Coming to Portugal and want to stay somewhere that’s a bit more exciting than a hotel? Why not rent accommodation through Airbnb instead?
Now, not all of the accommodation options that you’ll find on Airbnb are exciting. In fact, most are just magnolia-decorated, IKEA-furnished, short-term rentals. But, there are a few gems hidden in there. You just have to look hard for them.
Don’t worry: you won’t have to trawl through all of Airbnb’s listings to find those few gems. We’ve done that for you. From treehouses in Setúbal to Shepherd’s huts in the Algarve, here are 11 of the most unique and quirky Airbnbs from all across Portugal.
Tip: If you’ve never used Airbnb before, you can get free credit just for signing up here.
A “HouseTruck” in the Algarve countryside
Listing on Airbnb.com
Why stay in a hotel when you could stay in a 1957 Bedford Gypsy House-Truck? This truck has come all the way from New Zealand and is now situated in the rural Algarve. Located around 7 km north of Silves, this Airbnb is one of the most unusual accommodation options that we were able to find.
A converted windmill in Setúbal
Listing on Airbnb
Offering 360-degree views of the surrounding Portuguese countryside, as well as a pool that’s just for you, this Airbnb is ideal for those that want a little luxury with their quirkiness. Should you ever want to leave your accommodation, the nearby coast is just a 15-minute drive from the property while the nearest town is just 15 minutes by foot.
A Super Mario Bedroom in Lisbon
Listing on Airbnb
For Super Mario fans looking for an Airbnb in Lisbon, there can be no other option than this Super Mario themed bedroom. The geekiness doesn’t end with the wallpaper: the bedroom is equipped with a Wii U and 2 Nintendo 3DS with Zelda.
A monastery in the North of Portugal
Listing on Airbnb
Unless you’re feeling particularly flush, you probably won’t be renting this Airbnb by yourself. At nearly €3,000 a night, the nightly rate is not cheap. Then again, this 1,000-year-old monastery can cater for you to 14 guests, so that’s only just over €200 per person, per night. That’s still a bit expensive for most people, but it could be ideal if you’re look for a venue for your wedding or other large event.
A treehouse near Setúbal
Listing on Airbnb
This eco-lodge in Abela near Setúbal is a great example of glamping (glamorous camping). Like camping, you get all the fun of being close to nature. Unlike camping, you don’t have to put up your own tent. The eco campsite even has a pool as well as breakfast and dinner options, perfect if you don’t feel like cooking.
A yurt near Coimbra
Listing on Airbnb
Another glamping option, this time in Pardieiros near Coimbra. This yurt is situated in the middle of a Portuguese national park, and is perfect for those that want to get away from it all and enjoy a peaceful break in the Portuguese countryside.
A tent on a banana farm in the Azores
Listing on Airbnb
If glamping sounds too posh for you, why not try some good old-fashioned camping instead? This Airbnb is situated on a banana farm in the Azores Islands, a 20-minute walk from Angra do Heroismo. The accommodation is cheap, just €10 per night, which includes as many bananas as you can eat.
Want to camp in Madeira? There’s a similar Airbnb listing there as well.
A wooden “pod” in Setúbal
Listing on Airbnb
Back to glamping, and back to Setúbal. This cozy pod is located just 45km from Lisbon, making it ideal for breaks away from the city. As well as the pod itself, there’s also a fire pit, hammock, and organic vegetable garden for guests to enjoy.
A yacht docked at Porto’s marina
Listing on Airbnb
Located in the marina at Vila Nova de Gaia (Porto) is this beautiful yacht, available to rent through Airbnb. The yacht has two bedrooms, a kitchen, and wireless internet. You won’t be able to take it up the Douro river, but you’ll be situated in the centre of Porto city centre — ideal for exploring the nearby Port houses.
A campervan in Madeira
Listing on Airbnb
Unlike the yacht in Porto, you can take this Airbnb with you wherever you go in Madeira. It’s a fun way to get around the island, and since it has its own bed, you won’t need to worry about booking accommodation as well.
A shepherd’s hut on an organic farm near Faro
Listing on Airbnb
Situated on an organic farm in the Algarve, this shepherd’s hut offers a chance to see the more rural and rustic side of the Algarve. So rural, in fact, that you might even wake up to find a herd of sheep camped outside of your hut. With no electricity in the hut itself, this is a great option for those looking to escape from the real world for a little bit.
All photos courtesy of Airbnb
Know of unique accommodation in Portugal (on Airbnb or otherwise). Let other Portugalist readers know in the comments below.