Originally created by the Portuguese government in the 1940s, the pousada system was designed to preserve cultural heritage while supporting tourism. Each pousada is a place to stay in Portugal that reflects the character of its location, with interiors that highlight regional design and cuisine rooted in local traditions. While some are rural and peaceful, others are in the heart of old towns. They’re a distinctive way to experience Portuguese history and architecture. Here’s our pick of the best of Portugal’s pousadas.
This quiet hotel sits inside a restored 16th-century Augustinian convent, right in the middle of Tavira. It still feels very much like the original building, with arched walkways, a central cloister, and the old church still intact. It's an easy pick for one of the best pousadas in Portugal.
Rooms are simple and modern, but they’ve kept touches that reflect the building’s history. It’s a relaxed base if you want to explore Tavira’s old town, take day trips to the coast to Portugal's beach towns, or walk the trails around Ria Formosa Natural Park. The central courtyard is a nice place to sit—just like it probably was when monks lived here.
From Faro Airport, it’s about 22 miles (35km) east to Tavira. The drive on the A22 takes around 30 minutes. If you’re not driving, you can catch a regional train from Faro to Tavira and walk or take a short taxi ride from the station (more about that in our guide to getting around Portugal). The hotel is right in the center of town, within walking distance of restaurants and sights.
April to June and September to October are the most comfortable months, with temperatures around 68–77°F (20–25°C) and fewer crowds. July and August are warmer, closer to 85°F (30°C), and a lot busier. Winter stays mild, with temperatures between 59–64°F (15–18°C), and while it can rain occasionally, it’s much quieter and still a nice time.
Pousada Convento de Tavira in eastern Algarve © Caron Badkin/Shutterstock
This pousada is inside a 12th-century castle that sits on a hill above the Sado River. It started out as a Moorish fortress, then became home to the Knights of Santiago, and now it’s a relaxed place to stay surrounded by Alentejo’s wide open landscapes.
You’ll still see the original stone walls, towers, and battlements, but the rooms are clean and modern inside. The restaurant leans into local ingredients with black pork, olive oil, and regional wines. You could easily spend a week-long Portugal itinerary here.
It’s about 62 miles (100km) southeast of Lisbon via the A2 highway—around a one-hour drive (and a lovely Portugal road trip). From Lisbon Airport, it’s easiest to rent a car or arrange a private transfer. Buses also run from Lisbon’s Sete Rios terminal to Alcácer do Sal, then it’s a short taxi ride up to the castle.
Spring and fall are the most comfortable, with daytime highs between 65–75°F (18–24°C). Summer can be hot—often reaching 95°F (35°C)—but it’s still manageable with early morning or late afternoon outings.
Winter is quieter, with temperatures around 50–59°F (10–15°C), and the castle’s thick stone walls make for cozy evenings. Forfood, colder months usually mean richer, seasonal menus.
This Baroque palace sits right on the Douro River, just outside the city center. It’s an 18th-century building that’s been restored into a calm, upscale hotel. The inside is pretty grand—lots of painted ceilings and marble details—but it doesn’t feel stiff.
This is a lovely Portugal pousada. There’s a riverside garden, a pool with views, and a spa if you want to take it slow. It’s just a short drive or taxi into central Porto, so you can be close to everything but still have space to relax. The restaurant focuses on food from the north of Portugal and pairs it with local wines. Plus, you are close enough to Porto to explore the city (see our guide to how many days to spend in Porto).
From Porto Airport, it’s a 15-minute drive by taxi. If you're taking public transport, hop on the metro to Campanhã station, then it’s a short ride by taxi or bus to the hotel. You can also drive yourself—just head toward the eastern side of Porto along the river.
In summer, river taxis run to the hotel’s private pier, which is a nice way to arrive to this Portugal pousada.
Late spring and early fall—May to June or September to October—are great times to visit, with temperatures around 64–77°F (18–25°C).
