20 (+) most wonderful hotels and holiday homes in Portugal
Beautifully beautiful, always a great holiday paradise Portugal...We're so happy to see you. And you, our dear loyal Barts Boekje readers too, it turns out. A long time ago we asked via the age-old medium called Instagram what your favorite hotels are, and although the answers flew all over the world, there was also a dream address in Portugal among them. We sorted things out, did some research, added our own Portuguese favorites to the list and decided that this list, although published here, could continue to grow for a while. To be continued ... For now: 20 (+) times the most wonderful hotels in Portugal.
To make your trip extra easy and fun, we've collected all our favorite places in one handy Google Maps map of Portugal. In this map, you will find plenty of wonderful addresses. Open it on your phone and you will immediately see where you want to go.
The final kilometer is unpaved. Your car bumps along a dirt road, the dust swirls up, and somewhere between the oaks and all the greenery, the last sound of the world you just left behind fades away. And then you are there: a small valley near São Marcos da Serra, nestled among the hills, ancient cork oaks, and two boutique rooms that are just right. Welcome to Alma do Vale: a place where you can completely unwind, truly don't have to do anything at all, and which immediately feels like home.
A place to catch your breath, surf, and be inspired by nature and the people around you: that is exactly what Vanessa and Dick had in mind when they Birds of Paradise started. Their surf lodge in the southwest of Portugal feels like a warm, relaxed place where everything is possible and nothing is required.
In a green, quiet neighborhood in Aljezur, just minutes from the ocean, you'll find this charming villa with six beautifully furnished rooms. You can book them individually, or together with friends or family. To keep things peaceful in and around the villa, children aged 8 and up are welcome.
Helder Farm Studios is a breath of fresh air and tranquility in Portugal. Esmee and her boyfriend Laurens bought 7,5 hectares of land in Portugal and built their dream farm here. Think: a real Portuguese Casa do Campo, in buttery yellow, a large brick-oven pizza next to it, cacti and pomegranate trees, balmy summer evenings at the shared long table in front of the rooms, a trip to the beautiful surrounding beaches, hikes in the area, early morning dips, or yoga on the yoga deck. And that's not even mentioning the chickens, cats, ducks, the white horse Zahid and mule Jenny, Ruuf and Yoshi – Australian Shepherd mixes – who bring so much coziness. Book now, and completely unwind here.
You'll find the Baixa House apartments right in the city center, and each one is stunning, clean, and spacious. What do they actually *not* have? Not much. Every apartment has its own kitchen, is fully equipped, and has an interior that makes us instantly jealous even when we're back home. An eclectic mix, lots of vintage and design items, and above all, a keen eye for detail—we love it.
Every morning, breakfast is brought to your apartment, and when you return home after a day strolling through lovely Lisbon, everything is neatly tidied up as well.
As far as we're concerned, this is definitely one for the favorites list.
Not only the Algarve or Lisbon, but also Central Portugal is a wonderful place for your holiday. You may not immediately think about it, but you can enjoy walking, cycling, good food and you have fantastic hotels. So too Casa de São Lourenço. This five-star hotel in the Serra da Estrela region has panoramic views over the glacial valley and was designed by the architect Rogério de Azevedo. The hotel has 17 rooms and 4 suites, which are located at an altitude of 1250 meters and are all different. They are full of wool. Yep, that's because of the Burel Factory. The hotel is inspired by this wool factory. And the restaurant in the hotel is also heavenly. Just like the pool, the beds and oh, oh, oh: we're never going home again.
Âmago-Casa Lenta, or “the slow house”, breathes peace, nature and tranquilitySlow living is the way of life here: it's all about catching your breath, letting go of your schedule, and enjoying the moment. And the aesthetics? That gets something too. Think: modern design, terracotta tones, tropical plants, whitewashed walls, and fuchsia flowers. Add olive trees, cacti, and pristine white bath towels, and you get the idea – it doesn't get more Portuguese than that.
Nearby, you'll find charming villages like Loulé and Olhão, with narrow streets and colorful markets. But honestly? With such a lovely pool, you really don't want to leave.
