Amongst lit fireplaces, serene landscapes and the charm of buildings with centuries of history, winter reveals a special charm at these six Pousadas de Portugal.
There are places that seem made for winter, and the Pousadas of Portugal are undoubtedly among them. When the cold invites retreat and the landscapes grow quieter, these historic buildings become ideal havens for those seeking comfort, authenticity, and meaningful time.
Set in castles, monasteries, convents, and palaces, the 35 Pousadas combine heritage and hospitality with understated elegance. Staying in them is an experience that spans centuries, enriched by the charm and comfort of today.
The colder season is perfect for discovering the country from a new perspective: wandering through ancient towns wrapped in mist, savoring local cuisine by the fireplace, or simply slowing down and enjoying time without hurry.
Pousada Castelo Estremoz
Atop the Alentejo’s white city, this hotel in the historic center of Estremoz is housed within a medieval castle that stands out on the horizon. There are idyllic scenarios, where the weather calls for a glass of wine by the fireplace, while contemplating the view over the Alentejo plains. Built in the 13th century by order of King Dinis, the castle boasts one of the tallest medieval towers in Portugal and a fine collection of rooms lined with local marble. The pousada has museum areas and historic furniture that bear witness to the fortress’s long-standing connection to Portuguese royalty. Just a few steps away from the pousada, the curious can also visit the Estremoz Saturday market.
Pousada Castelo Estremoz: where winter embraces the Alentejo.
Pousada Convento Beja: a centuries-old convent where the winter is lived between art, tranquility and Alentejo authenticity.
Pousada Vila Óbidos: within ancient walls and soft winter lights, Óbidos becomes a magical setting.
Pousada Castelo Alcácer do Sal: a peaceful retreat overlooking the Sado River, where a thousand years of history meet the calm beauty of winter landscapes.
Pousada Convento Évora: in the heart of the museum-city, beside the Roman temple, winter gains an extra charm in this historic and timeless refuge.
Pousada Mosteiro Guimarães: silence, heritage and serene gardens make this former monastery the ideal place to slow down and experience winter in Guimarães.
Pousada Vila Óbidos
Amongst walls and towers, the hotel in the medieval village of Óbidos offers a charming winter stay, where the cobbled streets and soft lights make the place look even more magical. Óbidos Castle, which is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal, dates back to the 12th century and retains most of its original structure, including battlements and walkways with a view of Óbidos Lagoon. During the yuletide season, visitors can enjoy the Óbidos Vila Natal (Christmas Village).
Pousada Castelo Alcácer do Sal
With its cosy atmosphere and broad views over the valley, this hotel in Alcácer with a view of the River Sado is an oasis for those looking for quiet and unique landscapes. The building stands within a castle that has over a thousand years old of history, originally founded in the Islamic period. Below the pousada there is an important Roman cryptoporticus, a number of subterranean galleries discovered in the 20th century and now visitable. The panoramic view allows visitors to see the flight of the flamingos that inhabit the Sado estuary during the cold months. The Pousada Castelo Alcácer do Sal is a place where winter can be truly savoured.
Pousada Mosteiro Guimarães
Housed in an old Augustinian monastery, this hotel in the center of Guimarães is a place for retreat and harmony. Surrounded by gardens and history, it invites visitors to walk around the historic city and enjoy super-comfortable evenings. The monastery that hosts the pousada, which was founded in the 12th century, is one of the finest examples of architectural restoration in the 20th century. The cloisters, the old cells and historic tiles were carefully preserved, and many of the rooms have kept some of the features of monastic life. The view over Guimarães is undoubtedly one of winter’s strong points.
Pousada Convento Beja
Housed in a 13th-century convent, this historic hotel in Beja is like a trip back in time. The former São Francisco Convent is one of the largest complexes of convent remnants in the country with a Gothic-Mudejar style church. The pousada has frescos, vaulted ceilings and wide corridors that bear witness to medieval religious life. With the municipal museum mere metres away, not to mention the serene and rich atmosphere at the Pousada Convento Beja, this is the perfect starting place to discover the Alentejo at winter’s pace. It’s also a good opportunity to take part in Christmas activities for the family throughout the city, as well as the Christmas Market at Portas de Mértola.
Pousada Convento Évora
Next to the Roman Temple, this historic hotel in Évora combines charm and calm. Located in the old Lóios Convent, the pousada has preserved monastic cells that have been turned into bedrooms, maintaining the original style and the vaulted ceilings. The 17th-century tiles and cloisters are some of the building’s most striking features. The location is unique: close to the cathedral and the Temple of Diana, in one of the best-preserved historic centres in Europe. Pousada Convento Évora is in the heart of the museum city.
