Headed to Portugal’s coast? Book a villa Airbnb in the Algarve for an idyllic home base. Here are seven properties we’ve bookmarked.Headed to Portugal’s coast? Book a villa Airbnb in the Algarve for an idyllic home base. Here are seven properties we’ve bookmarked.
For a long time, the reputation of Portugal’s Algarve was mostly that of a busy beach destination. But perceptions have changed over recent years, and rightly so. The sandy coastline of the south tends to be where much of that iconic landscape (including limestone cliffs and crystal-blue waters) is concentrated, but there’s a wild west coast where rugged shores meet a lively surfing scene; a large, rural countryside, where mornings are spent picking up fresh produce from the local market and sleepy siestas follow long lunches; and a quiet eastern coastline, dotted with typical Portuguese villages and small fishing towns.
Travelers have taken note. Savvy visitors are coloring in their beach-bar routes with detours to quaint villages, art galleries, and sprawling vineyards. There’s much to do in this part of the country—and to see it up close, we recommend booking an Airbnb.
The Best Airbnbs in the Algarve, According to Vogue:
- For a Traditional Farmhouse Stay: The Old Donkey, from $216 per night
- For a Beach Break: Beach House, from $429 per night
- For Living Local Life: Casa Stephanie, from $520 per night
- For Group Getaways: Casa Oliva do Sul, from $1,184 per night
- For Escaping All Crowds: Vale Da Lua, from $202 per night
It’s hard to believe that this peaceful suite was once a donkey dormitory—but the signs are there if you look closely. Its low-slung, thick stone walls, small, shuttered windows, and terracotta-tiled roof are charming, but also serve as reminders of this mid-1800s farmhouse’s origins. Inside, broken stone flooring and whitewashed wooden ceiling beams are decorated with rattan rugs and bamboo furniture, adding to its authentic Algarvian appeal.
Outside, dine al fresco on one of the terraces, or in the spacious garden next to the natural swimming pool. If a night out calls, Vilamoura is only a short drive away; and if this suite doesn’t have availability for your dates, look to its sister property, The Old Pig (a former pigsty—a lot more enchanting than it sounds) instead.
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Kitchen, washer, dryer, AC, swimming pool, outdoor dining area, cot on request, on-site parking
Location: Loulé
Casa Stephanie
A whitewashed exterior and colorful window frames give this two-bedroom home a distinct personality. Inside, it’s all beach house vibes—white walls, sheer curtains, a jute rug here, a raffia light there. But it’s the view from the bougainvillea-filled garden that will enchant you the most. Overlooking the town of Aljezur and its surrounding mountains, the outdoor space is a welcoming retreat after a day exploring the town—or after taking part in the region’s sun, sea, and surf culture; nearby beaches Praia da Arrifana and Praia da Amoreira are two of Portugal’s best for surfing.
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Kitchen, washer, outdoor dining area, grill, cot on request, on-site parking
Location: Aljezur
Beach House
The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region—its coastline less than 150 miles from the northern tip of Morocco—and the region has a long history of North African influence. This two-story former fisherman’s house leans into that heritage through design: horseshoe arches, bejmat-style tiling, wall-mounted lanterns, and geometric-cutout furniture. Located in the small fishing village of Salema, with a quiet beach just one minute from the front door, this is a peaceful and authentic Algarve stay—a world away from the busy resorts along the region’s east coast.
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Kitchen, washer, dryer, outdoor dining area, grill, on-street parking
Location: Salema
Casa do Patio
Low-key Fuseta is becoming more popular with tourists, but still holds strong to its traditional fishing-village roots—and this home is in the heart of the town. Early birds will spot local fishermen coming to shore with their haul at the sandy Praia da Fuseta Ria (be there before 9 a.m.). Head to the harborside Restaurante Maresia for a catch-of-the-day lunch, or wander to the neighboring Mercado Municipal before 10 a.m. to browse and buy fresh fish for lunch back home; it’s just a two-minute walk away. Modern and minimalist, this three-bedroom is great for a family and has both a rooftop and a patio for an al fresco feast.
Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Amenities: Kitchen, washer, AC, outdoor dining area, grill, cot on request, high chair on request, children’s tableware, on-street parking
Location: Fuseta
Casa Oliva do Sul
A little bit Mediterranean, a little bit Moroccan, and a little bit boho sums up the design style of this home. Casa Oliva do Sul dates back to the late 1800s but has been thoughtfully renovated, blending trendier elements with traditional touches (look for the original Algarvian-style chimney poking out of the terracotta-tiled roof). Five bedrooms means there’s space for the whole friend group and, as pretty as the interior design is, you’ll spend most of your time outdoors: reading on the rooftop sofas, dining at the pergola-covered terrace, or splashing in the large swimming pool.
Rooms: 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms
Amenities: Kitchen, washer, dryer, AC, outdoor dining area, grill, swimming pool, on-site parking, pets allowed
Location: Almancil
Vale Da Lua
Escape the crowds with a rural stay: At Vale Da Lua, you’re more likely to hear a cow bell jingle than a car horn honk. And that’s exactly the point. Nature is the star of the show here: Wake yourself up with a dip in the nearby River Seixe, perhaps spotting kingfishers and otters as you splash. Come afternoon, drive 15 minutes to Odeceixe beach or set off on one of the nearby hiking trails, passing through small villages and farms.
Then, it’s back to base for a barbecue in the garden. Evenings are best spent swinging in the outdoor hammock, listening for the sounds of hooting owls and churring nightjars.
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Kitchen, outdoor dining area, grill, cot, on-site parking
Location: Odeceixe
Talvez Outubro
Somewhere between the sea, the mountains, and the historic town of Aljezur—and with no neighbors to speak of—this 120-year-old farmhouse is about as peaceful as it gets. In harmony with its surroundings—it sits right on the edge of Costa Vicentina Nature Park—natural materials form the backdrop of this home: clay and stone-built walls, reed-woven ceilings, terracotta tiling.
That design directive extends to the smaller details, too. Acacia wood furnishings, ceramic plates, and biodegradable body care set the scene for your stay. The hours on the clock won’t matter here; instead, your day will be dictated by the rhythm of the land.
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Kitchen, outdoor dining area, on-site parking
Location: Aljezur
