Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela
At this lovely shaded spot on the Mondego, you can wade, picnic or simply relax by the river’s tranquil headwaters. Hikers can also explore the…
Must-see hotels in Portugal
Estremadura & Ribatejo
This chic place, revamped in 2016, offers a dazzle of personality by Fátima standards. The style of the plush and colourful lobby carries on to the rooms,…
Guimarães
This former monastery overlooking the city from the slopes of Penha is a magnificent, sprawling structure. The gardens are stunning and you’ll want to…
Sesimbra
If you aren't fussed about being right in the village, this discerning, three-room zen den 4.5km north in Cotavia is worth a look. Owner Thiago has…
Silves
Set amid 6 hectares of orange groves, with views over the rolling hills from the terrace, this restored farmhouse has six partially antique-furnished…
Portugal
Friendly half-English Suzanna oversees this six-room working farm complete with horses, ducks, dogs and cats. It feels like the countryside yet is steps…
Nazaré
This renovated house has modern, pine and white interiors. It offers five airy doubles and two dorms, most with shared bathrooms. The communal kitchen and…
Baixa & Rossio
In a great location near the Praça do Comércio, the 66-room Vincci has attractive, design-forward rooms offering soothing green-grey, textured wallpaper…
DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon – Fontana Park
Marquês de Pombal & Around
This 1908 iron factory turned cutting-edge hotel in Saldanha flaunts smooth contours, space-age lighting and sylvan flourishes. Some 139 older rooms are…
Viseu
This amazingly located, utterly tranquil spot sits at the end of a very rutted – walk if you value your vehicle – 1.6km dirt road 20km southeast of Viseu…
The Alentejo
These motel-style sleeps don't inspire much from the outside, but the 14 rooms here are actually quite modern and well-kept; smallish but with TVs, and…
Coimbra
In a town house overlooking Praça da República, this friendly lodging makes an excellent base. Its rooms are smallish but immaculately laid out with blond…
Monsaraz
A touch of class and the downright quirky pervades this five-room guesthouse. Each room has a design theme based around former Portuguese colonies, from…
Sesimbra
Overlooking the sea, the modern Sana has attractive violet-trimmed rooms with big windows that overlook the ocean or the town and hills beyond (it's worth…
Óbidos
Across the street from pricier Casa das Senhoras Rainhas and sharing the reception and breakfast room, this spiffy new option lacks a hostel vibe (you're…
Alto Alentejo
Although it’s a long (uphill) walk to the walled centre, this delightful 25-room hotel is otherwise hard to fault. It has handsome rooms with hand-painted…
Príncipe Real, Santos & Estrela
In autumn, figs fall onto the sunroof of the lobby at this small, welcoming place. Bright rooms, some with postcard views all the way to the river, are…
Baixa & Rossio
The best feature of Florescente is also its curse: its excellent location, just a short stroll from Rossio, is along a touristy pedestrian street lined…
Pousada do Gerês-Caniçada/São Bento
Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês
This lovely place has a spectacular setting. High above the Albufeira, it offers a splendid retreat at eagle’s-nest heights. The rooms have wood-beamed…
Estremadura & Ribatejo
This friendly, sparkling, modern (if institutional) place 8km southeast of Porto de Mós has four-bed dorms and doubles with private bathrooms, as well as…
Estremadura & Ribatejo
This perfectly preserved, if ever-so-slightly tired 19th-century sea captain’s home directly across from the beach is a place of distinction, with much of…
Baixo Alentejo
In a pretty, half tile-covered building just outside the walls, the Hospedaria Dona Maria has trim, modern, but somewhat small rooms, with comfy…
Trás-os-Montes
This isolated, family-friendly country haven, 4.5km southeast of Chaves off the N213, centres on a lovingly restored, elegantly appointed 17th-century…
Aljezur
Brilliantly situated 900m east of Praia da Arrifana, this hostel has a striking grey-and-yellow colour scheme incorporating designer plastic furniture…
Alto Alentejo
Set in a 16th-century building that was once a convent, this atmospheric spot has modern rooms, the best of which have balconies with fine views. The pool…
Alfama, Castelo & Graça
Great views and an easygoing vibe draw a good mix of travellers to this hilltop perch in Castelo. In addition to dorms, there's an en suite double with a…
Coimbra
In a lovely old-town location, this snug guesthouse squeezes tons of charm into a small space. Interiors boast dark wood floors, ceramic tiles and…
Alto Alentejo
Named after the city’s favourite native son, this stylish 35-room hotel has obvious appeal, with attractive rooms, each with a different poem of José…
Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela
This gorgeous ensemble of rustic cottages surrounds an immaculately kept hillside farm-garden in the centre of town. Rooms feature exposed stone walls,…
Sagres
As azure-blue as its name suggests, inside Casa Azul has bright, breezy rooms done out in vivid colours, such as lemon yellow or lime green. Sleeping up…
Casa do Visconde de Chanceleiros
Pinhão
This gorgeous 250-year-old hillside manor with a modern annexe, a twisting 15-minute drive from Pinhão, has spacious rooms featuring classic decor and…
Tomar
At the river’s edge, just outside the historic centre, this spacious, efficient hotel offers excellent facilities, including gym, sauna, and indoor and…
Príncipe Real, Santos & Estrela
This 18th-century, family-run villa has class: from the red carpet gracing the stained-glass-topped staircase to the tinkling chandeliers in the…
Aveiro
An upmarket annex of the nearby Aveiro Rossio Hostel, this coolly renovated yellow house has compact but stylish rooms, created with an eye for colour and…
Tavira
A beautiful 19th-century town house now houses this chic guesthouse, comprising a double room, studio and three suites with original tiled floors and…
Baixa & Rossio
It's hard to fault trendy Altis Avenida. There are spotless and handsomely appointed rooms (84 in total after doubling in size in 2018), plus friendly…
Peniche
A colourful, driftwood-inspired staircase leads to this older-style little hostel run by friendly staff, only steps from the tourist office and a five…
Olhão
An old quinta (farmhouse) has been converted into seven bohemian rooms (three of which share bathrooms) and a self-catering apartment. Guests have access…
The Algarve
Utilising solar power, this ecofriendly campground 1.5km north of Salema has a peaceful, tree-filled setting with abundant birdlife. Teepees sleep two or…
Faro
With an unbeatable location on the main square overlooking the marina, this modern cubist-style block has small but stylish rooms with large, comfortable…
