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  • DestinationsEuropePortugal

    10 Oceanfront Villas In Portugal That Cost Less Than A Hotel

    William Stupp
    Updated: March 06, 2023

    Perhaps more so than any other European country, Portugal has enjoyed a lot of good press in the past decade. More and more travelers are exploring its sights, falling in love with the country thanks to its beautiful buildings, welcoming culture, and fabulous beaches.

    Videos by TravelAwaits

    Many visitors also appreciate Portugal thanks to the less pronounced effects it has on one’s wallet. Cheap by Western European standards, there are many ways to see the country without breaking the bank. We’ve written about seeing Portugal on a budget, and, surprisingly, none of our tips include statements about avoiding beachfront villas. That’s because it’s absolutely possible to find affordable accommodation right on the water.

    From the stunning rock formations of the Algarve in the south to Porto and the Spanish border, there isn’t a single stretch of shoreline bereft of beautiful beaches or charming cities. As such, Portugal has plenty of often-overlooked accommodations offering beachside bliss and bargain rates.

    When you read this list of affordable Portuguese villas on the coast, you’ll wonder why anyone would ever book a hotel. Each of the properties below has ocean views and is no more than a short walk from that mystifying place where water meets land.

    Seaview Home At Vila Nova$117.67/nightly avg

    Spoil your family without trashing your budget at this splendid home in a quiet Atlantic town. Look out at the water from the veranda as well as the living and dining rooms. The home is less than 200 yards from the beaches on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mira River. In-town amenities are more of a hike but still no more than 15 minutes away. When you need a break from the charming local restaurants (if such a thing is possible), attempt to emulate the local style in the fully-stocked kitchen. The facilities are modern, and the home has three bedrooms, making it a great choice for a family with children.

    Dreaming of Vila Nova de Milfontes – your dream vacation awaits you
    22 reviews
    Villa
    4 Guests
    3 Bedrooms
    2 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    Well equipped and comfortable property, five adults stayed, plenty of room. Good location, situated very close to coastal walks and beaches. 10 -15 mins walk to all other amenities, including some great restaurants. Parking on site which was great.
    Great place to visit and to enjoy the area. A lot of hiking trails
    We’ve stayed here a couple of times. It’s spacious with ocean views. Ten minute walk to town and the beaches, five minute walk to the public market for fresh fish and veggies. We highly recommend it.
    Ok
    Fabulous location for a relaxing holiday! Short walk to amazing fish and vegetable market in one direction with amazing restaurants, shops and great beaches in the other direction. Loved it!
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    from USD 117.67
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    Atlantic Villa In Magoito-Sintra$272.39/nightly avg

    If you dream of a home with endless ocean views where you can both walk to the beach and explore Portugal’s vibrant capital, wake up and check out this charming villa. In a quiet area near enough to must-see attractions like Sintra (look at a photo for one second and you’ll want to visit) and central Lisbon, it really is an ideal and crowd-free location. But once you discover the endearing qualities of this rental that any family would envy, you’ll realize it’s more than just lodging in a great spot. Any couple will cherish time on the lawn looking out to sea before returning to the cozy queen bedroom. If you’re booking for more than two, there’s also a room with a pair of twin beds and a futon in the living room.

    Dreaming of Sintra – your dream vacation awaits you
    15 reviews
    Villa
    4 Guests
    3 Bedrooms
    2 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    Absolutely stunning views on the Sintra Coast. Close enough to explore Sintra Castles and Surrounding, yet set back from the crowds. Beautiful beach and miles of coastal cliff walks. A fantastic place to hang and relax.
    Cozy and comfortable seaside cottage. Great area for walking on the beach, in the lands or in the little valley nearby. Wonderfully helpful owners. Well equipped with good quality accessories. Close to nearby attractions at Sintra and even Lisbon by car.
    Our stay here was absolutely wonderful! We had the most amazing view of the ocean, right on our doorstep! Our rental was lovely and cozy! It also had a fireplace that we used on chillier evenings. After visiting the sights of Sintra, Fátima, long walks along the ocean, it was so nice to come back to this home away from home! Thank you also to the owners who met and welcomed us with a bottle of champagne and fresh bread. We would highly recommend this place!
    Spent a delightful week in the house with a view and what a view. The house is very close to Sintra and Praia Grande with lots of great places to eat.Pedro was extremely helpful and provided all we could ask for to enjoy our stay. We also had the bonus of meeting his lovely family prior to our departure. Wouldnt hesitate to recommend the property and would definitely like to return if the mighty Pedro could arrange the sunshine !
    This house is simply wonderful. Loads of thoughtfulness packed into this narrow house. We were told by the owner Pedro (who, incidentally is very charming) that the house had to be built to fit on this narrow lot, with 3 meters on either side. The result is this wonderful narrow and long treasure. The clever design of the house makes the interior seem much larger than it is. Quite comfortable for our 4 adults. And a giant plus is that this is 1 of only 4 houses (and 1 is a ruin) that overlook the ocean on a dead end street. A welcome respite from the crowds in Sintra.
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    from USD 272.39
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    Home On A Quiet Stretch Of Sand$185.23/nightly avg