Porto has a lot going on during these months too, including wine events and cultural festivals. Summer is warmer and busier, but still pleasant if you want pool time. Winter (November to March) is cooler and rainier, with daytime highs around 50–59°F (10–15°C), but the city feels festive and the palace is a warm place to return to at the end of the day.
Set in a former 13th-century Dominican convent, the Pousada Convento de Beja gives you a real sense of the region’s religious past. The Gothic and Manueline architecture is still very much intact—from the vaulted cloisters to the original stone corridors where nuns once walked.
The convent is best known for its connection to Sister Mariana Alcoforado, whose forbidden love letters to a French soldier became scandalous reading in the 1600s. Rooms keep some of that monastic character, with stone details and high ceilings, but also include subtle modern comforts. It’s a quiet, atmospheric place to base yourself while exploring the wide open plains of Alentejo (one of the best things to do in Portugal).
If you’re driving from Lisbon (around 105 miles / 170 km south), follow the A2 and then the IP8 toward Beja. It takes about two hours. Once you’re in Beja, this Portugal pousada is in the historic center, so it’s easy to find and walk to.
Spring (April–May) is a good time, with wildflowers blooming and daytime temperatures in the 65–77°F (18–25°C) range. September and October are also nice, and you’ll catch the wine harvest. Summer gets hot—well over 100°F (38°C)—but if you like clear skies and warm evenings, it can still work. Winter is quiet, and the food tends to shift toward hearty, seasonal dishes. See our Portugal travel tips to plan your next vacation.
The Pousada de Viseu is set in what used to be Viseu’s main hospital—São Teotónio Hospital, built in 1842. It’s been completely transformed into a hotel, but the neoclassical bones of the place remain.
You’ll still see grand staircases, long arcaded hallways, and elegant details from its 19th-century design. It’s right in the center of Viseu, making it an easy base for exploring this part of central Portugal. The surrounding Dão wine region is known for smooth reds and relaxed tastings, and you can sample plenty of that here too—either at nearby vineyards or in the pousada’s restaurant.
From Lisbon, it’s about a 3-hour drive via the A1 and A25. From Porto, it’s closer to 1.5 hours. There are express buses from both cities to Viseu’s main terminal. If you're using trains, you’ll need to ride to Mangualde (about 15 miles/25 km away), then take a taxi to Viseu. The closest airports are in Porto and Lisbon, with car rentals available at both.
Spring and early fall are probably the best times to visit this Portugal pousada if you want mild weather and fewer crowds. August gets busy, especially during the São Mateus Fair—a major event with food, crafts, and local music. If you’re here in winter, you’ll find the city quieter and better rates on rooms. December is especially atmospheric with holiday lights and markets.
Convento de Evora, one of the finest pousadas de Portugal © Pierre-Olivier/Shutterstock
This pousada sits inside the 15th-century Lóios Monastery and is one of the few places where you can actually sleep in a former monk’s cell—though they’ve been updated with modern touches.
The building is full of character, from the cloisters to the marble columns and vaulted ceilings. It's located right in the center of Évora’s UNESCO-listed old town, just around the corner from the Roman Temple and the cathedral.
Évora is around 80 miles (130 km) east of Lisbon. Driving takes about 1.5 hours via the A6. There are also regular trains from Lisbon Oriente station—journey time is about the same. If you’re coming by bus, head to Lisbon’s Sete Rios terminal. Once you arrive in Évora, the pousada is about a 10-minute walk from both the train and bus stations.
March to May and September to November are ideal, with comfortable weather for walking around town. Summer can be scorching, so plan for early morning outings and long lunch breaks indoors. February brings Carnival celebrations, while June has the lively São João Festival.
Palácio de Estói is a pink 19th-century palace just inland from Faro. It was originally built as a private home for an aristocrat in 1840 and mixes Rococo, Baroque, and Neoclassical design.
Inside, you’ll see detailed plasterwork, painted tiles, and large frescoes. The gardens outside are formal and symmetrical, with fountains and statues inspired by French landscaping.
