will therefore save you the need for public transportation. These areas are naturally populated by younger people, so there are no luxury hotels here. On the other hand, due to the level of these areas, there are no low-level hostels or hotels here. Therefore, the accommodation will suit those looking for 2-3 star hotels and in the middle price range.
Those seeking peace and authenticity are strongly recommended to stay in the area called Alfama - the old, colorful and "local" district of Lisbon. The district is made up of alleys-alleys and a multitude of staircases, so its urban pastoral is magical and fascinating, but will not suit everyone.
If you are looking for shopping and a quality lifestyle vacation, you will find them in Avenida de Liberdade or the Marquis de Pombal square. The Marquis Square has the most spacious guest rooms in the city and the place is full of shops of all kinds. However, the lack of attractions and night life in the place will require increased use of the metro and taxis.
Other options in the city are: Park Nacoes neighborhood (Parque das Nacoes) - an innovative and modern neighborhood with lots of green and open spaces and also excellent proximity to the villages near the city and the airport; And the Principe Rea neighborhood - small and intimate, hipster and full of guesthouses and boutique hotels. You will also find here a variety of restaurants and bars that are frequented by many locals.
Important tips:
Due to the construction on hills, every walk in Lisbon is based on ups and downs. It is important to prepare for this both in terms of the nature of the trip in the city and the level of the budget, because some travelers will have to get around the city by public transportation and avoid walking, even if they are relatively short. You should find out if your hotel is on a flat spot and if the walk from it to the points of interest includes ups or downs.
The most recommended season for a vacation in Lisbon is the months from March to May, or mid-September to the end of October. These months offer the perfect combination between relatively calm traffic of tourists, pleasant and sunny weather and naturally, low prices and a significant amount of deals.
If you come in July-August, be prepared for heavy traffic on the beaches and in all points of interest in the city. If you prefer to come in the winter, take into account the prolonged downpours in the area (a downpour that makes it impossible to leave the hotel door may last even hours until it subsides) and prepare for a trip that is very flexible in terms of the schedule.
Hotels in Porto
The bottom line:
- The higher the hotel is located, the higher the level, prices and size of the room
- The most recommended area to stay in the city is the Riviera area on the river bank
- It is recommended to avoid arrival in the months of July-August and coordinate the visit for the transition seasons
Accommodation level:
Porto is a magical and historical city whose area is not too large, but despite this it is the second largest city in Portugal. In addition, Porto is one of the most important cities for Portuguese tradition and history. The city offers all levels of accommodation, where the increase in the level of accommodation will be felt the more you are located on the edge of the hills at a height, from there the view is magical and the rooms are especially spacious. The lower your hotel is and located in a more central point, the smaller the rooms, but of course much cheaper.
The prices of the 3-star hotels stand at an average price of 300 NIS per night for a couple during the season, when More luxurious hotels will reach an average price of NIS 650 per night during the season. Prices decrease as you move away from the city center, but outside the center there is not much interest and uniqueness. if you prefer settle in dorms, you can spend the night on a good budget around NIS 100 or less per night.
Recommended accommodation areas:
The accommodation in the city is ideal for a limited number of days, therefore it is recommended to be located in the heart of the city and especially as close as possible to the areas: Fe Cathedral, the Riviera of Porto, Cafe Majestic, Liberdade Square, the Sao Bento train station or the Clerigos Tower.
The city has two flat and popular areas: Porto's Riviera (Ribeira) located on the river bank and Aliados Avenue (Avenida dos Aliados) which is lively and trendy. The areas are indeed flat, but to get out of them you will have to climb quite a bit. If the ups and downs don't bother you and it's important to you to stay "in the center of things", of course it is recommended to spend the night in the Baisha area (downtown) and blend in with the amount of tourists and the entertainment options. The amount of accommodation here is large and at very varied prices.
If you prefer to settle for cheap places and spend most of your day outside the hotel, it is recommended that you arrive at a hotel or guest house in the famous Boavista neighborhood. Here you will find a spectacular architectural abundance, a large stretch of beach, parks and boulevards and also a very good proximity to the city center.
The Sedofia neighborhood where Porto's artists' quarter is located is also cool and interesting, with lots of fashionable chic and excellent nightlife. Here you will find cafes, art galleries, restaurants, shops and more.
