While short-term accommodations and long-term rentals are widely available, there has been a growing demand for a more flexible housing option that caters to those seeking a stay longer than a few weeks but less than the commitment of a year-long lease. This is especially true in places like Lisbon, which attracts lots of digital nomads who are able to visit for longer thanks to their remote jobs.
Most people can spend up to 90 days in every 180 days in Portugal without a visa, with EU passport holders able to spend longer, however, there isn’t really a mid-term accommodation option for people that have this type of flexibility.
Enter medium-term rentals, a versatile solution for individuals on scouting trips, or extended trips, particularly for digital nomads or retirees who have more flexibility.
In this guide, we explore the emerging trend of mid-term rentals in Portugal, offering the perfect balance of comfort and flexibility for your time in this captivating country.
Flatio
For those seeking the convenience of Airbnb with the flexibility of extended stays, Flatio emerges as an ideal solution. Unlike Airbnb, which primarily caters to shorter-term rentals, Flatio is designed to accommodate stays ranging from 14 days to up to 6 months, making it a perfect match for those in search of medium-term housing solutions in Portugal.
Whether you’re exploring Portugal on an extended vacation, embarking on a scouting trip, or simply needing a temporary home for a few months, Flatio offers a diverse selection of rental options, including both individual rooms and entire apartments, to ensure you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Booking
Booking.com, a globally renowned booking platform, provides an array of accommodation options to meet diverse traveler needs in Portugal. While it traditionally caters to hotel and hostel bookings, Booking.com also offers a selection of apartments, houses, and villas, allowing you to explore an extended range of options for your stay. One of the standout features for those seeking medium-term accommodation is the ability to book stays for up to 90 days through Booking.com.
Spotahome
Spotahome is a specialised platform that simplifies the process of finding and booking medium-term accommodation in Portugal. Unlike traditional booking platforms, Spotahome caters exclusively to stays ranging from a minimum of 30 days to several months, making it an ideal choice for those seeking extended lodging options. With an array of meticulously verified properties, Spotahome ensures that you can secure comfortable, trustworthy accommodations for your medium-term stay in Portugal.
Airbnb
While Airbnb’s primary focus remains on shorter stays, many hosts automatically offer discounts for bookings exceeding 28 days, making it an attractive option for medium-term travellers. Additionally, there have been rumours about Airbnb considering a more significant foray into the long-term rental market, signalling potential future opportunities for extended stays.
It’s worth noting that while Airbnb offers convenience and a wide range of unique properties, prices can often be on the higher side due to additional fees. Savvy travellers may find it beneficial to negotiate rates directly with hosts, especially for longer stays, to secure a more budget-friendly accommodation option.
Blueground
Blueground is a premium accommodation provider that sets the bar high when it comes to medium-term rentals in Portugal, especially Lisbon. While it may lean towards the higher end of the price spectrum, it’s always worth exploring if you’re seeking a blend of luxury and convenience for your extended stay.
What sets Blueground apart is its commitment to providing fully-furnished, stylish apartments in prime locations across Portugal’s cities. Each property is meticulously curated and equipped with modern amenities, making it an appealing choice for professionals, executives, and discerning travellers. With flexible lease terms ranging from one month to a year or more, Blueground caters to those who desire the comforts of home without the commitment of a traditional lease.
VRBO
While initially geared towards vacation rentals, VRBO has evolved to cater to a more extended spectrum of housing needs, including those seeking stays for several weeks or months.
VRBO’s inventory includes an array of properties, from cozy apartments in urban centres to spacious houses and villas in Portugal’s picturesque countryside. This diversity ensures that travellers with different preferences and requirements can find the perfect lodging solution. The platform allows you to connect directly with property owners or managers, fostering a personalised booking experience.
One notable aspect of VRBO is its suitability for medium-term stays, offering more flexibility than traditional vacation rentals. This flexibility can translate to favourable rates, especially for extended bookings.
Homelike
Homelike is a dedicated platform that specialises in medium-term rentals, providing a seamless and efficient way to find your ideal accommodation in Portugal. Unlike many general rental platforms, Homelike is designed specifically for stays ranging from one month to a year or more, catering to the needs of professionals, travellers, and expatriates seeking extended housing solutions.
Homelike’s user-friendly platform allows you to search for apartments based on your location preferences, budget, and duration of stay. The platform also emphasises security and transparency, providing a reliable and trustworthy medium-term rental experience in Portugal.
Outsite
Outsite is a dynamic coliving platform that caters to digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers seeking a unique blend of work, travel, and community experiences in Portugal. While it differs from traditional apartment rentals, Outsite offers a refreshing alternative for those looking to stay in vibrant locations like Lisbon, Porto, Ericeira, and Sagres.
Outsite’s offerings go beyond just providing a place to sleep – they create an immersive environment where like-minded individuals can connect and collaborate. These coliving spaces are designed for work and play, with well-equipped coworking areas and communal spaces that foster networking and socialising.
Selina
Selina is a vibrant and globally recognized hospitality brand that offers a distinctive coliving and coworking experience in Portugal. Similar to Outsite, Selina provides a dynamic space that caters to digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers looking to blend work, travel, and community interaction.
Selina’s properties in Portugal, including locations like Lisbon, Porto, and other picturesque destinations, are designed to be more than just accommodations. They are lively hubs where professionals from various backgrounds come together to work, collaborate, and explore. With dedicated coworking spaces, communal areas, and a range of accommodations from shared dorms to private rooms, Selina caters to diverse preferences and budgets.
Facebook Groups
As Airbnb costs have increased, Facebook groups have become an alternative avenue for discovering medium-term accommodation options in Portugal. While this approach may offer potential cost savings, it comes with its own set of considerations.
In these Facebook groups, you’ll sometimes find individuals listing their properties for rent, often at competitive rates. Many of these hosts may also have their listings on platforms like Airbnb but are willing to provide significant discounts for direct rentals, bypassing the platform’s service fees. This can present a cost-effective opportunity for travellers seeking budget-friendly housing solutions. Alternatively, you can just post your dates to see if anyone has something available that they would be willing to rent you.
You’ll likely have more success in winter than summer, particularly places like the Algarve where there’s high demand for accommodation during that period.