Discover Portugal through its most stunning modern architecture—not just from the outside, but by living in it. These one-of-a-kind holiday homes and design hotels, created by leading architects, invite you to step inside contemporary spaces shaped by light, landscape, and craftsmanship. Explore interior details, see rare images, and maybe even book a night in a work of architecture.
1. Tóló House by Álvaro Leite Siza Junior
3 bedrooms · Cerva, Vila Real · from €398/night
Image by Boutique
Sculptural living carved into the mountainside
Álvaro Leite Siza, son of Álvaro Siza Vieira, brings a bold and sculptural approach to contemporary Portuguese architecture. His work is known for geometric abstraction, strong spatial narratives, and deep engagement with landscape.
A concrete sanctuary immersed in nature
Tóló House cascades down a steep slope above the village of Cerva, responding to topography with angular forms and split-level interiors. The structure is anchored into the terrain, with concrete volumes opening to views, sun, and silence.
The interior unfolds in a sequence of living spaces, minimal bedrooms, and a kitchen-dining area, all connected by open stairs and terraces. Materials like raw concrete, wood, and glass blur the line between shelter and environment. Each level has outdoor access, and a small pool sits nestled in the slope—a meditative retreat for those who appreciate architecture as landscape.
What’s included
- 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom (sleeps 5)
- Panoramic terraces & plunge pool
- Open-plan living with fireplace
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Embedded into hillside for thermal comfort
2. Casa Na Terra by Aires Mateus
4 bedrooms · Monsaraz · from €350/night
Image by Silent Living
Architecture you feel, not just see
Set into the earth near the shores of Lake Alqueva, Casa Na Terra is not just a house—it’s a sanctuary. Designed by acclaimed Portuguese architect Manuel Aires Mateus, this extraordinary retreat in Alentejo almost disappears into the landscape, revealing itself only as you step inside. What looks like a grass-covered mound opens up to reveal sculpted interiors, curved concrete, warm acoustics, and silent light.
A subterranean refuge in the Alentejo plains
This house is a masterclass in architectural invisibility. With its organic footprint and natural insulation, it evokes deep calm and protection from the outside world. Four minimalist bedrooms are carved into the hillside, centered around a skylit interior corridor. The communal living and dining areas face the lake through wide openings, letting light and landscape pour in.
The building belongs to the Silent Living collection—a group of architecture-led stays across Portugal—and this may be its most profound experience. Summer swims in the lake, springtime walks through wildflowers, and long winter nights near the fire: every season here feels elemental.
What’s included
- 4 bedrooms (sleeps 8) with private bathrooms
- Lakefront setting & panoramic countryside views
- Minimalist kitchen, dining & lounge areas
- Daily breakfast & optional afternoon tea by housekeeper
- Designed by Aires Mateus
- 2.5-hour drive from Lisbon
3. Casa em Afife, by Guilherme Machado Vaz
3 bedrooms | Afife, Viana do Castelo | from €380 / night
Image by Boutique
Rooted in the cultural and topographic richness of northern Portugal, Casa em Afife is a sculptural yet sensitive architectural response to its village setting. Designed by Guilherme Machado Vaz—an architect known for blending contemporary clarity with historical nuance—the house stands near a granite chapel, balancing reverence with autonomy.
Its compact vertical form, square footprint, and rhythmic geometry abstract the vernacular architecture of the Minho region. Terraced half-floors follow the natural slope of the land, and the rooftop—its quiet “fifth elevation”—reveals shifting levels with deliberate restraint.
From the outside, the house appears monolithic and introverted. Yet when its large wooden shutters open, the interior unfolds in layers of light, texture, and narrative. Terrazzo and wood floors, brass detailing, and gently sloping doors create a tactile, timeless atmosphere that recalls tradition without mimicking it.
What’s included
- 3 bedrooms ideal for families or couples
- Private swimming pool mirroring the house’s geometric purity
- Fully equipped kitchen and dining area
- Rooftop terrace and multiple outdoor spaces
- Walkable access to restaurants, train station, and Afife beach
This is a house of quiet power—part sanctuary, part sculpture, and deeply in tune with its place.
