Portugal is one of Europe’s most diverse holiday destinations. British travelers have long loved the Algarve’s glorious beaches and groomed golf courses, the Douro’s verdant wineries and the sun-kissed cities of Lisbon and Porto, and growing numbers are starting to discover the wild landscapes of the northern Minho region, and the high-end hippie lifestyle of Comporta in the Alentejo, too.

Villas in Portugal provide the perfect base from which to explore, providing the space and flexibility that are particularly suited to family and multigenerational holidays, or for groups of friends traveling together. They are clustered along the country’s coasts, but you’ll also find a decent selection in rural locations, and even a handful in city centres. When it comes to luxury villas, styles range from minimalist white lines and eco-friendly chic to all-out bling. Swimming pools are de rigueur, and can often be heated — a boon if you’re staying off season — and larger properties frequently feature games rooms and sometimes tennis courts and staff.

Villa Tierra, located in Sintra, is one of the 10 the perfect luxury holiday villa in Portugal by THE TIMES. There’s floor-to-ceiling glazing at every turn in this sleek, minimalist villa, and when the outdoors looks as good as it does in Sintra, why wouldn’t you maximize those views? The four tranquil suites and the spacious living areas open out onto gardens and terraces, and the pool has epic views over pine-clad hills. It’s just a short drive from a golden beach, the fishing town of Cascais and the gorgeous Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, crowned by the candy-hued Pena Palace, making it a wonderful base for relaxation and exploration.

The top 10 also included: Villa Mourisco, Carvoeiro, Villa Aurelia, Tavira, Sandy Bay Cottage, Ferragudo in Algarve; Life in Happy Colors, Alandroal, The Dolphin’s Song, Troia Peninsula in Alentejo; Quinta do Quirino, Regua, Douro; The Honey Jar, Mafra, Lisbon; Casa da Padeira, Afife, Minho and also Villa Almada in Porto.