To be honest: we are secretly a bit 'like' the Casa Quintas hotel, run by a bunch of enthusiastic, very nice Dutch people with taste. 10 points, already. And we haven't even talked about the location: near the coast, halfway through Portugal, you will find the breathtaking Portuguese town of Barril. There is sea, there is greenery, there is good surf and voilá, there is Casa Quintas! A wonderfully small-scale one farm where you can laze, swim and enjoy the surroundings. On your own private balcony, in the large garden or by the pool – the people at Casa Quintas know what a holiday is.
Read more & book immediately: Casa Quintas (and ask for the room with the pink shower! Oh well, all rooms are great)
Portugal? Eco B&B? Off the beaten track? Well, the interest has been aroused. Throw in a nice interior, and BAM – sold. The Lemon Lodge in the Algarve in Portugal has everything a holiday heart desires. handsome, eco-friendly and in the Portuguese sun. The Lemon Lodge knows how to seduce you. This environmentally friendly B&B in the Algarve was created as a dream of a couple of (Dutch) friends who wanted to live more in contact with nature. A simple life, eating from the land and picking a lemon from the trees here and there. It's life. But in Portuguese style.
This super beautiful villa is surrounded by nature and is located between olive and almond trees. A view that makes you cry. The villa has large open windows and doors, a roof terrace, multiple patios and a hidden courtyard with a swimming pool. The perfect base in the Algarve for a holiday with friends or family. The villa has four modern bedrooms and the cooking enthusiasts among us can indulge themselves in the kitchen with a super large cooking island, while the rest of the group relax on one of the patios. Sounds good.
In the heart of the Portuguese Douro valley - an undiscovered and beautiful region - you will find a hotel and winery Thursday Nova. Remember that name. A winery unlike any other it is, and since you can stay in the accompanying country house in one of the most appreciated places for wine tourism in Portugal, we would rather check in yesterday than today. You feel the cozy and warm atmosphere of a Portuguese family home while being surrounded by a spectacular landscape of the valley and a part of the Douro river. The country house is located next to the original winery that was built in 1764. A place where you can really relax and enjoy the wines and the delicious food from the restaurant. The country house has 11 rooms that all have a view over the Douro river. In the morning a traditional breakfast awaits you at a large farmhouse table. But hey, there is more to do here than just taste wine (which is certainly not a bad idea either). How about taking a walk through the gardens that are surrounded by ancient trees, cypresses and more? Or take a cooling dip in the pool overlooking the beautiful vineyards…
Another hotel in Central Portugal that we can dream about. Casas Da Lapa is the place if you really want to relax. The mountain resort is located in Lapa dos Dinheiros and is a typical case of small but nice. This property features 7 rooms and 8 suites, a spa with tailor-made aromatherapy, 3 swimming pools (an indoor pool and 2 panoramic outdoor pools) and a restaurant specialized in regional gastronomy. With the recent reopening came a natural waterfall and library. And those suites with two floors and a terrace with fantastic views, that's what we sign up for.
We continue with this wonderful hotel. You will find Conversas de Alpendre in the east of the Algarve. In the super beautiful Ria Formosa nature park and this can be seen, because there is a large orchard surrounding the hotel. You will be amazed by this. Promise. You will find nice seating areas everywhere and the rooms are fully equipped. And we haven't even talked about the styling yet. Because it is normal amazing.
If we still regularly dream about a Portuguese location, it is about Comporta, aka 'the new Ibiza' on the Atlantic coast. We don't want to shout that too loudly because Comporta would like, very much, to remain the relaxed place that it is. With the most beautiful places to stay. Like this one: it Sublime Hotel. Splendor and then some. You will find Sublime Hotel Comporta in the middle of no less than 17 hectares of private land, surrounded by pine trees, sand dunes, rice fields (yes, in Portugal yes) and more than 60 kilometers of pristine white sandy beaches. Unspoiled & magical they call it themselves and to be honest, that comes pretty close to the truth.