4. Pura Comporta Villa by Falcão de Campos
3 suites + mezzanine | Comporta, Alentejo | €600–€1,550 / night
Image by Pura Comporta
Designed by Portuguese architect João Pedro Falcão de Campos, Comporta Villa is a minimalist beach retreat built for slow family living. Framed by pine dunes and rice fields, the house blends open views with deep privacy. A suspended terrace overlooks rural plains and the distant Serra da Arrábida coastline, while a private, heated pool sits tucked behind the house, offering seclusion and shade. Interiors feature refined design classics—from Siza-designed filmmaker chairs to Fredericia seating and Davide Groppi lighting—balanced by warm wood, natural textures, and thoughtful child-friendly details.
What’s included
- 3 ensuite bedrooms + mezzanine (sleeps up to 7)
- Heated pool, suspended sunset terrace
- Fully equipped Miele/Smeg kitchen
- Air conditioning, underfloor heating, fireplace
- Located in rural Comporta, 10 mins from the beach
5. Casa da Rampa Colares by Frederico Valsassina
4 bedrooms / 8 guests• Colares/Sintra • from €825/night
Image by Boutique
Modern Living Among the Pines
Casa da Rampa is a serene and sculptural modernist home set within a four-acre pine grove near Sintra’s coastline. Designed by award-winning architect Frederico Valsassina, the house showcases a low, horizontal form that gently cuts through the forest, framing the landscape with clean lines, glass, and whitewashed concrete.
This is a place where simplicity meets sophistication: pivoting walls blur inside and out, stone floors stay cool underfoot, and each room opens to its own balcony. The architecture fosters calm, clarity, and connection—with nature and with those you’re staying with.
Perfect for families or design lovers, Casa da Rampa offers spacious, sun-filled interiors, a fully equipped kitchen, and proximity to Sintra, Praia da Adraga, and Cabo da Roca.
What’s Included
- 4 bedrooms (each with private balcony)
- 4 full bathrooms
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Wi-Fi & TV
- Washer & dryer
- Architect-designed interiors
- Surrounded by natural reserve & pine forest
6. Casas na Areia by Aires Mateus
4 bedrooms · Comporta · from €500/night
Image by Silent Living: (Renée Rae, Tim Reed and Silje Kvernerland)
Sleep in a sand-floor cabin just minutes from the beach
Casas na Areia, designed by Manuel Aires Mateus, reimagines the traditional fisherman’s huts of the Sado Estuary. Part of Silent Living’s portfolio, the project gained international attention at the Venice Architecture Biennale for its blend of architecture, landscape, and atmosphere.
Living with sand, wood, and light
The house consists of four separate volumes—two made of thatched reed, two of white concrete—connected by a communal sand-floored living area. It’s a sensorial experience that invites guests to slow down and embrace nature. Barefoot luxury at its most elemental.
Bedrooms are intimate, cool, and minimal. The shared living and dining space feels like a modern pavilion, open to breezes and birdsong. Outside: a plunge pool, rice fields, and endless dunes.
What’s included
- 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms (sleeps 8)
- Sand-floored living/dining area
- Outdoor pool with rice field views
- Full kitchen & daily breakfast
- 5 minutes from Comporta beach
7. Casa Atlantica, Setúbal by Manuel Aires Mateus
4 Bedrooms – Setúbal – from €1.242/night
Image by Boutique
Designed by architect Manuel Aires Mateus, Casa Atlantica is a striking modern beach house inspired by traditional Alentejo homes. Nestled on 17 acres of Mediterranean forest with stunning Atlantic views, it features four separate concrete structures with minimalist interiors, large windows, and a blend of contemporary and vintage furnishings.
The main house offers a bright living area with a fireplace, modern kitchen, dining space, and a master bedroom with a marble bath. Three independent bungalows each have en-suite bedrooms with sea views and patios. Outdoors, enjoy peaceful gardens, a pool, terraces, and a vegetable garden.
Located just an hour from Lisbon, near Melides beaches and the charming Alentejo countryside, it’s perfect for relaxing beach and nature escapes.
Features:
- Spacious living room with fireplace
- Fully equipped modern kitchen
- Master bedroom with marble bathroom
- Three separate bungalows with en-suite bathrooms
- Large windows with sea views
- Private pool and sun terraces
- Mediterranean garden and vegetable patch
- Close to Melides beaches and countryside
- About 1 hour from Lisbon
8. Vacances Esposende by António Corte-Real
Up to 15 People – Esposende – from €1.213/night
Image by Cosy Inside
Twenty-six holiday homes are perfectly set between river and marshland on one side, and a sand dune shielding the sea on the other. The design’s linear rhythm—highlighted by boundary walls, glazed room dividers, narrow pools, and elongated corridors—mirrors the natural landscape’s horizontal flow.
