Accommodation in Portugal is generally of good quality and very varied: chain and design hotels in the big cities, coastal resorts, historic manor houses, country houses and apartments. In smaller towns availability can be limited, and throughout the country it is wise to book ahead, especially at peak times: summer in the Algarve, the June festivals in Lisbon and Porto, New Year in Madeira and big events such as Web Summit. Each city page has a map of available accommodation, for example for Lisbon, Porto and Faro.
Hotels
Hotels are rated from one to five stars. There are also hotéis-apartamentos, with kitchenettes, common in the Algarve. In general, prices are a little lower than in much of Western Europe for the same category, though they have risen sharply in Lisbon and Porto in recent years. Breakfast is often included.
Pousadas
Pousadas are high-end hotels in castles, monasteries, convents, palaces and other historic buildings, or built in places of special natural beauty. Founded in the 1940s as a state network, since 2003 they have been run by the Pestana group under the Pousadas de Portugal brand, while remaining largely publicly owned. Among the finest are those in the castle of Estremoz, the Lóios convent in Évora, the monastery of Santa Marinha in Guimarães, Óbidos castle, the convent in Vila Viçosa, the palace of Queluz and the Estói palace near Faro. They usually have few rooms, so book well in advance.
Rural tourism and quintas
For peace and quiet, choose turismo rural and turismo de habitação: country houses, old manor houses and farms, often run by the owning families. Especially lovely are the quintas of the Douro and Minho, among the vineyards, and the montes of the Alentejo, large white houses among olive groves and cork oaks, many with pools. They are ideal for a road trip.
Alojamento local and hostels
Alojamento local covers apartments, rooms and small guesthouses let for short stays, also bookable on online platforms: each property must have a registration number, shown in the listing. In Lisbon and Porto new holiday lets have been restricted in the most touristy neighbourhoods to curb rising rents. Portugal also has some of Europe's best-rated hostels, especially in Lisbon and Porto, with dorms and private rooms at low prices.
Tourist tax
Several municipalities charge a taxa turística, a per-night, per-person tourist tax, usually for the first nights and with children exempt. In Lisbon it is 4 euros a night, up to a maximum of seven nights, and similar taxes apply in Porto and many other municipalities, including Sintra, Cascais, Faro and Funchal. It is usually paid directly to the property.
Tips
At the seaside in summer and in cities during big events, book months ahead; in low season, by contrast, there are great deals, especially in the Algarve. Many old houses and historic centres have no lift and the lanes are steep and cobbled: check beforehand, especially with heavy luggage. To plan your trip see the page on holidays in Portugal.