Routes

Our suggested itineraries are intended to provide you with just a few ideas for a weekend break, a getaway for two or a family holiday. We have chosen a few routes up and down Portugal that all include a stay at a Pousada. Step back in time and spend the night in a castle, a convent, a monastery or a fortress, in settings if outstanding beauty, where the history of the buildings merges with the history of Portugal itself.

The North of Portugal Route

Discover Montesinho Nature Park no foot or by car before houneying on to the Mediaeval town of Vinhais by way of Rio de Onor and Castro de Avelas. Enjoy a leisurely stop in Bragança, one of Portugal´s oldest cities, visit the Domus Municipalis, a strange 12th century building, the castle, the cathedral, the Abade de Baçal Museum and the Church of St. Vincent (Igreja de São Vicente), where D. Pedro and D. Ines are said to have been married. Head towards the Alto Douro vinhateiro area where you can find the large country estates that produce Port Wine, such as the famous Solar the Mateus in Vila Real. Alongside a visit to the Port Wine Cellars, a stop in Pinhão is a must; from here, boats and trains set off on trips along the River Douro. Save a few days to explore the Peneda-Geres National Park, part of which should be visited on foot, and marvel at the scenery. Visit the community villages that still exist there. There are excellent facilities for canoeing here.

Region: North

Suggested Pousadas:
Bragança – Alijo – Mesão Frio – Marão – Geres – Amares

The cradle of the nation and historical cities Route

Start this itinerary in Oporto on foot, exploring the historical city centre, a World Heritage site since 1996. Delight in the bustle of the Riverside and enjoy a boat trip on the River Douro, be sure to visit the Torre dos Clerigos, a notable work by Nicolau Nasonm as well the church of St. Francis (Igreja de São Francisco). Wander through the “serralves” park and admire the exhibitions in the Museum of Contemporary Art. Before talking your leave, stop at the Port Wine Cellars and sample a delightful goblet of the highly renowned drink. Continue on to the city of Guimarães, the cradle of the nation and the birthplace of D. Afonso Henriques. Visit the historical past if the city (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the castle and the Duke´s palace. Then make your way to Braga, by way of the Celtic village of Citânia de Briteiros, which is over 2.000 Years old. In Braga, a city with an enormous wealth of religious architecture, visit the 1th century cathedral, the oldest in Portugal. On the outskirts of the city, climb up the Bom Jesus, a notable baroque work with an impressive stairway, even when viewed from below. Continue to Viana do Castelo, talking a detour to visit Ponte de Lima. Follow the route that show you the region´s Romanic churches, next to the River Minho, visiting Caminha, Valença, Monção and Melgaço

Region: North

Suggested Pousadas:
Guimarães – Braga – Viana do Castelo – Vila Nova de Cerveira – Valença do Minho

Center of Portugal

A leisurely visit on foot through the typical walled town of Obidos is strongly recommended. This favorite tourist attraction boasts unmistakable whitewashed houses with blue borders, flower-filled windows, narrow alleys and beautiful crafted stone stairways and is considered to be one of Portugal´s most beautifully crafted stone stairways and considered to be one of Portugal´s most beautiful towns. Its castle, one of the mist characteristic Mediaeval fortresses in the country, was the first historical building ever to be converted to a Pousadda and has been granted stats as a Monument of National interest in its own right. The 15th century Church of Misericordia, with its interesting Portuguese glazed earthenware Virgin and patterned tiles, the 18th century Church of São Pedro and the 14th century church of São Martinho are other sights that shouldn´t be missed. Continue towards Fatima, making two obligatory stops along the way, one at Alcobaça and the other at Batalha, to visit the monasteries, unique among Portuguese architectural works. Fatima is one of the world´s most important Marian pilgrimage centersand is visited by many thousands of pilgrims and tourists, particularly on the 12th and 13th days of the months between May and October. No-one can remain indifferent before Fatima´s majesty and spirituality A visit to the new basilica should not be missed; the church of Santissima Trindade seats 9000 and was opened officially in 2007, the 90th anniversary year of the Apparitions.

Continue your journey by heading towards the historical university city of Coimbra and relive the forbidden passions of Pedro and Ines. Be sure to visit the University, one of the oldest in Europe, with its 18th century library. Then, the next port of call could be the Sé Nova, dating back to the 16th – 18th centuries, and the Machado de Castro Museum. Then head to the old part in the city and visit the Sé Velha, whichdates back to the 12th century. On the outskirts, you can also visit Portugal dos Pequenitos and the Gothic Convent of Santa Clara. Two kilometers from Condeixa, you will find the Conumbriga Roaman Ruins, one of the country´s most interesting archaeological sites. Take the A1 towards Oporto and exit towards Estarreja, then head towards Murtosa/Praias. Take a boat trip, preferably in a moliceiro, a uniquely colourful cessel typical of the region, weaving its way through the labyrinth of channels in the Ria de Aveiro. Admire the skill of the fishermen at Torreira, as they use the method known as Arte Xavega to bring in their catch, and the typical house at Costa Nova. If you enjoy rambling, we suggest a wande through the São Jacinto Dunes Nature Reserve. In Aveiro, visit the Aveiro Museum in the 15th century former Convent of Jesus, on the right back of the city.

Region: Lisbon area and Beiras (center)

Suggested Pousadas:
Óbidos – Ourém – Condeixa-a-Nova – Torreira/Murtosa

The Serra da Estrela mountain and historical villages Route

For your next trip, why not take us up on our invitation to visit the largest protected area in the country - the Serra de Estrela Nature Park Go up to Torre, the highest point in mainland Portugal and admire the breathtaking view. You can explore part of the mountains using the foot rails or go for a four-wheel drive. The par is also the perfect spot for more extreme or radical sports, with a dose of extra adrenalin for those bolder visitors, skiing and snow motorcycling in winter canoeing and abseiling, not to mention paragliding in Linhares da Beira, are just a few of the many activities available. And after so much physical exercise, we recommend you take a break and sample the mountain cheese (Queijo da Serra) and one of the region´s red wines. In Seia, visit the Bread Museum. Take an opportunity during your tour of Central Portugal to become acquainted with some of the historical villages: Linhares da Beira, Almeida, Belmonte, Sortelha and Piódão.

Region: Beiras (center)

Suggested Pousadas:
Manteigas – Belmonte – Vila Pouca da Beira – Almeida

The south of Portugal Route

Now we would like to invite you to a take a trip to Évora, starting in Lisbon to give you the chance to discover a small part if all that Portugal´s capital city has to offer. Absolutely not to be missed are the Jerónimos Monastery, the Tower of Belém, masterpieces from the Manueline, or Portuguese late Gothic period, and the Belém Cultural Centre, located in a part of the city that has been classed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Some of the typical neighborhoods in Lisbon are best visited on foot, including the Bairro Alto and the Alfama, with their typical terraced houses and narrow streets. Walk up to São Jorge Castle, dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries, which affords a magnificent view over the city. Before heading south, you must make a stop at the Queluz Palace considered the Portuguese Versailles, and the aristocratic town of Sintra, famed for its majestic palaces and its mountain. Cross either the 25th of April bridge or the Vasco da Gama bridge and head south to the Alentejo region. Discover the city of Évora, a UNESCO world heritage site, on foot. Befin next to the Convento dos Lóios (Pousada de Lóios). In the immediate vicinity, the 15th century church, Igreja dos Lóios, is worth a visit. Admire the 2nd century Roman temple of Diana, with is columns and capitals in Estremoz marble. Behind the Pousadas are Évora Cathedral (Sé) and the museum of sacred art. A little farther up are the Bishop´s house and the Évora museum. Also not to be missed are the Church of São Francisco and its famous Chapel of Bones, and Giraldo square where there is a fountain dating back to the 16th century. Finish off your tour with a stop at Arraiolos, some 20km from Évora, and admire the town, which is famed the world over for its carpets

Region: Lisbon area and Alentejo

Suggested Pousadas:
Queluz – Évora – Arraiolos

Trough the plains of the Alentejo Route

We´ve chosen a peaceful route to the Alentejo, rediscovering long-forgotten hues, and making a stop in Alcacer do Sal. From the top of the castle there is a splendid view of the River Sao and the rice fields (this is where the best rice is grown). From here, we head off on a journey to discover beaches of the Vicentine Coast, where Nature awaits in all her splendor, as yet unspoiled. These are the perfect spots for rambles, bicycle rides and water sports. If you´re travelling with children, we would recommend a visit to Badoca Safari Park. Don´t miss the Roman ruins at Mirobriga, on the outskirts of Santiago do Cacem; the Roman circus there is the only one of its kind in Portugal. Continue to Beja. Park the car and visit the city on foot: the castle, its main tower reaching almost 40 meters high and the Avis and Evora gates. Admire the Rainha Dona Leonor Museum in the Convent of Nossa senhora da Conceição. Make a stop, too, at São Cucafate and Pisões, some 7 km from Beja, where some Roman remains can be seen. Continue South on a journey of discovery to Mertola, with its lovely Matriz church, unique in Portugal for having once been a mosque and later adapted as a Christian Temple.

Region: Alentejo

Suggested Pousadas:
Alcacer do Sal – Santiago do Cacém – