Travelling with your pets doesn’t mean having to sacrifice comfort, inspiring landscapes, or good times. Quite the opposite. The Pousada Serra da Estrela, Pestana Cidadela Cascais, Pestana Vila Sol, and Pestana Tróia Eco Resort are great examples of this.
At these Pestana Group hotels, dogs get the same levels of care and attention as their owners.
The four pet-friendly hotels we have highlighted boast a major advantage: they’re all set in locations that invite you to enjoy the outdoors. Be it in the mountains, by the sea or surrounded by large gardens, each hotel allows guests to enjoy their destination with plenty of time, freedom and tranquillity. It’s worth mentioning that small pets are welcome in outdoor areas and in selected rooms, which requires prior permission and following each hotel’s rules.
If you’re planning to travel with your dog, it’s always worth booking ahead, as the number of rooms available for pets is limited. It’s also advisable to check the specific conditions of each hotel and bring your pet’s usual documents. Then, just enjoy your hotel, in the best possible company.
Pousada Serra da Estrela: nature at its purest
In the very heart of the Serra da Estrela Nature Park, this historic pousada offers the ideal calm and comfort for a few days away from the stresses and strains of the daily grind. The old halls have been turned into cozy spaces with fireplaces, broad vistas of the valley and breathtaking surroundings. For those guests travelling with dogs, which is the only animal accepted here, the location is great: the closest mountain trails are safe, quiet and perfect for walks, whether on two or four legs. There are waterways, shaded areas, and much to explore.
Pestana Cidadela Cascais: between walls and sea
Inside an old fortress overlooking the marina, in one of the most unique settings in Cascais, the Cidadela combines contemporary art, comfort, and an unbeatable location. For those bringing their dog, the stroll starts right outside the hotel, with the sea wall connecting the two towns Cascais and Estoril – flat, spacious and lively. In the Cascais Citadel itself, visitors can sample ice-cream, homemade cakes and snacks from Santini, Manteigaria Silva, Dibble, as well as the Taberna da Praça restaurant. All offer outdoor seating and ideal for an afternoon well spent in good company, especially if they’re hungry. Off season, it’s also common to see dogs on the beaches, running by the water. For those looking for something a little wilder, Serra de Sintra is close by and offers enchanting trails all year round.
Pestana Vila Sol: Vilamoura with space to breathe
In the heart of the Algarve, among golf courses and carefully tended gardens, the Pestana Vila Sol is synonymous with a calm and spacious stay. The resort’s inland paths are great for dog-walks in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer and the temperature perfect. Mere minutes away by car there are natural areas, such as the Ria Formosa and various seaside trails, which are ideal for long walks and are as enjoyable for animals as they are for humans.
Pestana Tróia Eco Resort: between dunes and silence
Tróia’s a unique peninsula where Mother Nature has been left virtually undisturbed, which makes it one of the best places in Portugal to relax – as well as let your dog run free in peace and quiet. The Pestana Tróia is surrounded by pine forests, sand dunes, and wooden walkways that connect the hotel to the beach. Here, it’s easy to walk for hours between the Atlantic and the Sado Estuary. Off season, the beaches are deserted and perfect for dogs to run free. The vibe is one of calm, safe, and quiet, which is perfect for those who simply eschew haste or distractions.
Above all, travelling with your dog is about sharing. And when your destination offers a mix of comfort, space, nature, and a genuine welcome, everything becomes simpler and more special. Truth be told, some holidays only make sense if no one is left behind.
