Accommodations for Your Portuguese Adventure
When planning any trip, it’s not always easy choosing accommodations in a new place. On our recent trip to Portugal we stayed at 5 different guesthouses & hotels that are worth mentioning for their wonderful service, great locations and clean, comfortable and lovely rooms:
Casa Vela Boutique House, CASCAIS
casavelaguesthouse.com
A true oasis… absolutely gorgeous with incredible landscaped grounds and pool.
Location & Cultural Context: Cascais is a charming coastal town located just 30 kilometers west of Lisbon, easily accessible by train along the stunning Atlantic coastline. Once a humble fishing village, Cascais transformed into a glamorous resort destination in the late 19th century when Portuguese royalty made it their summer retreat. Today, this sophisticated seaside town offers a perfect blend of golden beaches, historic fortresses, elegant mansions, and a picturesque marina. Visitors can explore the beautiful Boca do Inferno cliff formation, wander through the charming old town center, or enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants. The town’s proximity to both Lisbon and Sintra makes it an ideal base for exploring the region.
O Castelo Guest House, CARVOEIRO
ocasteloguesthouse.com
Location & Cultural Context: Carvoeiro is a quintessential Algarve fishing village nestled along Portugal’s stunning southern coast, approximately 55 kilometers from Faro Airport. This picturesque destination features dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and some of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches. The village center retains its authentic Portuguese character with whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets, and traditional restaurants serving fresh grilled sardines and cataplana (seafood stew). Carvoeiro serves as an excellent base for exploring the Algarve’s famous coastal caves, including the spectacular Benagil Cave, and offers world-class golf courses, coastal hiking trails, and boat tours along the breathtaking coastline.
Turim Aveiro Palace Hotel, AVEIRO
turimhotels.com
A lovely historic hotel located in the historic district and facing the canal.
Location & Cultural Context: Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal,” is a captivating city located in the Centro region, about 75 kilometers south of Porto. The city is renowned for its picturesque network of canals navigated by colorful moliceiro boats (traditional seaweed-harvesting vessels), stunning Art Nouveau architecture, and delicious ovos moles (sweet egg candies wrapped in edible rice paper). The historic district showcases beautiful azulejo-tiled buildings, and the nearby Costa Nova beach features charming striped fishermen’s houses. Aveiro offers a unique blend of maritime heritage, university town energy, and authentic Portuguese culture away from the typical tourist crowds. The city is also famous for its salt pans and the production of traditional Portuguese ceramics.
The Salty Lodge, LAGOS
http://thesaltylodge.com
An apartment complex located directly in the historical city centre, with a superb rooftop terrace that has a gorgeous view of the ocean.
Location & Cultural Context: Lagos is a historic port city on Portugal’s western Algarve coast, rich with maritime history dating back to the Age of Discoveries when Portuguese explorers set sail from its harbor. The old town is encircled by 16th-century walls and features the impressive Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, a 17th-century fortress guarding the harbor entrance. Lagos offers stunning natural beauty, including the famous Ponta da Piedade with its spectacular golden cliffs, sea caves, and rock formations. The city combines historical significance with modern beach resort amenities, vibrant nightlife, and some of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches. Visitors can explore the Igreja de Santo António with its stunning gilded baroque interior, browse the lively marina, or take boat tours to discover hidden grottoes along the dramatic coastline.
Casa da Estefânia, SINTRA
casadaestefania.com
A lovely guesthouse located close to the historic centre of Sintra, great breakfast and the most comfortable beds we had while in Portugal!
Location & Cultural Context: Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the hills approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Lisbon, accessible by a scenic train journey. This magical town is renowned for its romantic 19th-century architecture, mystical forests, and fairy-tale palaces that attracted poets, writers, and European nobility for centuries. The microclimate creates lush vegetation and often misty mountain vistas, adding to the town’s enchanting atmosphere. Must-visit sites include the colorful Pena Palace perched atop the Serra de Sintra, the medieval Moorish Castle with panoramic views, the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira with its initiatic wells, and the elegant Monserrate Palace. The historic center features winding cobblestone streets, traditional pastry shops selling travesseiros and queijadas (local specialties), and charming boutiques. Sintra’s unique blend of natural beauty, architectural splendor, and mystical ambiance makes it one of Portugal’s most captivating destinations.
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Hope this helps someone with their accommodation plans! 😊