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: 13th January 2025
Special offers on travel
These are temporary deals. For long-term discounts with my local partners, see this section.
Porto:
Enjoy a Premium Douro Valley Small-Group Wine Tour from Porto. Until the end of February 2025 save up to 20%.
Admire views of Porto’s scenic banks and six bridges on a Douro River cruise. Save up to 7% until the end of February 2025.
Book a private transfer in a luxury vehicle from Porto Airport to the city center. Save up to 10% until the 31st October 2025.
Feel the soul of Porto with an intimate Fado show and dinner. Until 11th February save up to 7%.
Braga & Guimarães:
Discover the charming cities of Braga and Guimarães on a day trip from Porto. Save up to 10% until 9th February 2025.
Portimão (Algarve):
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:
Discover the secret sights of Lisbon on an electric bike tour. Save up to 18% until the end of February 2025.
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%.
Fãtima:
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%.
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.
SEARCH ACCOMMODATION ON BOOKING.COMAccommodation rented by owners
Flatio is a longer-term rental housing platform, offering hand-picked, mostly deposit-free, and reasonably priced accommodations in over 300 destinations, mainly in Europe. What sets Flatio apart from similar platforms is that it offers lawyer-verified, legally binding lease agreements that can be used as proof of address and for visa purposes.
Search Flatio for your ideal longer-term stay
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.
Find a great deal on car rental with Discover Cars
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.
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.