António Corte-Real, trained in the Porto School tradition, blends architecture with nature and place, emphasizing structure, detail, and landscape integration. His buildings express a deep connection to geography and territorial organization.
Features
- Sleeps up to 15 guests
- Variety of suites and rooms with king, super king, double, and single beds
- Private bathrooms with natural light, bathtubs, and showers
- Fully equipped kitchen (dishwasher, espresso & filter coffee machines)
- Spacious dining room for 15 people
- Panoramic lounge with pool access
- Heated swimming pool (May–October)
- Outdoor chill-out area, barbecue, and dining for 12
- Free parking
9. Otiima House by Carvalho Araújo
3 Bedrooms – União das freguesias de Caniçada e Soengas, Braga – from €890/night
Ostii House offers a fresh, modern design combined with comfort and coastal charm. Located just minutes from the stunning beaches of the Ria Formosa and the historic town of Olhão, this stylish home invites you to experience the best of the Algarve lifestyle.
Designed with clean lines and natural materials, Ostii House features spacious open-plan living areas flooded with natural light, two cozy bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. Step outside to your private terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding almond groves and sea beyond—perfect for morning coffees or sunset dinners.
Accommodation types:
- Double Bedroom with Garden View: Comfortable room with queen bed and ensuite bathroom. Access to the shared terrace. Breakfast included on request.
- Master Bedroom with Ensuite: Spacious room with king bed, ensuite bath, and private balcony overlooking the coast. Breakfast included on request.
Amenities:
- Air conditioning
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Washer and dryer
- On-site parking
- Outdoor terrace with seating
- Close proximity to local markets and restaurants
Additional Information:
Ostii House is ideal for couples, families, or small groups seeking a peaceful retreat with easy access to Algarve’s natural beauty and culture. The nearby Ria Formosa National Park offers hiking, cycling, and birdwatching, while the historic city of Faro is just a short drive away.
10. Casa Modesta by Pedro Campos Costa
8 rooms – Ria Formosa, Algarve – from €160/night
Image by Boutique
A restored family home turned rural guesthouse, Casa Modesta lies in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park on the Algarve coast. Blending vernacular architecture with clean, contemporary design, this retreat is a peaceful base from which to explore southern Portugal’s delicate lagoon landscape.
Whitewashed walls, terracotta floors, and shaded courtyards evoke the region’s rural traditions, while minimalist lines, custom furnishings, and exposed concrete details introduce a refined architectural clarity. The layout encourages a slow rhythm of living—between interior patios, a shared kitchen and living area, and rooftop terraces with views over the tidal wetlands.
Architect Pedro Campos Costa led the sensitive transformation, preserving the soul of the original house while integrating sustainable features like solar panels, natural ventilation, and regional materials. Casa Modesta is more than a holiday stay—it’s an immersion into the land, light, and legacy of the Algarve.
What’s included:
- 8 individually designed rooms with private terraces
- Rooftop views of the Ria Formosa lagoon
- Homemade breakfast with local produce
- Shaded gardens and orchard
- Walking distance to salt pans and cycling routes
- Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and solar-heated water
- Guided tours and experiences available on request
11. Casa Luum by Pedro Domingos
4 bedrooms – Santa Bárbara de Nexe, Faro – from 284/night
Image by Boutique
Nestled at the end of a dusty rural lane, Casa Luum emerges in the luminous hills near Faro as a minimalist masterpiece. Designed by Portuguese architect Pedro Domingos, the home is defined by its pristine white blocks, sharp geometric lines, and a proportional elegance that dialogues naturally with olive groves and sandy terrain. Inside, generous windows fill the interiors with light, reflecting the changing skies and surrounding greenery.
Every room opens onto private terraces, and interiors combine sleek comfort with local artisan touches—think Casa Cubista ceramics, bespoke textiles, and furniture crafted in the Algarve. A curated centerpiece retable fireplace by Alfonso Mila and Federico Correa harmonizes with the clean Scandinavian-like aesthetic of the living and dining areas. Reflecting a commitment to sustainability, the home employs solar energy, top-tier insulation, and passive climate design.
Set within a regenerating landscape designed by Sigmetum, the native gardens surround a serene sheltered pool and rooftop lounge. Whether gathered under stars or relaxing in natural shade, the architecture encourages pause—and connection.