Lisbon is an hour's drive away (that's nothing!), although civilization seems light years away after checking in. The villages in the area are lazy and, to say the least cute – exactly how a holiday village should be. Moreover, best of all, Comporta has a rich one food and wine culture that Sublime Comporta embraces: in the kitchen of the resort only local delicacies, in all their simplicity and that is oh so delicious. Sublime Gate
A good start is half the battle and if you want to start somewhere, it is at the hotel (oh no, it is 'more than a hotel') in beautiful Lagos. Casa Mae Lagos is the name, and it is a fresh, white, creative enclave where you want to go, trust us.
The small coastal town of Lagos, in southern Portugal, is known for its romantic and secluded beaches, good life and Portuguese 'tranquilidade'. That is exactly what boutique hotel Casa Mãe preaches: within whitewashed 16th-century walls, a 19th-century family home stands between 5.000 square meters of terraced vegetable garden that has been breathed new life into. It became authentic and modern, fresh and creative. The building that houses the hotel is minimalist in architecture, bursting at the seams with work by local artists, has handmade sun-dried terracotta floors, traditional wooden 'reixas' on the facade and unique handmade furniture in the rooms.
Anyway it is Comporta a very (very!) good idea! Check out the best of the classic and very (very) hip village here: Barts Best of Comporta
Half an hour's drive from Lisbon, right on the beach in the north of Ericeira, (at the surf spot of Portugal) lies this oh so incomparably beautiful guesthouse: Olá Onda Ericeira. A guesthouse on top of a hill, with a spacious garden full of beautiful greenery, a swimming pool and in the not too distant distance the sea.
But let's go back in time... Because previously there was an old and dilapidated house on the same spot Dutch couple Darcie and Jasper have bought to emigrate to together Portugal and their dream, opening a guesthouseto make it come true.
Read more: Olá Onda Ericeira
(photo via @Sabine_Anne)
Comporta again? Yes, and not the last time. How could we do otherwise? One place to stay is even more desirable than the other and 3 Bicas is allowed, no, should also be on the list. 3 Bicas is an authentic Portuguese farmhouse on its own land of 22 hectares, full of pine forests and gardens under the supervision of the 'master farmer', Mr Germinal (making friends with the man makes your holiday even more fun. And tastier). The natural beauty of the area has been preserved and both great 'main house' where you can rent rooms for two, as the colorful ones Love Shack and the (family) houses on the resort are delicious. You walk to the (popular) beach and yet here, between the scent of pine and lavender, you will find the real, untouched Comporta. 3 bicas villa comporta.
A fairytale dream hotel in the middle of Portuguese countryside, about a 45-minute drive from Lisbon. The highlights: the bathroom is in the never-seen-before category. Lovely flowers everywhere you look, just like hearts and undoubtedly just as touching texts (in Portuguese, so I have no idea). The wicker baskets, towels, flowers, fresh strawberries, sun hats, home-baked cookies and I'm sure I'm forgetting something else in the room. The view from your room of the Atlantic Ocean (it is less than a 5-minute walk to the small beach, on private property). When building the hotel, the natural environment and the view from the hotel were taken into account in every possible way infinity pool may be included in a list (including the swimming pool itself). Each room has a fireplace and jacuzzi, making it enjoyable even in winter. In addition to a beautiful spa, the hotel also has a supermarket that sells organic tea, olive oil and wine from local farms. Oh, and they focus quite a bit on weddings, but that's not surprising. Pebble Sands
A lesson in 'beautifully off the beaten path': book an extra room Sao Lourenco do Barrocal. A dream of a hotel at the foot of the medieval village Monsaraz, near the Alqueva lake. Swimming allowed, dogs are welcome. Recovery: swimming is a must! Just like strolling through the ancient streets of Monsaraz where the restaurants are authentic and the wine is stunningly affordable. The pet-friendly (!) accommodation, which has been family owned for over 200 years (!), is located on a 780 hectare (!) estate where Portuguese cows graze right next to the grape fields: Sao Lourenco do Barrocal delicious wine is made. We almost want to say 'of course'.
