9 of the best pousadas in Portugal

updated 10/14/2020

Luxury pousadas in Portugal promise a unique stay. Think spa treatments in ancient chapels. Sleeping peacefully in a monk’s cell. Or even calling a castle tower home for the night. Here's our pick of the nine best pousadas de Portugal. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Portugal, your essential guide for visiting Portugal.

Pousada Convento de Tavira, Tavira, Algarve

Pousada Convento de Tavira was originally a 16th century convent.

Beautifully converted convent.
Original features like cloisters and chapel retained.
Plush rooms overlook quaint Tavira and countryside.
Pousada swimming pool within Tavira old town walls.

Pousada Convento de Tavira in eastern Algarve © Caron Badkin/Shutterstock

Pousada Castelo deAlcácer do Sal, Alentejo

Pousada Castelo deAlcácer do Sal is a former Moorish castle.

Original building is over 1000 years old.
One of Portugal's classiest pousadas.
Contemporary rooms, swimming pool, restaurant.
Views over medieval Alcácer do Sal and Rio Sado.

Prefer to leave planning and booking to experts? Have a look at some sample itineraries. Both Complete Portugal or Portugal Itineraries offer inspiration. All Tailor Made Trips can be modified together with your local expert, then booked for a stress-free holiday. Click 'Modify this itinerary' to contact a local Portugal expert.

Pestana Palacio do Freixo, Porto

Pestana Palacio do Freixo sits east of Porto's Ribeira quarter.

The first luxury pousada in Porto.
Baroque palace dating back to 1742.
Magnificently restored, with riverside setting.
Period style main building with restaurant and bar.
Contemporary guest rooms, many with Douro views.
Outdoor infinity pool, indoor pool and spa.

Pousada Convento de Beja, Beja, Alentejo

Serene Pousada Convento de Beja was originally a 13th century convent.

Set in historic town centre of Beja.
Thoughtfully restored, retains original cloisters and church.
Former cells now plush rooms.
High quality restaurant and bar.
Lush garden, outdoor pool and tennis courts.
Sauna and Turkish bath.

continued below

Pousada de Viseu, Viseu

Historic Pousada de Viseu is Portugal's largest pousada.

Dates back to 1842, once a hospital.
Photographs throughout document meticulous conversion.
Spacious cherry wood rooms with stone windows.
Top floor rooms have terraces overlooking Viseu.
Lounge in glazed cloister courtyard.
Pools, restaurant and spa.

Convento de Evora, one of the finest pousadas de Portugal © Pierre-Olivier/Shutterstock

Pousada Convento de Évora, Évora, Alentejo

Charming Convento de Évora is one of Portugal's finest pousadas.

Housed in former Convento dos Lóios.
Set in Évora in southern Portugal.
Designed around superb inner courtyards.
Beautiful rooms, traditional features, antique furniture.
Restaurant set in cloisters serves Alentejan specialties.

Palácio de Estói, Estói, Algarve

continued below

Opulent Palácio de Estói sits 11km north of Faro.
Former 19th century palace of Viscount of Estói.
Palatial pousada with wood panelling, gilt mirrors, high ceilings.
Modern guest rooms.
Outdoor pool, ornate gardens, bar and gourmet restaurant.

Palace of Estoi north of Faro in Algarve © anyaivanova/Shutterstock

Pousada Castelo deÓbidos, Óbidos

Pousada Castelo deÓbidos is set within a medieval castle in Óbidos.

Only 17 rooms, eight housed in new wing.
Lavish Portuguese rustic design style.
Featuring original stone walls and other period details.
Duplex suite available in one of the castle towers.
Good restaurant with refined take on local food.

Pousada Mosteiro do Crato, Flor de Rosa, Crato

Stylish Pousada Mosteiro do Crato opened in 1995.
Originally a 14th century gothic monastery.
Founded by father of Portuguese general, Nuno Álvares Pereira.
Original gardens laid out in Order of Malta insignia.
Design blends period building with contemporary comfort.
Games room, outdoor pool and restaurant.

Ready for a trip to Portugal? Check out the snapshot Rough Guide to Portugal. Read more about the best time to go to Portugal, the best places to visit and best things to do in Portugal. For inspiration use the Portugal Itineraries from The Rough Guide to Portugal and our local travel experts. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there. And don't forget to buy travel insurance before you go.

We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this does not influence our editorial standards - we only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.