Why not do something different for this year’s Easter lunch? It could be spent in a castle, a mountain chalet or even a monastery, while enjoying something delicious, different and unforgettable with the family.
At a time when rituals are so important, it’s worth considering creating new ones that can also be repeated throughout the year. This is a celebration that normally involves a satisfying lunch, with the family around the table. Every year, the Pousadas de Portugal’s restaurants prepare special Easter lunch, served with all the comforts of home, as well as the extra atmosphere you can feel this time of year.
For those who enjoy heights, family lunches are served at the Pousada Caniçada, a charming mountain chalet located in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, overlooking the mountain landscape, the River Cávado and Caniçada dam. This super cosy restaurant boasts a fireplace and large windows that offer lovely views, not to mention delicious dishes, such as caldo verde à minhota (traditional kale and potato soup) and the veal cutlet. That said, it’s worth saving room for the special Easter dishes available.
If your idea of perfection is Easter lunch in a scenario fit for royalty, then the Pousada Castelo Óbidos may be just what you’re looking for, with its historic location within the medieval walls of Óbidos. If Easter coincides with the holidays, there’s lots more to do and see around the area, not forgetting the wide range of excellent cuisine for all the family. Lunch at the Pousada Restaurant is a real experience, with traditional dishes served overlooking the town’s natural and picturesque landscape. Don’t forget to toast the special moment with a local wine.
Located in the centre of Portugal, the Pousada Viseu is a classic choice, now housed in the São Teotónio Hospital (originally built in 1842). The building has seen a number of adaptations designed by architect Gonçalo Byrne in 2009, which have given it a contemporary, welcoming feel that makes it great for a short getaway in this garden city. At the Viriato restaurant, the serene atmosphere is matched by the region’s most traditional recipes: veal Lafões, cod, roast kid and, to finish, pastel de Vouzela. Why not follow your meal with a wander through Aquilino Ribeiro Park to aid digestion?
Heading north, we come across the Pousada Mosteiro Guimarães. Bucolic and historic, it’s surrounded by gardens that give the place an even more relaxed vibe. That said, if you just want lunch in a different setting, there’s the Dona Mafalda restaurant, the monastery’s old cellars and granaries, which date back to the 12th century. Ensconced among these stone archways, guests can try the region’s excellent meats and rich sweets, all accompanied by a glass or two of port or a more contemporary cocktail. Thus begins a new Easter tradition.