If you know how to mix uber-classic English wallpaper and marble bathrooms (with a gold-colored shower and pink shower curtains) with red Marshall boxes and industrial lamps without (!) falling into hipster clichés or becoming frumpy, then you are doing something right. Guest House Casa Oliver in Lisbon does it, and does it perfectly. And all this in one of the nicest neighborhoods in Lisbon: the heart of Principe Real. It is, to use a cliché, really a home from home. That is… If you have a fantastic suite at home with an ornamental ceiling and ornate chandeliers, a kingsize bed, loveseat, vintage furniture and accessories and a campaign desk. Also nice: the staff is now really aware of the nicest places in the area (you should give them a go where that is not the case) and gives tips on everything from fado music to the latest (hip) . Guest House Casa Oliver.
Also nice: the staff is now really aware of the nicest places in the area (you should give them a go where that is not the case) and gives tips on everything from fado music to the latest (hip) .
We're quite fond of 'rural hotels', which loosely explained means that you check into an authentic hotel on, often, an estate. Authentic, rough, coarse. And so, when it's done right, cool without needing any adornment. This is also the case at Quinta da eira Velha in Portugal, in the center of the country between Porto and Lisbon. In the middle of the country, but make no mistake: the hotel borders a beautiful lake and the 'Aldeia Do Mato River Beach'. Holidayp so. If you want to go to this area, but would prefer a holiday home for the whole family, check these out, 1 minute from the hotel: Pátio dos Caseiros after Aldeia do Mato
'Elegant simplicity' call the people behind the beautiful Vila Monte Farmhouse in the Portuguese Algarve itself. It's close to perfection, we say (and that's rarely really simple, is it?). The finca is light (white white white) and air (SPACE) plus plenty of that nice boho atmosphere, but never too much so that the hotel never becomes 'a bit of Ibiza' or smells of Marrakesh. nope. The Vila Monte Farm House is above all completely itself, as it stands there shine amid citrus trees and pink bougainvillea. There are two restaurants (everything is locally produced – of course. Only fresh ingredients such as fish from the local market and the resort's own fruits and herbs). Vila Monte Farmhouse
There are two swimming pools, an abundance of inviting corners and seating areas for casual lounging and more sandy beaches nearby than you can choose from. Although there is nothing wrong with those within walking distance. The small, more than nice town Olhão can be found 10 kilometers away. Both dogs and children are more than welcome and receive the warmest of welcomes.
Rosa et Al Townhouse is the ideal hotel for a weekend or (mid) week away. Tucked away in one of Porto's artistic districts, the small hotel is a classic townhouse – wooden floors and vintage furniture included – with six spacious suites. Try the Suite Queen Deluxe City can be booked: a nice place to stay with a fireplace, vintage furniture and a classic clawfoot tub. The breakfast is also fantastic. No standard hotelbrunch here are pancakes, French toast and poached eggs with salmon on toast. Rosa et al Townhouse
What a nice spot, Valverde Hotel in the always fantastic Lisbon. There is color, there is taste, there is plenty of art, the Portuguese aristocracy is in the air, right next to the rock and roll of the place. Aristocracy? Yes, and that is mainly due to the location of Hotel Valverde; the hotel is on the stateliest Avenida of the city, the nineteenth century Freedom, near the center of Lisbon. Inside, the hotel is a film set for the rich & famous rock 'n' roll-ers, a bit like the nicest/ most beautiful/ most acclaimed hotels in London and New York, but here, in Portugal, with enough roots to think of the aforementioned world cities, but to forget them quickly enough: plenty of Moorish influences (ha, there are the colored floor tiles again) and plenty of art by local artists. The hotel's Sitio Restaurant is brasserie-style and overlooks the small but cozy and full (plants, plants, seating, plants, plants, seating, heated pool, plants) courtyard garden – a bonus not often found in Lisbon . By the way, the hotel was decorated by the same people responsible for that other favorite in Lisbon, it Bairro Hotel, both highly recommended.
Casa no Montinho is a renovated farmhouse in the middle of nowhere. That is not an exaggeration, the village has not many more than ten inhabitants. A place to go if you are ready for a few days of rest, because apart from swimming in the saltwater pool, walking or cycling (which you can borrow for free) through the area, there is little to do here. The sweet and hospitable owner, who provides a delicious breakfast every morning, transformed the farm into three beautiful apartments with a nice interior.