After years of neglect, the building was restored and turned into this Portugal pousada. It’s a relaxed base if you’re hoping more for quiet countryside than the beach. You’re still close enough to Faro if you want to head into town or down to the coast. See our roundup of the best things to do in Faro.
The palace is about 6 miles (10km) north of Faro. You can drive to Estói in around 15 minutes. Local buses also run between Faro and Estói village. If you’re arriving by train, you’ll need to get off in Faro and grab a taxi from the station.
Spring is a nice time to go if you want to see the gardens at their best without dealing with heat or crowds. September and October are also good for warm, quieter days. Summer brings more people and intense heat, especially in July and August (though the sleek swimming pool is great for this). This is a great thing to do in Algarve if you are trying to find something more inland.
Palace of Estoi north of Faro in Algarve © anyaivanova/Shutterstock
If you’ve ever wanted to sleep in a medieval castle, this is one of the few places where you actually can. The Pousada Castelo de Óbidos is set inside a 12th-century fortress once gifted by kings to their queens. It’s one of Portugal’s officially recognized “Seven Wonders.”
There are only a few rooms in the actual castle, some with stone walls and antique furniture, while others are in nearby buildings. The castle overlooks the whitewashed village of Óbidos, a place that’s easy to explore on foot and packed with character.
Óbidos is around 50 miles (80km) north of Lisbon. Driving is the easiest way to get there—just take the A8 highway and you’ll be there in about an hour. There are also express buses from Lisbon’s Campo Grande station, which take about 1.5 hours. If you’re arriving by train, the Óbidos station is a little over a mile (2km) from the historic center, so you’ll need a taxi or a walk to reach this Portugal pousada.
The town has a few festivals worth planning around. The Chocolate Festival happens in early spring, the Medieval Market in July, and during December the whole place turns into a Christmas village. Spring and autumn are nice for walking around the castle walls and town without much heat or crowding.
One of Portugal's medieval pousadas, Castle of Obidos © Taromon/Shutterstock
This pousada is housed in a former monastery built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 14th century. It later became a castle and has since been carefully restored into a peaceful retreat.
The architecture includes a mix of Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance styles—cloisters, vaulted ceilings, and thick stone walls give it a strong medieval feel. While the setting is historic, the pousada includes modern touches like a sleek swimming pool built alongside the old walls. It’s quiet and remote, with open views over the Alentejo countryside.
The easiest way to reach Crato is by car. From Lisbon, it’s around 100 miles (160km) northeast, which takes about 2.5 hours via the A6. You can also take a train to Portalegre and then a taxi for the last 30 minutes. Having a car is useful if you want to visit nearby towns like Marvão or check out the Roman ruins at Ammaia.
Late spring and early fall are usually comfortable, especially if you’re planning to explore outside. August can be very hot—above 95°F (35°C) on some days—though the thick stone walls help keep the rooms cooler.
Tucked into the green hills of the Minho region, the Pousada Mosteiro de Amares is set inside a 12th-century Cistercian monastery, thoughtfully adapted by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira. It’s a calm, striking place where old stone archways and quiet cloisters meet clean, modern design.
You’ll still feel the building’s original stillness, but the rooms are comfortable and contemporary. It’s a good fit if you want a peaceful base near Peneda-Gerês National Park. The restaurant focuses on Minho dishes made with ingredients from the region.
From Porto Airport, it's about a one-hour drive north via the A3 and A11 highways to this Portugal pousada. If you’re coming from Braga (about 20 minutes away), there are buses, and trains from Porto connect to Braga. For a more scenic route, try the N308 through the Cávado Valley. A car is useful for getting around, especially if you want to explore Braga or head into the national park.
Late spring through early fall (May–September) is a comfortable time to visit, with temperatures usually staying below 85°F (30°C). Wildflowers brighten the park in spring, and autumn brings changing leaves. You might want to time your visit with Braga’s Semana Santa (Holy Week) or summer celebrations in nearby towns.
Sitting at the top of Palmela’s hill, this former castle-fortress has long views over the Arrábida mountains and the Atlantic.
