Self Catering Farm Stays: Portugal (2023)

This luxury vineyard hotel & agriturismo on the south bank of the famous Douro River in Northern Portugal, has fabulous views over the Douro Valley and has long been a popular choice in this part of the world, especially with those who appreciate more than an extra touch of luxury. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a range of accommodation including four plush B&B rooms in the main farmhouse; a lovingly restored manor that dates back to the 17th Century, as well as two adjacent, equally plush self-catering cottages. Check your options on the booking page here.  Three of the B&B rooms are doubles and one a twin, and all are super clean, comfortable and suitably furnished in a rustic style, and they all come with en-suite bathroom with an old-style bathtub, flat screen TV in the room and WiFi. The two self-catering cottages are equally plush and stylish and can fit up to eight guests. Each of them has two bedrooms and can fit an extra two extra guests in the lounge area. There is also a fully equipped modern kitchen & bathroom. Outside in the grounds, you’ll find a terrace and a swimming pool, and some very well-tended manor-type formal gardens dating back to 1906 with a fish pond and even a historic, sanctified chapel. And the views from the property, as mentioned before, are simply stunning. THE FARM: The farm is set over 12 acres and contains a vineyard, olive groves and thousands of fruit trees, from which the owners produce their own red and white wines, olive oil, various types of fruit, and honey. Guests are welcome to tour the farm and learn how everything is done, while also getting to sample some of the fine fresh produce. THE LOCATION: Lying in the heart of the Douro Valley, just over an hour from Porto, the farm stay is an ideal base for exploring this famous agricultural region that, thanks to its special microclimate, has been producing wine, olives, and various fruits and vegetables since Roman times. It is now of course mainly known as a wine region, with port wine being its most famous export, though there is READ MORE

On a cork farm in Portugal‘s Alentejo region, just a few kilometers from the border with Spain, Herdade da Negrita Agroturismo is a peaceful farm escape with B&B and self-catering accommodation. Surrounding it is the 3500 hectares of farm that not only contains a huge amount of cork trees but also cattle, pigs, barley, oats, wheat, and olives. THE ACCOMMODATION: Their accommodation is tastefully decorated in rustic style in keeping with the low-key, rustic atmosphere of the place. The B&B rooms are all super comfortable, with air conditioning, TV, study desk, and private bathrooms, and there is plenty of space around the cottages and the gardens to walk around or lounge around. There’s an outdoor swimming pool in the gardens and an indoor lounge area which includes a billiards table, and a large terrace with lots of seating space. Their self-catering accommodation is in separate, 5 and 6-bedroom, cottages that are spacious, stylish, and comfortable, with their own kitchen, lounge area, and terrace, and guests there can also make use of the facilities at the main farmhouse should they need. THE FARM: The huge farm is open for guests to explore themselves, or with a guided tour, and they can learn a lot about looking after farm animals and the production of cereals, olives, and of course the world-famous Alentejo cork. THE LOCATION: The surrounding area too is beautifully remote and peaceful and is great for a long meandering walk or cycle. The farm owners are always ready to give advice about what to see and do in the local area and can help organise fishing trips and canoeing around the local rivers. The nearest city to Herdade da Negrita Agroturismo would be Moura, about 40 km away, the city of Beja is 80km, while Evora, the capital of the Alentejo region, is just over 100km to the north west. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Everything extraordinary. Perfect for resting and being away from the world. Very quiet setting, beautifully decorated. Extremely clean and neat. Great breakfast. Very cozy space, we felt at home. I strongly recommend. We will definitely return….” “The remoteness of this place is fantastic and it has READ MORE

Just outside the village of Vilar de Maçada in the Douro Valley of Northern Portugal, and about 20 minutes drive from the city of Vila Real, pet-friendly Quinta de Fiães has a range of very nice rooms and self-catering apartments on a working vineyard with an outdoor swimming pool. All their rooms, suites and apartments come with private bathroom, satellite TV, and WiFi, while the suites and apartments also have a kitchenette and a comfortable lounge area. The friendly staff can arrange a tour of the vineyards and tasting sessions of their wines. There is a very good on-site restaurant too where guests, including self-catering guests, are served a free buffet breakfast every morning and where good traditional Portuguese food is available all day. There are shuttle buses every day to the city and the staff can organize babysitting services too if required. And they can also arrange a shuttle service to and from Porto International Airport about an hour and a half away by car. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “This is a fantastic place with a very nice owner. We stayed for two nights and had dinner both nights, accompanied by their own wine. Both the surroundings and the place itself are very relaxing and perfect for anyone that is after a genuine and authentic vibe.” “Location was amazing, and Bruno and his family were super hospitable. If you want they can provide you with home cooked Portuguese meals, and matching wines from their own vineyard. Really enjoyed my stay here and…” Click here to read more reviews and to book your stay at Quinta de Fiães READ MORE

