Taste the wine, plunge into the granite pool, play billiards in the library, linger outdoors as swallows swoop – eat delicious local dishes

João & Ana Luisa’s stunning cottages superbly blend contemporary and traditional styles. Vineyards, beaches and restaurants are all close

Unwind in natural surroundings – swim in river pools, like the otters – doze on your mountain view terrace, wander the wonderful garden

An old-fashioned jewel in the crown of Portugal, a welcoming place for poets, foodies and romantics. Close to the beautiful beaches

Serene heritage gardens, big baroque bedrooms and views of the mountains of the Peneda-Geres National Park

A traditional hotel for peace seekers and history lovers; comfortable rooms, organic produce from the farm, large pool and stunning views

Just half an hour from the Spanish border in deeply wooded countryside, a homely place for families and friends with big garden and pool

Unostentatious and solidly comfortable, you can really relax here. Take in the views, dine under orange trees and visit the nearby castle

Go riding (horse or donkey) with your young hosts. Find 3 farm cottages on this charming organic estate, one contemporary, all with pools

Great décor - traditional and a tad funky, local and homemade food - yogic calm close to Guimaraes and the Douro valley

Rustic, relaxing, comfortable and fun with pool and play area, river beaches, great hosts, peaceful countryside, an hour from Porto

The only hustle and bustle is the river doing its thing. Wild swimming is straight from the terrace, the house offers much comfort and space

Roses, dahlias and azaleas bloom profusely here, as pretty a welcome as you could wish for. Bedrooms are comfortable and clean