As an architectural holiday rental, Casa Luum offers:
- Four light‑filled bedrooms with private terraces
- Cool white interiors, soaring lines, and architectural calm
- A rooted minimalism that embraces the Algarve’s textures—stone, light, and air
- Eco-conscious features: solar power, insulation, native planting
- Outdoor spaces designed for al fresco dining, rooftop sunset views, or quiet reading
- Close to coastal nature reserve, Faro’s beaches and markets, and the peaceful hilltown of Santa Bárbara
Experience contemporary architecture that breathes with landscape—Casa Luum invites guests to live slowly, clearly, beautifully.
12. Casa Sobral da Lagoa by Ricardo Bak Gordon
3 bedrooms · Sobral da Lagoa, Óbidos · from €141/night
Image By Ricardo Bak Gordon
An artist’s retreat overlooking the Atlantic, designed by one of Portugal’s contemporary masters
Ricardo Bak Gordon is one of Portugal’s most influential contemporary architects. Known for his poetic use of light, context-driven design, and a quiet rigor that balances tradition and modernity, Bak Gordon’s work often explores how architecture can embrace nature while respecting local materials and scale. His projects have been widely exhibited and published internationally.
Architecture in dialogue with the village and the ocean
Casa Sobral integrates seamlessly into the small village of Sobral da Lagoa, perched above the Óbidos Lagoon. Built for a pair of artists, the home reflects Bak Gordon’s refined sensitivity to landscape, topography, and light. From the street, its presence is discreet, respectful of the village’s rural fabric. But to the west, the house opens dramatically: two vast glazed bays frame one of the most stunning Atlantic vistas in Portugal.
The 280 m² layout unfolds across three levels: a double living space connects to the terrace and pool; bedrooms are arranged for privacy and calm; and a protected interior patio captures the sun while shielding from the wind. The stepped form, open circulation, and textured materials—stone, concrete, and wood—create a layered, sculptural interior that feels both grounded and elevated.
What’s included
- 3 quiet bedrooms (sleeps 6)
- 2 full bathrooms + guest WC
- Swimming pool and solarium terrace
- Enclosed wind-protected patio for outdoor dining
- Fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances
- Private garage + 2 additional parking spots
- Dedicated workspace & high-speed Wi-Fi
- Located 3 km from the medieval town of Óbidos
- Stunning ocean and lagoon views
From €141/night on Airbnb
13. SAAL Bouça Complex by Álvaro Siza Vieira
3 bedrooms · Porto · from €125/night
Image by Ben
Stay inside a landmark of Portuguese architecture and social history
Álvaro Siza Vieira is Portugal’s most internationally celebrated architect. A Pritzker Prize laureate, Siza is known for his masterful handling of space, light, and proportion. His work, often understated and rigorous, shaped the identity of post-revolutionary Portuguese architecture—none more so than his SAAL social housing projects.
A minimalist duplex in a revolutionary urban experiment
This carefully restored duplex sits inside the iconic Bouça housing complex in Porto, designed in the 1970s as part of the groundbreaking SAAL program. The architecture reflects Siza’s belief that good design should be accessible to all, combining functionality, clarity, and dignity in everyday spaces.
The apartment has a direct street entrance and is spread over two floors. The upper level includes a living/dining room, enclosed balcony, and fully equipped kitchen. Downstairs, you’ll find two bedrooms and split bathrooms, with a third room that doubles as a bedroom or shared space. Subtle design details and thoughtful furnishings create a minimalist yet warm environment, ideal for families, creatives, or design lovers.
What’s included
- 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms (sleeps 6)
- Fully equipped kitchen, laundry & workspace
- Balcony with garden view
- Free garage parking
- Child-friendly amenities
- Steps from Lapa metro station
14. Alto House by Manuel Gomes da Costa
21 rooms · Faro · from €80/night
Image by Alto House
A modernist revival in the heart of Faro
Gomes da Costa was a leading figure in the Algarve’s mid-20th-century architectural scene. His work blended Mediterranean influences with international modernism, shaping a built environment that was both progressive and rooted in place. Alto House, a recently revitalized gem in Faro, preserves his vision while offering a fresh, design-forward experience.
Stay in a living piece of Portuguese modernism
Set in an elevated neighborhood just 7 minutes from the city center, Alto House combines historic architecture with contemporary hospitality. Originally a modernist residential building, it’s been carefully reimagined for 21st-century travelers. The facade, layout, and interiors all retain the clarity and charm of mid-century Portuguese design.
