Best hotels in Portugal 2023: Porto, Lisbon and more

It was only a matter of time, but now it seems everybody’s got the memo: Portugal is fabulous. Not only that, it’s cooler, quieter and cheaper than Spain, making it an ideal destination for memorable summer holidays, without breaking the bank.

Lisbon – Portugal’s capital and one of Europe’s sunniest cities – packs a mini-break punch with its dusk-till-dawn bar scene, hip fleamarkets, and beautiful beaches.

Porto, too, wins unexpected ‘wows’ from visitors amazed by the city’s riverfront dining, design boutiques, and old-meets-new architecture. Then you’ve got the cool coastlines of Cascais and Comporta, near Lisbon, and the sun-drenched Algarve, which is an all-time favourite with holidaymakers.

So, now you’ve got an idea of where to go, you just need to decide where to check in. Whether you’re in search of family-friendly digs, great views, foodie havens, stylish spas or relaxing beach breaks, we’ve rounded up our pick of the best hotels in Portugal.

Best hotels in Algarve

Neighbourhood: Sagres

On the left-hand lounger you might clock Ben Fogle and his brood, on the right a BBC broadcaster with baby – that’s the clientele at this family-focused hotel on the wilder, windier end of the Algarve. Being a haven for posh parents doesn’t equal stuffy, though. Think of Martinhal more like a beach hotel for families who don’t do caravans and kids’ clubs, but instead want contemporary architecture, designer Scandi furniture, trendy restaurants and a surf scene. Accommodation runs from hotel rooms with a cot to mega-villas with private pool and, if you dodge school holidays, there are bargains to be had.