We all want to get great value for money, so I’d like to show you where I find the best Portugal travel deals for hotels, car rental, flights or tours. Whenever I start planning a trip, whether it’s within Portugal or to other countries, there are certain ‘go to’ sites that I always consult.
I’ve also negotiated special discounts for you with certain local tour companies so look for the discount codes below.
I keep this page as up to date as possible so it’s always worth checking back for new deals and special offers.
Last update: 7th March 2025
Special offers on travel
These are temporary deals. For long-term discounts with my local partners, see this section.
Porto:
Experience an intimate Fado concert at São Bento Station in Porto with a glass of Port wine. Until 1st April 2025 save up to 20%.
Book a private transfer in a luxury vehicle from Porto Airport to the city center. Save up to 10% until the 31st October 2025.
Go on a walking tour to explore the two banks of the Douro River in Porto. Save up to 15% until the end of March 2025.
Visit the Douro Valley on this small group wine tasting tour from Porto. Save up to 10% until the end of April 2025.
Discover how the life of the author J.K. Rowling in Porto inspired parts of the Harry Potter story on this walking tour. Until 28th March 2025 save up to 15%.
Guimarães:
Discover the secret places of this city on a tuk-tuk tour with a local guide. Save up to 15% until the end of March 2025.
Portimão (Algarve):
Head out to sea on a sunrise tour of the Benagil Caves from Portimão. Until 27th March 2025 save up to 50%.
Get a 10% discount on this Textile Basketry Workshop and make your own unique basket using natural textile fibres and wool.
Evora:
Take a Private tour of the main monuments in Évora’s historic center. Save up to 50% until the end of 2025.
Lisbon:
Climb aboard a 12-metre sailboat and see Lisbon from a different perspective on this Sunset Sailing with Portuguese Wine and History tour. You get up to 30% off until the end of March 2025.
Experience the captivating ambiance of Lisbon’s historic districts on this 90 minute tuk-tuk tour. Until the end of March 2025 save up to 40%.
Transfer from your Lisbon hotel to the airport, train station or bus station. Save up to 15% until 1st April 2025.
Fátima:
Try a half-day tour of the sanctuary of Fátima from Lisbon. Save up to 20% until Sept. 2025.
Tomar:
Take a Knights Templar Day Tour in Tomar from Lisbon. Until Sept. 2025 save up to 20%.
Sesimbra:
Discover the wilderness of the Arrábida Natural Park on a boat tour in Sesimbra with a marine biologist. Save up to 13% until the 20th March 2025.
Accommodation resources
Online booking platforms for hotels, villas and apartments
I’ve been using Booking.com for over 15 years and it’s still my first port of call when it comes to finding accommodation. I haven’t had a problem with a booking in all that time and I get great ‘Genius’ discounts.
The reviews are from verified guests and therefore more reliable than on some other sites. I also find it easy to compare facilities between places on my shortlist. Most accommodations allow you to cancel or change your booking for free so you can plan ahead without commitment.
Portugal accommodation guides
To see my top picks for where to stay in different places in Portugal, see my destination-specific accommodation guides. For big cities or regions, these include neighbourhood or town suggestions as well as specific lodgings.
Interesting alternatives to traditional accommodation offers
Although housesitting doesn’t necessarily involve looking after animals, that’s the most common reason for people wanting others to stay in their homes while they’re away. I’ve used Trusted Housesitters, which matches sitters with homeowners.
Housesitting can be a fantastic way of getting free accommodation, especially if you’re interested in staying in Portugal for an extended period to decide whether or not you want to live here.
If you’re interested in a more in-depth cultural experience, as well as bed and board, in exchange for your skills and labour, Workaway is a well-respected platform for connecting hosts with volunteers. For a small annual fee, you can search for and apply to individuals and small organisations that need some help.
It’s worth considering if you want to immerse yourself in a language you’re trying to learn, too.
Transport
Discover Cars has a user-friendly platform for searching the best price among a number of car rental companies, as well as reviews, which I find makes it easier to choose.
You make the booking and payment through Discover Cars and receive a voucher that you take to the relevant car rental company to collect the vehicle. I have used them and the process and service was faultless. In most cases, you can cancel for free up to 48 hours before pickup.
As always, check terms and conditions carefully before you book so you know what’s included and what isn’t.
Tours, activities and transfers
Whether you need airport transfers, a Lisbon Card, hop-on hop-off bus tours, food tours, boat trips, private experiences or workshops, Get Your Guide has a whole range of activities and services to choose from.
They offer free cancellation (check the conditions) so you can book ahead with confidence.
Viator is another popular tour booking platform and is part of TripAdvisor. Take a look at the tours I’ve vetted for you in my Viator Shop.
The booking system is simple to use and they issue refunds promptly if you cancel within the terms. You can also find out which local tour operator is running the experience and ask questions if you need more info before booking.
Exclusive reader discount codes for Portugal tours and experiences
Some of the tour operators I’ve had the pleasure of working with offer my readers a special discount. Note: You must use the specific codes below when you make a booking.
Cooltour Oporto specialise in small group and private tours in the north of Portugal. For small group tours from Porto to Douro Valley, or to Braga and Guimarães, they are my top recommendation. They also offer Porto food tours, fado and sightseeing and a full day Porto sightseeing with van transport and a small range of private tours, w.g. to the Minho region and vinho verde wineries.
Get 10% off their regular price with my code: FOX10, or 15% off their small group Douro tour before 31st March 2025 with this code: FOX15
Culinary Backstreets offer excellent food-related walking tours in various cities around the world, including Lisbon and Porto.
5% discount code (use on the booking form): FOX5
Travel Insurance
You never know what might happen to ruin your trip so it’s a good idea to take out travel insurance before you leave home. There are many companies and policies to choose from so it pays to compare the cover to make sure it suits your specific needs.
Always check the fine print to see what’s included.
Yonder currently serves North American clients but is planning to expand to cover European customers in the future. Through their site, you can search through numerous reputable insurance providers to find the most appropriate cover for your particular needs, including ones with ‘cancel for any reason’ policies.
