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.

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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: 12th July 2026

Special offers on travel

These are temporary deals. For long-term discounts with my local partners, see this section.

Porto:

Enjoy an authentic and traditional Fado concert in one of two beautiful 19th century mansions, with perfect acoustics. Learn about the origins of Fado with a glass of port wine. Save up to 15% until the 2nd August 2026.

Take a private transfer between Porto and Lisbon (either way) with the chance to discover up to 4 cities on the way. Save up to 10% until 8th August 2026.

Discover the main sightseeing spots of Porto’s historic centre on a 3 hours small group guided walking tour. Save up to 20% until 31st October 2026.

Enjoy a full-day journey through Portugal’s Douro Valley and the historic city of Amarante from Porto. Included is a private cruise along the Douro River with a selection of local tapas and a visit to a traditional quinta. Save up to 40% until 10th August 2026.

Braga and Guimarães:

Discover these two Northern Portuguese cities on a full-day trip with lunch from Porto. Save up to 10% until the end of 2026.

Evora:

Take a private tour of the main monuments in Évora’s historic center. Save up to 30% until the end of 2026.

Coimbra:

Discover the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe, on this private tour with a guide who is a former student of the university. Save up to 30% until the end of 2026.

Lisbon:

Explore the historical area of Alfama on this eco-friendly tuk-tuk tour, with lots of panoramic views to enjoy. Save up to 20% until 9th August 2026.

Discover a new perspective of Lisbon on board a yacht on a 1 or 2-hour cruise from Belém Tower. Save up to 20% until 7th August 2026.

Cycle the beautiful neighborhood of Belém on this electric bike tour, riding alongside the river Tagus and discovering history and monuments along the way. Save up to 10% until 31st August 2026.


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.

Find available house sits

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.

Learn more about Workaway


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.

Book tours and transfers through Get Your Guide

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.

Search tours and transfers on Viator


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.

Portoalities is run by Porto-native Sara Riobom and offers engaging and informative private walking tours in Porto, either for half a day or a full day. She also offers a unique Jewish History tour of the city. All of these tours can be tailored to your needs and interests so get in touch by email to make arrangements.

5% discount code: JULIE5 (use when you email)

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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, e.g. to the Minho region and vinho verde wineries.

Get 10% off their regular price with my code: FOX10

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

Discover cities around the globe with Context Travel’s in-person tours and immersive audio guides, all led or created by top historians and local specialists. A brilliant way to explore at your own pace or with an expert by your side.

Save 10% before 31st January 2026 with this code: JULIEFOX10 


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. 

Portugal guide books and other travel essentials

My travel shop on Amazon contains recommendations for practical items you are likely to need for your trip to Portugal.
 
Check it out for travel essentials, road trip tools, hiking gear and souvenirs from Portugal, including food so that you can savour the flavours of Portugal at home.