    Beach lovers should take care not to overlook this perfectly placed cottage on the coast, your gateway to a remarkable vacation marked by little else but salt, sun, and solitude.

    There’s lots of sand in the area, but very few people. The nearby town is small but not without locally loved restaurants and essential amenities. This ocean-view home is built solely for the purpose of enjoying the beach. It has two levels of outdoor areas, the lower of which pushes right into the sand. The inside is made for cooling off once you’ve spent too much time in the sun. It is spacious and bright with minimal and refined decorations. With three queen bedrooms and a single, it can entertain a small group of people keen on an affordable holiday away from it all.

    Dreaming of Costa de Lavos – your dream vacation awaits you
    33 reviews
    Villa
    7 Guests
    4 Bedrooms
    2 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    Family holiday lovely week and lovely restaurant
    Casa na Areia is really as good as the photos. From a beautiful, light filled house, you hop over the wall and you are on the beach. All the rooms over onto a spacious patio area and there is a upstairs terrace as a bonus. The kitchen is very well equipped and lots of storage space throughout the house. Helena is a very warm, welcoming host and was always available for us if we had any questions. There is a lovely local restaurant around the corner which is very inexpensive. The beach is fantastic but with small kids you will need to wander a bit further down from the house for safe swimming. Overall, if you are looking for a great beach house in a fantastic location..look no further!
    We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the beach home of Carlos and Helena. Spotlessly clean and with everything needed to enjoy a vacation, it is an excellent choice. Day trips to nearby cities were easy access from the beach home given the central location. Highly recommend.
    Hi, we are 5 Australians who have just enjoyed Helena and Carlos’ beach house. The location is superb, directly on the foreshore and the views are uninterrupted. The beach house has 3 outdoor spaces to enjoy and relax and the fitout is a fully functioning home. Casa na Areia has all household equipment, utensils and as advertised the photos are 100 percent the truth. You will love to explore the small village of Costa de Lavos where the beach house is located. Do visit the local female butcher. So helpful and very good meat. Also do enjoy the daily the fishermen’s boats morning and night and watch the local excitement of that day’s catch being unloaded. Of course you will need a car to stay at this beach house and from this location we explored local cities such as Aveiro, Coimbra, Nazarre and Obidos. It was so nice to come home after a day trip and prepare a feast each night (great kitchen) and to enjoy the terrace and the sound of the Atlantic Ocean as we slept. Helena and Carlos are very efficient and so hospitable. Nothing is too much trouble for them to organise, including a welcome meal cooked by a local lady and a GPS address that Helena sent us to find the house. The beach house is immaculately clean and so comfortable. Thank you sincerely Helena and Carlos for the enjoyment that you gave us. Suzie, Charmaine, Kerry, Kelly and Tommy. June 2018
    With the ever changing Atlantic Ocean and the sand beachs and wildflower covered dunes as your daily vista, this property is Stunning! Helena and Carlos were very easy to communicate with prior to our arrival and Helena welcomed us with fresh fruit from her garden and sweets from her business. The house is fully equipped with absolutely everything needed for a pleasant stay. It is hard to imagine, but the property is even more stunning than the pictures on the listing indicate. This is a perfect place to use as home base. We travelled the areas around and watched the sun sink into the Ocean every evening, it was magical and enchanting. In the village of Costa da Lavos we were made to feel welcome by the locals even with our limited language skills. Highly Recommend this beautiful house and it is definitely on our Bucket List of places to revisit.
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    from USD 185.23
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    Villa At Jardim Do Mar$212.46/nightly avg

    Believe it or not, affordable oceanside villas are to be found not only on the mainland but also on the southern Atlantic island of Madeira. This villa in the village of Jardim Do Mar is one such gem.