In Paços de Gaiolo, Portugal, about 40 kilometers along the Douro Valley to the east of Porto, Quinta da Bouça is a very lovely escape to nature, with 16 hectares of woodland, fruit orchards, and vegetable gardens along with a seasonal outdoor pool and barbecue facilities. They have four spacious and comfortable self-catering cottages to rent, all with kitchen and lounge with flat-screen TV and WiFi. And guests are welcome to wander through the woods or gardens, pick up some fruit or vegetables and maybe meet some of the friendly Garranos horses, a rare breed of horse native to Northern Portugal and Galicia, Spain, which roam freely around the property. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Location is breathtaking, very special place. Items left in the fridge for making breakfast and fresh bread dropped by the door in the morning. We didn’t meet the host but they were always very quick at replying and check in and out smooth and easy. Would come back again….” “ Lovely hosts who made sure I got whatever I needed. It was restful, quiet, and peaceful with stunning views of the surrounding hills. And their estate wine was complementary. 😋 I had my own pool and washing machine and wonderful privacy…..” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT QUINTA DA BOUÇA:   READ MORE

Just outside Portimão, in the rural hinterland of the Algarve, Portugal, Burro Ville farmstay is a wonderfully peaceful escape from the region’s busy coastline, with comfortable accommodation on its working cattle and donkey farm. THE ACCOMMODATION: It has a number of cosy self-catering cottages, all with a kitchen and a lounge and dining area with flat-screen cable TV and WiFi. Outside there’s a patio and on the spacious lawns, you’ll find a nice swimming pool. And though it’s self-catering, a very good breakfast is provided every morning and is included in the rate. THE FARM: The farm has both cattle and donkeys,  but when it comes to agritourism the main attraction is definitely the donkeys. All of them are of the Mirandesa breed; they are native to the Terra de Miranda region of northeastern Portugal and are wonderfully placid, friendly companions. They are ideal for donkey rides and this can be arranged to explore the farm and the surrounding area. There is plenty of opportunity for hiking and cycling in the local area too, just ask at the farm for advice and recommendations, and the friendly owners can also arrange child minding services for an extra fee. THE LOCATION: The farm stay offers peace and quiet but is still within easy reach of the Algarve. It’s just 17km from Rocha Beach, one of the Algarve’s most popular, while the Algarve International Racing Track is just 4km away. Faro airport is 80km away. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The staff are so helpful and very knowledgeable about the area. The scenery is amazing and it is so quiet I had the best night sleep in ages….” “We loved to be immersed in the beautiful spring landscape and the possibilities to get the kids so close to all the animals. The swimming pool design, slightly lifted above the ground, was perfect to be able to relax on the lawn while the kids (1yr and 5yr) were playing safely around…” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT BURRO VILLE: READ MORE

Quinta da Pousadela is a highly recommended vineyard hotel near Porto in Portugal’s Vinho Verde-Douro Valley wine region, It’s in a beautiful setting with over 60 acres of vineyards and lots of hiking trails around the surrounding hills and forests, and the accommodation is top class. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a range of accommodation in renovated traditional cottages around the grounds of the farm to sleep up to six guests. All their cottages are stylish and comfortable, and all have a well-equipped kitchen and a lounge area with a flat-screen TV. Outside each, there is a patio area with outdoor seating, plus you’ll have loads of outdoor space to explore or to relax in; the large vineyard of course but also terraced areas and the well-tended lawns and gardens which also contain an outdoor swimming pool. The accommodation is self-catering but breakfast is also included in the rate. They also have a shop at the farmhouse where you can sample and buy some of their own wine as well as some local food specialties. THE VINEYARD: There is a full 60 acres of vineyard, as well as numerous marked trails for walking, running, and biking through the property and the surrounding hills and forests to be explored. They produce their own classic Vinho Verde and Douro Valley wines. They arrange tasting sessions for guests and informative tours of the vineyards. THE LOCATION: Quinta da Pousadela is less than an hour from the city of Porto and its international airport, (there is a shuttle service to and from the city and the airport direct to the Quinta), in the fertile green hills of the Vinho Verde wine region between the Douro and Olo rivers. The area is popular with more seasoned travellers, especially those with an affinity for good food & wine, nature, and relatively undiscovered destinations. The countryside is lush and peaceful and there are many lovely towns around, one of the nicest of all being Amarante on the banks of the River Tamega, about 10km from the agroturismo. The whole area is still under the radar for international tourism though that might change soon, in the meantime this very READ MORE

