Self-catering holidays Portugal. Self catering accommodation Portugal.

Though it's true that Portugal is no longer Iberia's best-kept secret, it's still easy to get away from the crowds. Even at the busiest resorts in the Algarve, it only takes a short bus ride or a walk across countryside to find seldom-visited places that still offer the feeling of discovery - a sentiment close to the Portuguese soul. And away from the Algarve, much of the rest of the coast remains relaxing, isolated, and totally Portuguese. The western coast of Portugal is on the Atlantic, so expect some good surf although it is not that warm.There are great stretches of sand, especially along the northern Costa Verde, near Viano do Castelo; further south, the beaches in the Alentejo are among the most remote and least populated.

Inland, too, the countryside is beautiful, possessed of an old-fashioned charm, with medieval castles and picture-perfect villages scattered over rugged landscapes and flower-covered hillsides. Some of the most beautiful natural areas are in the Minho, Lima, and Douro valleys. Explore the verdant beauty and rural customs of the Minho, or check out the spectacular gorge in the Douro. For city-lovers, Lisbon, perhaps the most relaxed of European capitals, and its northern rival Oporto are among Europe's most pleasant and affordable destinations. They're delightful places for the stroller, with riverside views and cobbled streets framed by looming cathedrals, bringing together the best elements of Portuguese life.

If you're looking for self-catering accommodation in Portugal, there really is a wealth of possibilities. Take an elegant villa with a pool in the heart of the Alentejo, a bijou apartment in the centre of Lisbon, or soak up the sun on the Algarve in one of the hundreds of properties on offer here. These are just a few of the many self-catering options available the length and breadth of Portugal.