Best Historical Hotels in Portugal

Venture a little further out of town, to Torre de Gomariz Wine & Spa Hotel, deep in the northern vineyards of Portuguese wine country. The nearby forestry and acres of greenery make this a peaceful escape, in five-star style. The boutique property is found in the parish of Cervães, Minho and dates to the 15th and 16th centuries, with a romantic medieval tower at its heart. Guests can sample the local produce at the Wine Bar, or dine in slightly more formal surroundings at the Gomariz Restaurant. Popular daytime activities include hiking, hopping on a bike, playing tennis, or chilling out in the Camellia Spa.

A former noblewoman’s residence, this palace in the Serra Lousã hills contains three centuries of stories inside, with mountain views outside. 46 rooms are available in the original house (with period features and a Juliet balcony), or in the newer wing — all are glamorous with on-trend meets vintage decor. Guests can swim indoors within the spa area, or in the garden’s outdoor pool. Portuguese plates are served in the fashionable top-floor À Terra, either in the main dining room or at the chef’s table in a glass-ceilinged annexe. And A Viscondessa is Palácio da Lousã’s for fine food.

The Bela Vista Hotel in Portimao is located in three buildings, including the historic and imposing Palacete, on top of the cliffs overlooking the beach at Praia da Rocha. It is an adults-only hotel with a broad range of activities on offer, including tennis and various watersports. There is a fitness centre and a swimming pool, and many spa treatments are available. Several fine golf courses are in the vicinity. Guests speak highly of the fine location, the service offered by the hotel staff, and the excellent food in the beautifully located Vista restaurant.

While many resorts here border the beach, this 19th-century casa feels more like a mansion home, both in terms of its location (within the city’s winding streets) and ambience. It has just 34 bedrooms all set around a kitchen garden, a triangle-shaped pool and a courtyard, flanked by Lagos’ ancient fortifications. Its amenities include a restaurant Orta, a yoga room, a spa (with a rooftop lap pool, a hammam and a relaxation room), an outdoor cinema and a chic boutique. Casa Mãe’s owner has infused much of the style of his homeland (France) into the decor, in collaboration with interior designer Martin Blanchard.

This boutique hotel is minutes from all of Cascais’ main attractions via pedestrianised streets, yet it feels surprisingly off the beaten track. Originally erected in the 19th century, intended as a palace residence, it has been extended and an extra Italian annexe added. Its cliffside setting provides dramatic views – Albatroz, the fine dining restaurant sits right beside the ocean, with a stunning outlook and a bar/lounge area perfect for watching the sunset, drink in hand. The hotel has 51 individually designed nautical-style bedrooms, a pool with wooden loungers, a yoga deck, a small fitness suite and cookery classes.

Also on São Miguel, but further afield in the Furnas Valley, an area known for its hot springs, is the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel. It features a natural outdoor thermal pool within the grounds and is a part of the same group as the Grand Hotel — Bensaude Hotels Collection. Dating back to the 1930s, the building itself has become an icon. TN Restaurant serves local specialities, while bartenders at The Gardener Bar & Terrace mix delicious cocktails with a charming view. 86 guest rooms and a spa have received an art deco-meets garden-themed makeover, reflecting its elegant heritage and leafy setting.

A culinary destination set within the magnificent Sintra Cascais Natural Park. With seven restaurants – including Michelin-starred LAB by Sergi Arola and Michelin-starred Midori for Japanese gourmet cuisine – plus a destination spa, 27-hole championship golf course, multiple pools, extensive gardens, and a 14th-century monastery with chapel now serving as a sought-after events venue, the Ritz Carlton Penha Longa Resort offers a comprehensive luxury experience that feeds the soul.

This member of Leading Hotels of the World has five stars and sits in a charming spot on Praça de Camões at the heart of the cultural quarter – Barrio Alto. The building is a product of the 18th century, accommodating 87 bedrooms each drawing on Portuguese crafts from artisanal rugs to Costa Nova ceramics, a restaurant, spa and a beautiful rooftop terrace with sea views. It celebrates all things Portuguese throughout, from the on-point decor to the food, the artwork, and the furnishings. On the fifth floor is BAHR & Terrace serves the best of Portuguese cuisine in a contemporary setting and on the ground indulge in delicious baked goods at the in-house patisserie.

A grand home that once welcomed emperors and royalty (including providing the backdrop for Prince Pedro and Inês de Castro’s illicit love affair), Quinta das Lágrimas is now a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Indeed, you can read about the local history in ancient books contained within the hotel’s exotic wood-panelled library. Set among 12 acres of gardens, the estate includes a pool surrounded by Balinese-style daybeds, a golf course, a golf academy, a driving range, a putting green, sweeping stone staircases and a dining terrace. Inside is the Bamboo Garden Spa and pool with floor-to-ceiling windows and several excellent eateries.

For those looking to live the high life, this is the hotel in Porto for you. This is a grand 18th-century Baroque building that overlooks the Duoro River and is a short walk from the beach. This hotel offers the chance to holiday like a royal in its large over the top public spaces, elegant architecture, and comfortable modern rooms with all the amenities. The hotel boasts a lovely infinity pool that overlooks the river for guests to soak up the sun and relax, along with an indoor pool, spa, and Turkish bath. Buffet breakfast is served at the onsite restaurant and is made with the freshest ingredients. Food can also be served by the pool or at the hotel’s bar.

Forte De Gaia, Autograph Collection, a stylish retreat along the River Douro, just across from Porto’s historic centre. Located in the charming Vila Nova de Gaia neighbourhood, famed for its world-renowned Port wine cellars, the hotel is deeply inspired by Portuguese wine culture. Designed by acclaimed Portuguese designer Nini Andrade Silva, its interiors pay homage to the Douro Valley wine region, featuring wood, cork, & curved lines that reflect the vast Port wine barrels, harvest baskets, & rolling vineyard landscapes. Guests can immerse themselves in the region’s heritage through exclusive wine tastings & masterclasses led by local sommeliers. The on-site restaurant, Dona Maria, helmed by Chef João Vieira, celebrates northern Portuguese cuisine with traditional dishes crafted from local ingredients. Offering a heated outdoor swimming pool & a prime location moments from Porto’s top attractions.

Conveniently located close to many of Lisbon’s most popular attractions, this luxurious hotel provides a stylish retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Guests are treated to their own private terrace so that they can gaze out over the city, while the blue and cream décor comes with 18th-century furniture for a truly decadent feel. Spending time in the spa is the perfect way to unwind after spending the day exploring the city while taking a dip in the 18-metre lap pool is the perfect way to work up an appetite before enjoying a meal at Varanda Restaurant, which is a popular spot among Lisbon’s elite.