Portugal has a great climate, vibrant cities, golden beaches, and an incredible density of historical landmarks. You can sample fine wines in ancient vineyards, stroll along golden beaches, walk along coastal trails, and book onto a range of water sports and inland activities. And there are plenty of good options for places to stay in all of the key locations, whether that’s a converted convent, a grand hotel, rural country houses, or beachside resorts. We’ve selected a handful of the best places to stay, to get you started.
Whatever style of accommodation you are looking for, we are here to offer suggestions when you need.
- Pousada Convento Evora
- Villa Seara
- Torel Palace Lisbon
- The Vintage House Hotel
- Casa Comelia
Pousada Convento Evora, a beautifully restored convent building in the city of Evora
The Pousada Convento is a lavishly restored convent in the sleepy city of Evora, in Alentejo. It sits within the city walls, so you are well located for exploring this historic town, and can relax by the pool in the sunny courtyard at the end of each day. Evora itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its significant historical heritage. You can visit the well-preserved roman temple, the rather macabre temple of bones, and Evora Cathedral. The Alentejo Region is beautiful and you definitely want to visit a vineyard and olive farm, and perhaps buy yourself some cork souvenirs!
Villa Seara – At a rural village in the heart of wine country, near Guimaraes and an hour from Porto
If you’re looking for a relaxed holiday and prefer to be in the countryside, then this is the perfect choice for you. This a collection of stone barns that have been restored in a sleek, modern style, with beautiful gardens and a pool. You can pay table tennis under the grape vines, cook on the outdoor BBQ, and sample the wine made by Sofia and Martin, who own the place and are wonderful hosts. Historic Guimaraes, with its medieval squares, is just a 30 minute drive away.
Torel Palace Lisbon, four grand houses sat on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the city
This rather grand hotel is comprised of four grand houses that have been beautifully renovated, offering a range of rooms and studio-style apartments. The decor is lavish but modern, with warm tones and wonderful views from the windows, due to its hilltop location. There is a furnicular that runs from the hotel to Anuncia, and from there you can easy walk to downtown Baxia. In the evenings, its particularly nice to enjoy an elevated view of Lisbon from the outdoor courtyard, whilst sipping on a cool glass of Portuguese wine.
The Vintage House Hotel – In the picturesque town of Pinhao, deep in the Douro Valley
The Vintage House Hotel is an old wine lodge and it sits right on the banks of the Douro River. The slopes of the valley are lined with grape vines and you can try wines straight from the vineyard! The Douro Valley is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world and remains a thriving region for wine production, and port of course! You can catch the scenic train from Porto and enjoy the view from the windows as you wind your way up to Douro River to Pinhao.
Casa Camelia – A 18th Century riverside hotel in Porto, looking over the Douro River
This beautiful hotel gets its name from the wonderful camelia plants that are known to bloom in Porto during the spring and summer months. Its a quintessentially Portuguese building, with white painted walls contrasting with the intense blue of the sky, and terracotta pots containing olive plants dotted about the cobbled courtyard. Breakfast is held in a beautiful glass conservatory area and the rooms are spacious, modern, and cosy.
Where to stay in Portugal – Get in touch for some personalised recommendations.
If you’re considering a visit to Portugal, do give us a call. We can chat to you about the different regions and the highlights that you can enjoy in each one. Once we’ve established the range of locations you would like to visit, we can send you a list of accommodation options based on your preferences. So do get in touch if you’re looking for inspiration!
