Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a trip to Portugal? Here you'll find answers to the most common questions about our tailor-made itineraries, boutique hotels, authentic experiences and how we help travellers discover the real Portugal.
Planning a trip to Portugal?
Every itinerary is built around your travel style, so there's no fixed price. What shapes the number is the pace you want, the standard of the stays, and the depth of the experiences, not a package tier. Share your dates and a rough budget, and we'll tell you honestly what's possible.
We Love Small Hotels was created by Filipa and Iva, two sisters born and raised in the North of Portugal, with a deep passion for authentic travel, boutique hotels and meaningful local experiences. Their journey started with the creation of Solar Egas Moniz, a small charming guesthouse in their hometown, and naturally evolved into a project dedicated to sharing a more genuine side of Portugal with travelers from around the world.
When you book a trip with We Love Small Hotels, you receive much more than a simple itinerary. We create a fully personalized travel experience, which may include:
- Carefully selected boutique hotels and charming accommodations;
- A personalized day-by-day itinerary;
- Authentic experiences tailored to your interests;
- Hotel and experience reservations;
- Recommendations for restaurants, local producers and hidden gems;
- Scenic driving routes and suggested stops along the way;
- Personalized support before and throughout your trip.
We usually recommend booking several months in advance, especially for Spring, Summer and early Autumn travel periods, when many boutique hotels and unique experiences have limited availability.
Yes. We focus on a more authentic and understated form of luxury, combining beautiful boutique stays, personalized experiences, comfort and exclusivity with a strong local connection.
Absolutely. Madeira and the Azores are an important part of our Portugal itineraries, especially for travelers interested in nature, hiking, volcanic landscapes and slower travel experiences.
Yes. Many of our tailor-made trips combine different regions to create a more complete and balanced experience of Portugal, depending on the time available and travel preferences.
Portugal offers very different experiences depending on the region. Lisbon and Porto are ideal for culture and city breaks, while the Douro Valley, Alentejo, Madeira and the Azores are perfect for travelers looking for nature, wine, slower travel and more authentic experiences.
We prioritize locally owned hotels, small businesses and authentic experiences that positively support local communities and help preserve Portugal’s cultural and natural heritage.
We mainly specialize in tailor-made itineraries that combine accommodation and experiences across Portugal. This allows us to create more cohesive and personalized journeys rather than simply booking individual hotel nights.
We create trips across mainland Portugal, Madeira and the Azores. This includes regions such as Lisbon, Porto, Douro Valley, Alentejo, Algarve, Serra da Estrela, Minho and many lesser known areas throughout the country.
Yes. Authentic travel is at the core of what we do. We focus on experiences connected to local culture, nature, gastronomy and lesser known regions of Portugal, always avoiding overly touristy routes whenever possible.
Working with a local Portugal travel specialist allows you to discover places, experiences and hotels that are often difficult to find independently. Our local knowledge helps create more authentic and meaningful trips, carefully adapted to each traveler.
Most of our experiences are private or designed for small groups, allowing for a slower, more personal and authentic way to discover Portugal.
Absolutely. We can help organize complete tailor-made journeys across Portugal, including accommodation, experiences and regional recommendations that fit naturally together.
Mostly, yes. We carefully select boutique hotels, small properties, wine estates and charming guesthouses that reflect the character and authenticity of each region in Portugal.
Yes. Every itinerary is personalized according to your travel style, interests, pace and the type of experiences you’re looking
for in Portugal. We believe no two trips should feel exactly the same.
You'll have a direct line to us throughout your trip. If a train is delayed, a plan needs reworking, or you simply want a dinner recommendation in the town you've just arrived in, someone who knows your itinerary is a message away.
We create tailor-made trips across Portugal focused on authentic experiences, boutique stays and meaningful travel.
From wine regions and coastal villages to the Azores and Madeira, our itineraries are designed for travelers looking to
discover Portugal beyond the typical tourist route.
Plans change, and we build in as much flexibility as each hotel and experience allows. Before you commit, you'll receive a clear cancellation schedule in writing, so you always know exactly where you stand.