It was first built by the Moors and later expanded by the Order of Santiago, it’s a place where you can wander through thick stone walls. It’s a practical base for wine trips in the Setúbal Peninsula, and it’s easy to get from here to the coast or Lisbon. There’s plenty of space for families to roam, and the outdoor terraces are popular for slow dinners as the sun goes down.
From Lisbon Airport, it’s about a 40-minute drive south via the A2 and N252. You can also take a suburban train from Lisbon to Palmela station, then grab a taxi to the top. It’s close enough to Setúbal for catching the ferry to Tróia Peninsula or for day trips along the coast. It's a nice thing to add to your trip to the city (see our guide to the best things to do in Lisbon).
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are great times to go—mild weather, fewer crowds, and easy walks through town or vineyard visits (see our list of Portugal's best hikes). Summer is busier, especially during local festivals like the Medieval Fair in late June. In winter, you’ll find quieter stays and good excuses to stay in with a glass of Moscatel by the fire.
This pousada sits high up on Monte de Santa Luzia, with wide views over the Atlantic, the Lima River, and the town below. It’s next to the Basilica of Santa Luzia, and the building used to be a hostel for pilgrims. What stands there now is a 1950s-era hotel with a clean, understated style. It’s a quiet place to stay, surrounded by hiking trails and forest. From up here, it’s easy to see why people have been drawn to this mountain for centuries.
The easiest way is to drive. From Porto Airport, it's about 55 miles (90 km) north. If you're coming from Vigo Airport in Spain, it's just over 37 miles (60 km). Once you’re in Viana do Castelo, head up the mountain via car or take the funicular from the town center for a more scenic ride.
May to September is the warmest stretch, and August is especially lively with the Festa de Nossa Senhora da Agonia. For fewer crowds, go in April, May, or October. Fall also brings harvest celebrations across the Minho region.
Set above the cliffs at Portugal’s southwestern edge, this pousada gives you clear views of the sea and sky. Built in the 1960s, it has a modern, low-key design that frames the natural surroundings. Despite being the newest building on our list, this is still easily one of the best pousadas in Portugal, and it overlooks some of the best beaches in Portugal.
You're just down the road from the Fortaleza de Sagres, where Prince Henry the Navigator set up his maritime school. Surfers often base themselves here to catch waves around Sagres, and it’s a quieter part of the Algarve overall. The pool overlooks the water, and the menu leans into fresh-caught fish and southern Portuguese cooking.
From Faro Airport, it’s about 65 miles (105 km) west by car. The drive along the Algarve coast is straightforward and scenic. If you’re coming from Lagos, it’s a 30-minute drive. You’ll find clear signs as you get close—just follow directions toward the fortress.
April to June and September to October are ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds. These months also bring good surf conditions and are great for coastal hikes. Winter is quieter but still worth it if you enjoy dramatic waves and coastal walks. See more in our guide to the best time to visit Faro.
This pousada is set in a former 12th-century monastery on the hillside above Guimarães. It still has many of its original features—like the cloisters, stone staircases, and tiled interiors—but the rooms have been updated for comfort.
It’s a calm place to stay, and the view stretches out over the town. Guimarães is known as the birthplace of Portugal, and the medieval castle where the first king was born is nearby. The restaurant is in the old refectory and focuses on Minho cooking. See our guide to Portugal's best restaurants.
Porto Airport is about 30 miles (50 km) away. From there, you can take a train or bus to Guimarães in about an hour. The pousada is a short drive or about a 15-minute uphill walk from the center. If you're driving, look for signs to Santa Marinha. This is a great addition to your trip to the city (see our guide to the best things to do in Porto).
May through October brings good weather and plenty of cultural events, like São João in June and Guimarães Jazz in November. Spring is especially nice if you want to see the gardens in bloom, and fall is a good time for wine harvest events in the surrounding region.
Still not sure where to stay? See our guides to the best area to stay in Lisbon, and the best area to stay in Porto.
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 01.06.2025
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