Along with its neighbour on the Iberian Peninsula,
Portugal is probably the most popular holiday destination in Europe. As Portugal is long and thin, most of the best villas are near to the coastline with the Atlantic Ocean, though there are some good country residences too.
The Algarve has a reputation for being overcrowded but there are some lovely villas here. Try the eight person Quinta Velha which has a shaded terrace and an enormous lawn so that you can choose whether you prefer to sunbathe or lie on the shade. If you want to be looked after during your stay in the Algarve then the Colinas Verdes, or Green hills resort, is the logical choice. It comes with a nanny and a cook so that you all you have to do is let yourself unwind. The villa is only an hour's drive away from Faro airport.
The Algarve has some of the best golf resorts in Portugal and the Casa Moderna, Quinta do Lago is well placed to enjoy them. This lovely property is most appealing for its delectable roof garden where you can cool out in the company of shady plants.
Four people can sleep in the Casa de Fontainha in Minho. This villa is fully equipped with a pool, barbecue and a big garden and is only a few miles away from the Costa Verde.
Another attractive place in Minho is the House of Soutelo which is only an hour away from Porto airport and sleeps six people. This gives you a great slice of rural Portuguese life and you can go horse riding and wine-tasting with ease.
Or you could choose a six person villa which is actually on a vineyard, the Quinta de Lamelas. The 17 century house and pool are surrounded by vines and the airport is only one and a half hours away.
Close to Costa Verde is the Casa do Barral. But many people who stay here never actually make it to the beach so lovely is the pool and garden area. The Casa do Barral sleeps five people.
Also in Minho is the Amarante which is a huge villa where three 17th century houses have been fused together. It sleeps between eight and 10 people. The Amarante has all the great components of Portuguese architecture including a courtyard and a terraced garden which has been put together with a lot of love.