Inside, each of the 21 compact rooms offers a unique perspective: some open onto private balconies with city or garden views, while others frame the building’s original staircase—a sculptural centerpiece of the experience. There’s no elevator, but the staircase is part of the story: a daily ascent through architectural history.
Start your morning with a modernist Mediterranean breakfast in the courtyard, then head to the rooftop for sweeping views over Faro and the Ria Formosa. Sustainability is part of the ethos here: from local sourcing to energy use, Alto House is designed for conscious living.
What’s included
- 21 rooms with private bathrooms (many with balconies & views)
- Mediterranean-style breakfast included
- Panoramic rooftop terrace & interior courtyard
- Free Wi-Fi & air conditioning
- Free public parking nearby
- Access to a public garden with multi-sport park
- 7-minute walk to Faro city center
15. The Modernist Faro: Live the Revival of a Movement
6 Suites · Faro · from €159/night
Image by The Modernist Faro
Welcome to The Modernist Faro. Why just visit when you can inhabit a living icon? This is more than a place to stay—it’s a tribute to Portuguese mid-century architecture, beautifully reimagined. Located in the vibrant heart of Faro, The Modernist invites you to step into the golden age of geometric lines, light-filled spaces, and pure design intent.
Here, six spacious suites—each 45m²—offer the comfort of a private apartment with a balcony or terrace, kitchenette, and access to a lush interior patio and panoramic rooftop. It’s design-led independence, with sunrise views over the Ria Formosa natural lagoon.
6 suites with private balcony or terrace | Kitchenettes | Rooftop views over Ria Formosa | Patio garden | Free WiFi | Air conditioning | Central Faro location | Eco-conscious hospitality
The Modernist: Designed with Purpose, Restored with Vision
Originally built in the early 1970s by architect Joel Santana, The Modernist is a landmark of Faro’s southern modernist wave—heavily influenced by Brazilian and international masters like Oscar Niemeyer and Le Corbusier. The recent restoration by award-winning Portuguese architecture studio Par honors every detail: the wood, stone, window frames, even the handmade door handles.
This isn’t just preservation—it’s Portuguese design at its most thoughtful. Everything, from lighting fixtures to the last piece of furniture, was crafted within 100 km of the site, reducing CO₂ footprint and championing the local creative economy.
Architecture
Set in what was once called “the ugliest building in Faro,” The Modernist is now a shining example of sustainable urban renewal. The transformation took three years, rooted in a deep commitment to authenticity, local craft, and mid-century aesthetics. The result? A building that doesn’t just look back—it points forward.
Modernism in Faro
Faro is home to over 500 modernist buildings, shaped by pioneering architects like Manuel Gomes da Costa, Fernando Távora, and Manuel Laginha. Their South Modernism—fueled by both global ideas and the unique light and lifestyle of the Algarve—turned Faro into an open-air gallery of modernist heritage. The Modernist honors this legacy, offering guests curated walking tours and even a playful “Modernist Game” to train your architect’s eye.
16. Pousada de Juventude de Viana do Castelo by Carrilho da Graça
Youth Hostel | Viana do Castelo | from €18 / night
Image by Ben
Nestled beside the serene River Lima, this youth hostel is a modernist gesture in a historic riverside setting. Designed by João Luís Carrilho da Graça, the hostel integrates two L-shaped wings around a cluster of mature trees, generating a welcoming central courtyard and natural meeting place at its heart.
Influenced by Le Corbusier and Corbusian aesthetics, the building’s white concrete façade was ultimately realized in standard concrete with an acrylic resin coating—an economical choice that nonetheless achieves a smooth, durable exterior finish . Its cantilevered balconies, rhythmic concrete slab edges, and generous glazing allow daylight to permeate deep into shared spaces.
The ground floor houses reception, communal areas, a café, and recreation rooms. Above, 25 well-proportioned rooms—including double and quadruple layouts—face either the park or the riverside and include private balconies designed to frame views and encourage cross-ventilation . Clean lines, muted color tones, and strategic shading reference international modern principles while remaining sensitive to the local climate and landscape.
What’s included
- Free parking nearby
- Private or shared rooms (doubles or dorms)
- En-suite or shared bathrooms (depending on room type)
- Bed linen and towels
- Free Wi-Fi
- Continental breakfast
- 24-hour reception
- Lounge and recreation areas
- Self-service kitchen
- On-site café
- Laundry facilities
- Riverside and park views