Travelling north to south, from the interior to the coast, much can be discovered in this unique country. Designed to take three weeks, this itinerary features some of the most beautiful Pousadas de Portugal.
This trip is supposed to take three weeks but can be done quicker. Of course, if you stick to the itinerary religiously, the experience will be slower and more enjoyable. We begin in the north, before traversing the centre and south.
Week 1: North
The north of Portugal boasts countless cities and towns that enchant visitors. From Viana do Castelo to Guimarães, Braga to Porto, there are plenty of options – discover our hotels in the North. However, if you want a road less travelled, head to Gerês, where we suggest you make your first stop.
Gerês
Declared a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the Peneda-Gerês National Park covers over 70,000 hectares, which means a week might not be enough time to see every mountain, walk every trail and take a dip in every waterfall. When it comes to accommodation, the Pousada Caniçada-Gerês is ideally located for daily discoveries. This spot offers charming mountain chalets with spectacular views over the nature park.
Don’t miss these points of interest
- Portela do Homem waterfall
- Poço Verde, Fafião
- Tahiti waterfall
- Vilarinho das Furnas dam
- Tibo viewpoint
- Arado waterfall
- Pedra Bela viewpoint
- Vilarinho da Furna dam
- Pincães waterfall
- Albergaria wood
Back to the Pousada Caniçada-Gerês…
Enjoy the swimming pool surrounded by mountains, the glazed lounge where dinner is served and the wonderful sunset view.
Week 2: Centre
When choosing hotels in the Centre, travellers should consider the places they want to visit. Coimbra, Guarda and Tomar are towns well worth seeing, but our suggestions are less obvious and therefore surprising – they’re well located and less crowded.
Serra da Estrela
Set at an altitude of over 1,200 metres, the Pousada Serra da Estrela is housed in an impressive 20th-century sanatorium that has been impeccably restored and converted into a hotel, designed by the renowned Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto Moura. The location is ideal for those wishing to explore the town of Covilhã and contemplate the beauty (and calm) of the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal.
Discover the region’s most beautiful places
- Covilhã (and its urban art itinerary)
- Seia
- Manteigas
- Carqueijais viewpoint
- Lapa dos Dinheiros river beach
- Abandoned village, Fontão
- Loriga river beach
- Piornos viewpoint
- Unhais da Serra river beach
- Mondego footbridges
Back to the Pousada Serra da Estrela…
Pamper yourself at the spa, indoor pool, sauna and Turkish bath and, if the weather’s good, take a dip in the outdoor pool. Also, make a reservation at the pousada’s restaurant and savour the region’s authentic flavours.
Óbidos
Around 250 kilometres away, but still in the centre of the country, we find the Pousada Castelo Óbidos, which offers guests the chance to sleep inside one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. The town is well situated for trips to places like Peniche, Alcobaça and Foz do Arelho. Although small, Óbidos has a lot to see – and savour.
Be sure to visit
- The town gate
- Rua Direita
- Town walls (on foot)
- Church of Santa Maria
- Church of São Tiago
- Church of São Pedro
- Senhor Jesus da Pedra sanctuary
- Óbidos lagoon
- Tasca Torta (to try an Óbidos ginjinha cherry liqueur in a small chocolate cup)
- Capinha d’Óbidos (to try the traditional bread with chouriço sausage)
Back to the Pousada Castelo Óbidos…
Walk along part of the town wall that is exclusive to guests, then climb the Dom Fernando tower. In the restaurant, try the local desserts: brisa do Lis and ginjinha ice cream.
Week 3: South
This itinerary ends in southern Portugal, where the climate is milder and time seems to pass that bit slower. A holiday destination by definition, there are still plenty of places off the beaten track worth discovering.
Alentejo
If you’re looking for hotels in Alentejo, there are plenty of options to choose from. We suggest the charming Pousada Convento Vila-Viçosa, which once housed a pantheon, seminary and convent. Nowadays, it offers top-quality accommodation and services. Well located for exploring and discovering new places, travellers can get from Vila Viçosa (nicknamed the ‘Princess of the Alentejo’) to a number of places in less than half an hour.