And we will say a few more words about the Riviera, because it appears to be the most successful accommodation area in the city. A wide-ranging cultural scene takes place here, so you won't be short of things to do here. Due to the renovation and upgrading that transformed the area from an industrial working-class neighborhood that exports the local wine through the West Bank into a modern and most beautiful entertainment center, the place was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of course, an integral part of the area is the local and respected wine culture.
Important tips:
Also Porto, like Lisbon, is located on hills and therefore will require strenuous walking up and down, or extensive use of the metro and taxis. It is recommended to find out whether your hotel is on a plain or at a height, which will help you to appreciate its level and also to better adapt the travel routine to your personal character.
It is recommended to avoid coming to the city in the months of July and August, also due to the endless amount of tourists but also due to the heavy heat and humidity that increase the closer you are to the river and the beaches. Due to our personal recommendation for lodging in the lively and popular Riviera area, which is right on the bank, it is recommended to come here during or near the transition seasons, to escape the heat and tourists and also to enjoy significantly lower prices.
Hotels in Óbidos
The bottom line:
- It is recommended to focus the financial investment on a two-day stay in one of the luxury hotels in the city
- The tourist season is April and unlike other cities, it is actually highly recommended for arrival
- For those interested in cheaper rates, it is possible to stay in the nearby villages
Accommodation level:
Beautiful Óbidos offers a progressive city, in a shell of an ancient crusader atmosphere. A high wall surrounds the city which used to be fortified and within it you will find a multitude of palaces, monuments and architecture from different historical periods, which greatly contributes to the royal atmosphere of the city and the level of the local hotels. the hospitality in the luxury hotels which were in the past for buildings and palaces costs from NIS 1,000 per night for a couple in season. Those of you who would prefer to find an apartment, a guest house or even a country cabin, will be able to find places costing NIS 600-800 per couple. In addition, you can stay in one of the villages outside the city and reduce the costs even more.
The city itself will be suitable for one to two nights, so it is recommended to invest and stay in a luxurious pousada (ancient palace-hotel), which will allow you to fully experience this magical place. After that, it will be possible to stay more cheaply in one of the villages and continue the trip there with lots of other successful options.
Recommended accommodation areas:
The area of the city is small, so there are no designated or specially recommended accommodation areas. On the other hand, this makes Óbidos a city where walking is particularly comfortable and the price level is also relatively uniform. For those who prefer to stay near the attractions, it is recommended to look for hotels near the Castle of Óbidos (Castelo de Óbidos), the Church of Santa Maria, the Municipal Museum (Museo Municipal de Óbidos) or the lagoon area where you will find mainly vacation villas.
Another option would be to stay in a small spa town annexed to the city called Caldas da Rainha, where there are natural hot springs that many attribute healing properties to.
Important tips:
The peak season in Óbidos is different from that of Lisbon and Porto (July-August) and it takes place in the month of April, thanks to the famous Medieval Festival and the International Chocolate Festival - an event not to be missed! For you this is excellent news, since our personal recommendation is to fly to Portugal between March and May thanks to the weather, the scarcity of tourists and the prices. This way you can spend the night in the main cities on a relatively low budget and save the high costs for two royal and pampering days between the walls of Óbidos.
Hotels in Madeira
The bottom line
- Most of the island's tourism is concentrated in the capital city of Funchal, where you will find most of the recommended places to stay.
- Madeira has no season, which makes it crowded with tourists throughout the year. Book places in advance
- Along with the hotels and guesthouses, there is the option of accommodation in a Quinta - the most authentic and experiential form of accommodation on the island
Accommodation level:
The spectacular Madeira is an archipelago that lies north of the Canary Islands and west of the coast of Morocco and has several islands, two of which are inhabited and their main occupation is tourism. This figure makes Madeira the local "Hawaii", where the celebration and atmosphere never subside. This is a quality place for those of you looking for a belly-back vacation in luxury hotels And also for those interested in wild treks alongside Accommodation in a cheap place.
The capital city of the central island is called Funchal and it is positioned as a fairly cheap destination compared to other well-known cities in Europe. For comparison, a standard room in Funchal hotels will cost you between 80-150 euros per night, while other important and touristic cities will host you in the range of 250-300 euros per night. The most authentic and experiential option for lodging is in the kinetas - ancient houses that have been converted into well-kept boutique complexes rich in vegetation and space. Another option is to stay in B&Bs or holiday apartments.
Recommended accommodation areas:
The vast majority of tourists prefer to go to Funchal, the capital city, and especially to the Lido hotel strip. Here are the main local attractions, restaurants, pubs, shops and more. In general, the tourist infrastructure of Funchal is particularly developed, it has many travel and travel agencies and, of course, also plenty of hotels and guest houses.
As a result of Funchal's increasing tourist load, you may prefer to look for somewhere less crowded and a little more authentic, which will bring you to the nearby tiny towns of Punta do Sol or Punta Delgada. Here the number of hotels is low, but the budgets are in the middle range and the hospitality is much more pastoral and peaceful. Punta do Sol is a small, sunny beach town. Punta Delgada is located in the north of Madeira and will be very suitable for those looking for an almost complete escape from tourists.
Important tips:
Madeira does not have a peak season and a low season, which keeps the tourist momentum but also the uniform price level. If you are looking for places with little tourist traffic, you should locate in the north or south of the island, where not many tourists come. Due to the fact that Portugal itself is a summer vacation destination, the tourist traffic to Madeira is also particularly large in the summer and it is recommended to take this into account, mainly because the beaches are filled with people. In addition, do not travel to Madeira without booking a hotel long in advance, due to the constant and high demand.
Hotels in Sintra
The bottom line:
- Most of the city's hotels are located in the tourist center, which has a small area, which may create a heavy load in the summer months
- The price difference between three and four star hotels is tens of shekels, so it's worth investing a little and upgrading significantly
- It is advisable to choose the type of hotel according to its area route and not based on proximity to attractions
Accommodation level:
Sintra is an intriguing and spectacular city, rightly called "the city of legends". It is built at the foot of an impressive mountain range and above a particularly ancient dense forest, making it a place where stories and legends come to life. On top of that, Sinatra is full of palaces and castles from different periods and other construction styles and is therefore considered a high-quality place to stay, with some of the hotels located in ancient castles and overlooking the mountainous landscape.
A standard 3-star hotel in the city center will cost about NIS 300 per night, with the difference between The 4 star hotels Very small (an additional NIS 50-100), so it's worth investing a little and upgrading. 5 star hotels which make up the royal portion of the hotels, in the ancient buildings and palaces of the past, are already priced at around 800-900 NIS per night in the season.
Recommended accommodation areas:
Sintra is quite a small city, which offers a small and old center where most of the city's hotels are concentrated. Other hotels are within walking distance from the center and more will suit those looking for nature and peace. City center hotels are of course the choice of most tourists, when you have to remember that the attractions in the city are not close to the hotel areas anyway. In the center you will find plenty of pubs, restaurants, services for tourists such as attraction and travel companies and of course a huge number of places to stay, which attracts all kinds of travelers to the area.
A good alternative to the busy center is the Portela de Sintra neighborhood (Portela de Sintra) - a calmer and quieter neighborhood, full of restaurants and pubs and with a typical character without touristic "Switzerland". The supply of accommodation here is relatively low, but very realistic in terms of the budget.
Another option is the famous Sera de Sintra neighborhood, which has a number of important points of interest such as the Pena Palace, the Quinta da Regaleria and the Moorish Palace.
Important tips:
During the summer when tourism in neighboring Lisbon is at its peak, many come from it for day trips to Sintra. This causes the feeling that the number of travelers in the city exceeds the total number of its hotels. However, this is the most recommended season to visit here. You can of course come during the transition seasons and thus escape the many tourists as well as the heavy heat, but the city is not completely emptied of tourists. During these seasons you will also find lower costs in the various hotels, which may provide you with a good opportunity to stay in one of the ancient castles - which is considered an experience in every way.
Another tip for travelers is to check the location of the hotel. A mountainous location full of scenery can be wonderful, but will not be suitable for small children and people who have difficulty walking.
Hotels in Kaskayesh
The bottom line:
- A high level of hospitality, suitable for young people, families and couples of all age groups
- The city fills up to capacity in the summer months - book places as early as you can
- Winter accommodation is possible, but not recommended
Accommodation level:
The luxury resort village of Qashqaish offers a high standard of living and the perfect indulgence for everyone, with Luxurious resorts on the coastline, spa facilities and a variety of entertainment options. However, the variety of accommodation options in Qashqaish is also suitable for families and couples on low budgets. the accommodation in 5 star hotels In the season starts from a price of NIS 1,000 and above, when there is a very wide supply of apartments for rent, Hostels And 3-star hotels at an average price of NIS 350 per night. Due to the fact that Qashqai is a holiday village, you will also find quite a few good deals for the big hotels, including many promotions that characterize the seasons of transition.
Recommended accommodation areas:
The beach in Kaskayesh is of course the most attractive point of interest and therefore the local marina is the most popular and sought after accommodation area. Here you will find many more quality hotels than cheap guesthouses, but the amount of tourism here is high, so the area is lively and active regularly and is also very suitable for young people who are looking for quality pampering and not necessarily a place to "get thrown" in.
Another area is the old city. Here you can admire the period architecture of Qashqai, the authentic alleys and the elegant cafes. Here, too, there is a wide range of accommodation, located near several museums and local attractions.
The added value of the town as a luxury resort is found in a unique neighborhood called Estoril, which is known for its local casino, a well-known race track and many pubs. The atmosphere here is more international than local, although the area is full of ancient and interesting buildings that the eye cannot get enough of seeing.
Important tips:
Kashkaish is fully occupied every year during the months of July-August, so you will have to book places in advance, as early as you can. The prices during this period skyrocket and with them the costs of the attractions and even some of the restaurants. Of course, these are the peak months when you can meet tourists from all over the world and have a great time, but if you planned to save on prices and avoid overcrowding and congestion, you may have to plan your arrival in other months, with the priority being the months of the transition seasons.
The winter in Qashqai is challenging, so it is less recommended to come here this season. The city becomes romantic and empty of tourists and the prices are also very ideal, but you will have to be very flexible in planning the trip to deal with the unstable weather.
Hotels in the Algarve
The bottom line:
- A huge and diverse destination for all types of travelers, where the most prominent accommodation options are luxury resorts or authentic accommodation in the village homes of the locals
- Division into a large number of areas, in each of them different vacation and recreation options
- The peak season opens on June 21.6 and ends on September 21.9 - it is recommended to book in advance for the best hotels
Accommodation level:
The Algarve region is the southwestern tip of the European continent, which is considered one of the best and finest tourist centers in the entire continent. Some of the local hotels are considered the best in southern Portugal and the entire region offers luxurious accommodation and fine service, wild views and a huge range of activities and accommodation for all budget levels. Couples on a romantic vacation and honeymoon, high budget travelers of all ages, families and backpackers are attracted here.
The offer of accommodation is varied, with the most popular and desirable form of accommodation being the resorts on the coastline. Other options will be the resorts and rural and modest guest houses. There is another option and loved by many - authentic accommodation in a local house, usually of a couple of pensioners who were looking for employment during retirement and discovered that they were interested in buying a house in the Algarve and engaging in hospitality.
Recommended accommodation areas:
The choice of accommodation will affect the course of the entire stay in the Algarve and will therefore be more significant than the proximity of the hotel to the attractions or the center of affairs. Most of the tourist traffic flows to the capital city of Faro and the cities of Lagos and Albufeira.
If the purpose of the vacation is a luxurious and luxurious vacation, there are several good options, but this time we will recommend the town of Almancil for its luxurious resorts and the location in the heart of a huge national park called Ria Formosa, the town of Vilamoura where a marina will be waiting for you And it has yachts of many nobles and rich people from the world as well as luxurious gourmet restaurants and isolated and exclusive beaches.
The lovers of parties and the well-known nightlife scene of the Algarve will surely prefer the famous Albuferia - a paradise for summer parties in an international atmosphere, or Praia da Rocha, which used to be a gloomy resort beach and became one of the most desirable leisure centers around , with many colorful parties on the beach. Due to the large appeal to young people, in both towns you will find Many cheap guesthouses, but also Rich and luxurious hotels There is certainly no shortage here for those interested.
If you define yourself as simple people of sand and sea, Olhao is your place. This is an amazing location for those seeking authentic destinations, friction with the Portuguese locals and pastoral beaches without huge budgets. Another town close to Praia da Rocha is Alvor, it also provides peace and authenticity, very suitable for families with children and especially for those who are interested in local charm and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the parties. In both Olhao and Arbor the accommodation budgets are quite average for the Algarve region, so they will suit every pocket and preference.
There are many other places in the Algarve that are recommended to meet and get to know, each of them has different accommodation styles and vacation characteristics, so that everyone can fit into this destination as they wish and get the best and most enjoyable vacation out of it.
Important tips:
The Algarve is blessed with wonderful weather - hot summers, but not too sticky or humid, and fairly mild winters. The climate allows great flexibility regarding the choice of vacation dates, so you will get another opportunity to adapt the trip to your needs and your budget basket. The peak season opens on 21.6 and officially ends on 21.9 every year, when congestion and price increases occur in all areas.
The Algarve in winter provides just as much charm and interest to those interested, albeit without the local beaches and energetic and lively vibes of summer. Prices drop, tourism becomes very relaxed and the various sites are free and pleasant to wander around.
Hotels in the Azores
The bottom line:
- It is an archipelago consisting of nine different islands, each of which has different recreation and accommodation options
- It is recommended to adapt the accommodation areas to the style of trip you are looking for personally
- The majority of travelers visit from April to August - you should book places in advance in the central areas
Accommodation level:
The Azores are a cluster of 9 different islands, each with a different topographic route, climate and completely different landscapes! The regional hospitality consists of large hotels with hundreds of rooms, apartment hotels of various sizes, boutique estates in converted ancient buildings, vacation villas, guesthouses, and more. In the last decade, only a few centers were established (most of them on the island of Trisara) 5 star rated hotels In light of the demand. The regionals have a highly developed and high level of service consciousness, so you can feel like real kings even when staying in the simplest guesthouse.
Recommended accommodation areas:
Since it is a land that consists of different islands, it is difficult to recommend specific areas and the choice will have to be made based on the nature of the trip you are looking for.
São Miguel is the largest and most populated island, while the capital city located there, Punta Delgada, is also the spearhead of the most innovative and trendy hotels of the Azores. Additional and modern accommodation complexes were also established on the island of Trisara (in the city of Angra) and on the island of Payal (in the city of Horta). The suites in the big cities maintain very affordable prices for families and also offer youth hostels and camping sites in most of the islands.
Travelers who only have a few days to spend on the islands will surely prefer to stay in São Miguel, which is the most accessible location and where the airport is also located, which will allow you to spend more time at the various attractions and spend much less of your time traveling far away. A few days will allow you to enjoy countless fascinating activities on the island, such as whale watching, hot springs, tea and pineapple plantations, volcanic craters and much more. Here, as mentioned, you will also find the widest variety of accommodation and prices.
Pico Island is the second largest and is named after the mighty local mountain, at a height of 2,350 meters and attracts many trekkers, hikers and mountain climbers. Due to the mountainous and dramatic nature, Pico is less crowded with tourists and therefore those who are there mainly come for treks and nature trails.
If you want to meet the regional culture at its peak, to be exposed to the food, the music, the historical sites, the local festivals and more, it is recommended to go to the island of Terceira, where the character is less foreign and much more local.
Those interested in discovering the wild will surely jump at the opportunity to reach Flores Island - which is far from all the islands of the archipelago, but is a real paradise for those who love nature, trips, extremes and the pastoral. The treks in Flores are considered an aspiration in themselves (similar to the essence of Nepal treks for the travelers of the East) and will offer you relatively modest accommodations, but amazing in their attitude and service to the guest.
Important tips:
It is recommended to come to the Azores between May and October, to take advantage of the pleasant weather. If you want to catch the whales swimming, come in the months of April-May because then entire schools pass by. Since the regions are also considered an attractive belly-back destination, the months of July and August are filled almost to capacity with tourists, especially in the popular cities, and lead to an increase in the prices of hotels and attractions.
The Azores are not a suitable place for winter trips, with the exception of trekkers from the extreme fields who came especially for these purposes. In this situation, you will have to check the weather in advance to make sure that you have the possibility to travel comfortably and avoid dangers.
