Rural tourism: country and manor houses
An increasingly popular alternative is to stay in a private property, promoted under the banner of Tourism in Rural Areas (TER). You can also find: “TR” or Rural Tourism (cottages); “TH” or Guest House Tourism, or TURIHAB (old mansion houses and palaces); “CC” or Country Houses; and “AT” or Agro-Tourism (farms, often on working farms or wine estates).
Properties range from simple houses to mansions – often dating from the 16th and 18th centuries.
In facilities and atmosphere are good value. They offer fishing, hiking, horse riding and wine tasting. Even in high season, you have no problem finding a bed in most Portuguese regions.
However, the best places in Lisbon and Algarve are booked in advance. Everywhere in Portugal, you will find a basic guesthouse offering a double room.
Cheaper accommodation is a youth hostel dormitory or a simple room in a private house. You pay more for accommodation in summer in the Algarve, Alentejo and Portuguese islands, winter in the mountains, and all year round in Lisbon and Porto.
A double room has 2 single beds, and a double room has a large bed. A single room is a bit cheaper but proportionally more expensive per person. Ask to see the room beforehand, and don’t be afraid to ask if there is a cheaper one.
Private rooms
Rooms in private houses – or dormitories – are available in seaside resorts, advertised in windows or billed at bus and train stations; the local tourist office has a list of available rooms.
The quality varies greatly; some are no more than a bed, and others have modern bathrooms, television and air conditioning. There is B&B, based on the American model, though less common – the owners tend to be foreigners renting rooms or houses for the extra money.
