Portugal's charming pousadas
One of the many distinguishing features of Portugal is its beautiful Pousadas. Literally meaning “resting place” in Portuguese, these stunning hotels are carefully kept and administered by the Portuguese government and provide perfect places to stay while travelling around the many charming towns and cities of Portugal.
Titan’s popular Grand Designs of Portugal tour enables travellers to experience three of the finest Pousadas in the country, while also introducing you to some of Portugal’s most stunning historical and cultural attractions. Providing a luxurious resting place after your daily activities, these Pousadas are an integral part of Portugal’s enchanting character.
Pousada da Assunção
The historic Pousada da Assunção was originally a 16th century monastery, which has been lovingly restored to preserve its exquisite features, including a chapterhouse adorned with sculptures of the parental Alentejo and a renaissance-style cloister. Its 30 air-conditioned en-suite rooms feature all the modern day comforts travellers could desire, including cable TV and Wi-Fi, while there are also public facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, cultivated gardens, an elegant lounge and bar.
Wander out from the Pousada da Assunção to visit the surrounding quaint town of Arraiolos, which is famous for making traditional carpets that make magnificent souvenirs of your stay. Travellers can also take an exciting excursion to Evora, a delightful UNESCO World Heritage city, which dates back to Roman times and has marvellous monuments to visit, including the Roman Temple of Evora.
Pousada do Convento do Desagravo
Built as a convent at the end of the 18th century with the motto “penance, austerity and sanctity”, the Pousada do Convento do Desagravo has an incredibly rich history, and the original features of the convent have been retained and restored, including a wonderful four-arched cloister. Inside are 24 air-conditioned en suite rooms with gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside; facilities include lounges, a bar, a tennis court and an outside swimming pool.
The Pousada do Convento do Desagravo also has a farm, which is perfect for a romantic walk through rural tranquillity. Stroll further afield to take in the stunning panoramic vistas of the Serra da Estrela and Serra do Açor mountain ranges. A stay at the Pousada do Convento do Desagravo is truly an escape into serenity.
Pousada do Monte de Santa Luzia
The Pousada do Monte de Santa Luzia was built in 1918 and charms visitors with its delightful restaurant and beautiful terrace looking out over the surrounding hills and stunning coastline. There are 47 air-conditioned en-suite rooms with cable TV and Wi-Fi and facilities which include an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, exquisite gardens, lounge and bar. The delectable dishes served in the restaurant are the perfect way to try the finest traditional Portuguese cuisine.
Guests can set out to the magnificent Viana do Castelo, which has an astonishing sailing port and estuary, to walk through its winding streets of opulent mansions, and venture further to the nearby town of Ponte Lima and the wonderful walled town of Valença do Minho.
You can find out more about the pousadas and our Grand Designs of Portugal.
Nicola considers herself very lucky to have had the opportunity to visit a number of places around the world and these experiences usually involve searching for as many kinds of wildlife as possible. Recent highlights include penguins in Antarctica, bears and whales in Canada and Alaska and sea otters in California - but there are always more animals to search for.
Nicola | About the author
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