Portugal’s strength is its simplicity, just like the fresh fish that comes straight from the sea here, served with only a sprinkling of salt and a drizzle of olive oil, and no sauce. Or the minimalist whitewashed villas whose exteriors, contrasting starkly against a fierce blue sky, create a pleasure far more visceral than the Baroque masterpieces. Get your house right, allow Portugal under your skin – its unique light, its warm culture, its simple authenticity – and you will fall prey to the saudade, or longing, that the Portuguese sing about in their melancholic fado, and return time and again. Whether you’re hoping to explore the beauty of the Alentejo, where wine is available in abundance and the sun shines almost year-round, or you want somewhere to stay in Lisbon’s bustling city centre, here are some places to start. Scroll through to discover the best villas in Portugal, and make your next trip magical.
Casa Olhao
Casa Olhão, Algarve
It would be unrealistic to describe any part of the ever-popular Algarve as ‘little-known’, but compared to nearby neighbourhoods 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: Up to 6
Price: From £107 per night
Casa NossaGrupo Jose Avillez
Casa Nossa, Alentejo
On the wide plains of the Alentejo, a land dotted with century-old oak trees and fragrant wild herbs, lies a handsome, white-washed, farmhouse topped by the typical red roof of the region. Its long porch faces Portugal’s largest lake, the Alqueva. To the side of the house, the vegetable garden and gaucho grill are clues that the house was built by Portugal’s best-known chef, José Avillez and his wife Sofia Ulrich as a place from which to escape the stresses of Michelin-starred madness. There are two swimming pools and a long table to eat poolside in the shade of the trees, and the food comes courtesy of Avillez’s impressive team, with traditional game pies one day, and oysters another, or fresh asparagus and locally caught fish for lunch while the meat turns slowly all afternoon over flames for the evening grill. Everything is paired with wine from their cellar, which stocks Portugal’s best. And when dinner is done, there is a bar for nightcaps by the fire and a private cinema for a movie or karaoke. The Interior design, by Studio Astolfi, incorporates traditional Portuguese craftwork curated by Felipa Almeida and its piece de resistance is the sitting room, which includes a dining area for 20 overlooking the lake. A boat, tied up at the private wooden jetty, is yours to explore tiny beaches or from which to water-ski, kayak or paddleboard. Mary Lussiana