Quinta Do Mel Agroturismo is a peaceful and tranquil rural retreat near Portugal’s Algarve coast, and within easy reach of the cities of Albufeira and Faro. THE ACCOMMODATION: The farm stay can offer a self-catering apartment plus a range of B&B rooms. All the rooms are super comfortable and clean and come with air-con, WiFi, TV, a private bathroom, and under-floor heating, while the self-catering two-bedroom apartment has all that plus a spacious lounge and kitchen. Outside there is a swimming pool in the gardens and plenty of space to relax with a seating area and sun loungers. THE FARM: There is an extensive eco-friendly organic farm at Quinta do Mel which breeds sheep and grows cork, fruits, vegetables and herbs and is now in its fourth generation of family ownership. The owners are enthusiastic about organic and eco-friendly farming techniques and are always happy to show guests around. They serve a great breakfast which is available at any time, and other good food and snacks can also be ordered throughout the day, many of the ingredients of which come straight from the farm including their own homemade herbal teas and jams. THE LOCATION: Though very near Albufeira, Faro and the tourist masses of the Algarve, the farm stay and its immediate surroundings are very much peacefully rural. Most visitors never get to see this side of the Algarve but those that do find it a rich experience. The area, between the coast and the mountains of the north, is known as the Baroccal and it is classic Portuguese farming country with small white-walled villages, rocky hills, fruit orchards, and rolling plains of cork, olive, and almond trees. The village of Alte is a nice example, and it’s just a short drive north of the farm stay. It has a nice setting in the foothills of the Serra do Caldeirão mountains, is known for the little springs (fontes) that run through the village, and makes for a nice day out with plenty of cute cafes and small shops to visit. Having a car or a bike is a good idea in this area as public transport isn’t very widespread and both bike and READ MORE

Quinta da Tapada Agroturismo has self-catering accommodation in a lovely traditional farmhouse near the old city of Evora, and the medieval village of Evoramonte, Alentejo, Portugal. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have studio, and one and two double-bedroom cottages, all of which are modern and clean with a lounge and kitchenette, and come with air-con, flat screen TV, and WiFi. The studio has one double bed, as has the one-bedroom unit but there is also a sofa bed in the lounge of the one-bed unit which can fit one more person. The accommodation is self-catering but also included in the price is a great buffet breakfast every morning full of fresh local produce some of it from their own farm. Outside there is a terrace area and extensive gardens where you’ll find beautifully tended lawns, ancient olive trees, a swimming pool, and barbecue facilities. And there’s the farm too of course which you’re welcome to have a look around, with sheep, goats, pigs, and hens, and a range of fruits, herbs, and vegetables. Note: there is a minimum stay of two nights. THE LOCATION: The small, typically Alentejo, town of of Vimieiro is just down the road, about ten minutes walk away or less than two minutes drive. There you can find a supermarket, a few small shops, and nice restaurants and cafes. The land is flat in these parts and great for long walks, or for cycling and you can hire bikes for free at the farmhouse. Farther afield there is the medieval village of Evoramonte just 13km away and the famously beautiful and historic city of Évora 40km away. There you can marvel at its UNESCO-protected historic centre and its many highlights such as the Roman-era Temple of Diana and the 12th-century Gothic Cathedral the Sé de Évora. Lisbon, and its international airport, is around an hour away directly to the west, and transfers to and from the farm stay can be arranged. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “We absolutely loved our stay. The houses are traditional Alentejo style homes surrounded by beautiful scenery. Our room was more like a little apartment as it had its own kitchenette. The staff was incredibly READ MORE