    The coastlines of Madeira are even more dramatic than those of the Algarve, as a quick glance out the windows of this villa proves. The views are shared equally across all rooms. A pebble beach sits below the house. Guests can walk to the nearby village, but the villa sits directly on the cliff’s edge and therefore stays quite quiet.

    Dreaming of Jardim do Mar – your dream vacation awaits you
    46 reviews
    Villa
    6 Guests
    3 Bedrooms
    2 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    We really enjoyed our two weeks at this beautiful property set in the cliff side of a delightful village. Comfortable and spacious with outstanding views from all of the windows. Sitting outside with a cold beer watching the sunsetting over the Atlantic was particualrly memorable. Thank you to Cecile and Nicolas for letting us use the villa. We loved it so much we are returning in the Spring. Our only recommendation for improvements would be to update the web site description for the route given the long diversion needed due to unfinished roadworks.
    Glorious location, with spacious and uplifting accommodation. Pool delightful and sunsets most memorable. Witnessed the ‘Green Flash’ for the first time ever ( I am 65). Neighbourhood mostly quiet and proximity of Joe’s Bar a benefit. Could do with advice to bring wash powder and washing up liquid ! Car essential. Chris most helpful !
    Lovely property in an excellent location.Gave us the perfect opportunity to simply relax and enjoy the view.
    Very well equipped and in a superb location. A truly lovely house, the views from the huge windows were great, only bettered by stepping outside onto the terraces. The pool was popular with my teenagers who ventured a swim in February even though the pool isn’t heated. The location is superb, with easy access to the promenade in Jardim do Mar, to Joe’s Bar and nearby car parking. There is a useful trolley to tote shopping and recycling down the picturesque alleyways. Jardim do Mar is our favourite place in Madeira, and we have visited Madeira in February about a dozen times and reckon this is our favourite house. Do go there, but not when we want to!
    This is a truly amazing place. From every window is a view to admire and get lost in. Everything about this property and location is spectacular. Therapists the world over tell their clients to imagine this place, calm, sea breaking against the shore, sun beating down, not a sound of a motorised engine, just utter joy. In a crazy world this awesome place is just what you need to reconnect. Thank you, we will always remember this magical place
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    from USD 212.46
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    Villa Jarmelo$185.23/nightly avg

    The quality of this magnificent villa is such that one can hardly believe the price.

    While swimming in the pool, a guest might look out at the ocean and decide that’s where they’d rather be. They can walk across the veranda, pass under the columns covering the entrance, saunter through the sunlit arabesque courtyard, stroll out the door, and be on the beach in 2 minutes. The busy downtown streets are equally near. The vacation home is a pleasing mix of Mediterranean and Arabic styles, a combination right at home here in the Algarve. It has a room with two double beds and another with two singles.

    Dreaming of Albufeira – your dream vacation awaits you
    25 reviews
    Villa
    6 Guests
    2 Bedrooms
    2 Bathrooms
    from USD 185.23
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    Contemporary Villa In Luz$294.18/nightly avg

    Bask in the sun and enjoy the gratitude of your traveling companions when you stay at this luxurious villa west of Lagos. The outdoor areas really are a treat. It consists of a deck with seating and a grill, plus a hot tub and a serene swimming pool. As if that weren’t enough, there’s also a rooftop deck to watch the waves come in. Oh, and there are plenty of palm trees to get you in that beachy mood as you prepare to take the walk (which will last less than a minute) to the beach. Any designer would give a nod of approval to the furniture selection, and the bathrooms are sleek, stylish, and modern.

    Dreaming of Luz – your dream vacation awaits you
    70 reviews
    Villa
    8 Guests
    4 Bedrooms
    3 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    Rita was attentive to our need. The property was clean and well maintainedWould return for sure
    We’ve stayed in many villas over the years and I honestly think this was the best one we have found so far – beautifully designed, relaxing, spacious and with gorgeous pool and hot tub. It is less than one minute walk from the beach and two minutes from the village. Rita was an exceptional host – welcoming and accommodating and available if needed. The security deposit and house rules were reasonable and well-considered. We would definitely stay here again.
    Property on first appearance is superb, but the high tech controls took a while to master. It’s set in a quiet location, with limited views which made it feel very private. The roof terrace furniture has been removed and so this area wasn’t really used, which could be addressed for future guests to enjoy the views to the beach and across to Luz. The pool was amazing (but not deep) and the jacuzzi great for relaxing. It is well equipped with new bbq and pizza oven and a great outdoor eating area. We would definitely recommend.
    This property is pretty much as is presented. Rita the property manager was exceptional. Very private. Bedrooms were all spacious. It was a little high tech so always something not working but Rita was very quick to respond and resolve. Washing machine but no dryer. The upper deck was not really functional as there was no table and chairs, just lounge chairs. So close to the beach. Town of Praira de Luz is so cute and so many awesome restaurants. Pool was clean and heated well. There is no gas bbq, just charcoal bbq area and wood burning pizza oven. Lovely seating area in front courtyard with table and chairs that is not in the current photos. Photos should be updated as this is a plus. Kitchen was well stocked. Nespresso coffee maker as well as a french press. Overall I would highly recommend this property.
    Had a fantastic stay. Property is wonderful. . Great pool. All other facilities could not be faulted. Two minutes from a superb beach. Great place for a family holiday. Would love to return. So relaxing & fun too. Short walk to good restaurants & bars.
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    from USD 294.18
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    Casa De Légua$259.32/nightly avg

    A wonderful modern home by the sea, Casa de Légua is notable for the pleasing qualities of its design.

    North of Porto and near the Spanish border, the town of Moledo isn’t on the top of many tourist lists, which is a shame given its gorgeous beaches and picturesque landscapes. This particular vacation home is in a great location, about 300 yards from the water, though it may seem a bit closer while relaxing on the lawn or swimming in the pool at the property’s edge. Every piece of furniture and every tiled corner will instill a sense of appreciation in those who enjoy fine design.

    Dreaming of Moledo – your dream vacation awaits you
    6 reviews
    Villa
    10 Guests
    3 Bedrooms
    3 Bathrooms
    from USD 259.32
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    Caso De Mar$305.08/nightly avg

    The perfect vantage point for viewing the sea, Caso de Marsits adjacent to a protected coastal ecosystem. Dunes roll down into the sea, creating the perfect circumstances for a sunset walk. This vacation rental is a modern home fitted with huge windows to take it all in. The private pool and adjacent outdoor spaces are all excellent spots for lounging while taking in both ocean and town.

    Care has clearly been taken in selecting the furniture. Great for groups of friends, loved ones, or couples, the villa has three bedrooms with large beds and a fourth with excellent sea views and a futon. The shoreline vistas are quite stunning, and the walk to the beach can be tackled in under 15 minutes.

    Dreaming of Areia Branca/ Ortsteil Casal Labrusque – your dream vacation awaits you
    72 reviews
    Villa
    8 Guests
    4 Bedrooms
    4 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    The panoramic view from the house is fantastic.The house is nice and clean with terrific terraces.The pool is quite cold.The only downside is the kitchen-location : no view and lack of worktops. It would have been better to open it to the living room.
    The villa is large, modern and well equipped. The best area is the rooftop with a lovely outside decking for warm weather and an inside room for cooler or wetter weather. The location is great if you’re happy to walk 10 minutes to the nearest beach, which has a wonderful beach bar open till 8pm, or hop in the car for a short drive to local shops and lots of other restaurants/other beaches. The location didn’t feel very touristy or busy at the end of May but I suspect it is much busier in high season. There’s one large en suite bedroom, and two nice double bedrooms that have a separate family bathroom. That’s all we needed, but the 4th bedroom would be the one in the middle with a fab view and a double sofa bed I assume. The pool is on the ground floor and quite small, and due to the weather and the fact we were all grown ups we didn’t use it. Communication with the owner was good, and despite being German his English is great. The area it’s in is mainly modern villas recently developed, so not hugely appealing, but the views from the villa are stunning and well worth the location. Bring your own beach towels
    Casa Do Mar is an absolutely modern and beautiful home overlooking gorgeous views of the ocean. Beds are very comfortable and the house is beautifully furnished. The top floor has indoor outdoor space that is perfect for morning coffee or evening wine. It was everything we hoped it would be as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the rest of our vacation. Ivan and Stefan were helpful and welcoming. Highly recommend this home.
    Great house with fantastic views. A perfect spot to explore Portugal from.
    We stayed here with our whole family for a week. We really enjoyed it. The host is great, very responsive and kind. We definitely want to come back some day.
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    from USD 305.08
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    Villa Ocean Dreams$266.94/nightly avg

    The Algarve region is number one in Portugal when it comes to attracting beachgoing tourists, and of all the area’s towns, Lagos stands out above the rest.

    This fine vacation home above the water is the perfect base for discovering why Lagos is so popular. It has three breezy bedrooms, a picturesque swimming pool, and a jacuzzi, all in addition to the standard amenities. Nothing more than a short walk will separate you and yours from the golden sands of Meia Praia. Lagos’s old town, known for its historic churches, old-world streets, and excellent nightlife, is just 15 minutes away on foot. The marina is a bit closer for those wanting to explore the sea and the jaw-dropping rock formations at Ponta da Piedade.

    Dreaming of Lagos – your dream vacation awaits you
    15 reviews
    Villa
    6 Guests
    3 Bedrooms
    2 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    A lovely clean and well equipped villa. Beautiful outdoor areas and pool. Great location and wonderful sea views. Bars and restaurants close by. Lagos was lovely and an easy walk or quick taxi ride. The nearby road and train line caused only minor noise. The property manager was so helpful at check in and throughout our stay. Highly recommend
    Great experience, we would highly recommend and would love to return.
    We thoroughly enjoyed our two week stay at this property. It is well maintained, spotless throughout and has all the equipment you need during your stay (including nice touches like dishwasher tablets, washing up liquid etc which you don’t always get).The views from the balconies and the pool are wonderful and the hot tub is great to use in the evening – watching the moon and the stars with a glass or wine or a beer.The beach is easily accessible and has miles of soft, golden sand. Beautiful!Guiliana who manages the property is fantastic. She was there to welcome us when we arrived, recommended supermarkets and restaurants and was lovely to deal with.A really superb experience. We’ll be back!
    We had a wonderful week at this lovely villa. Well equipped with different areas inside and out to eat and relax. And beautiful views. Giuliana was a lovely host with great communication before and during our stay. Would highly recommend
    Impressive property in a prime location. Enjoyed our stay with family. The villa is exactly like in the pictures. Absolutely stunning views
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    from USD 266.94
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    Peaceful Home At Porto Covo$326.87/nightly avg

    Just 50 yards from the beach, this tranquil villa boasts relaxing outdoor areas with wonderful views, comfortable indoor spaces to cool off, and room for a family of eight. The home has a dedicated parking spot, but once you arrive you’ll be able to walk to all of Porto Covo’s sights, from the town square to the side-street restaurants. The local beach is a real stunner, noteworthy even by Portuguese standards for its imposing rock formations.

    Dreaming of porto Covo – your dream vacation awaits you
    10 reviews
    Villa
    8 Guests
    4 Bedrooms
    2 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    Lovely location, a few minutes from the sea and a great place with restaurants, bars and shops. Very well equipped for cooking for 8 people. House was very cold on the first night as radiators in the lounge didn’t work, but air conditioning unit heated it up well once we’d worked out how to use it.
    We had a great stay in the Villa. There were 8 of us (4 adults and 4 children) but it coped well with the numbers. Comfortable and with some lovely outdoor space to relax in when not on the beach. When we needed some help it was available very quickly from the helpful and attentive management. We’ll be back!
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    from USD 326.87
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    Now that your stay is booked and you’re ready to go, here are some other resources for traveling in Portugal:

    • Why Madeira Is Portugal’s Best-Kept Secret
    • Exploring Portugal’s Beautiful Algarve Region
    • The Story Behind Portugal’s Colorful Tiles And 7 Best Places To See Them

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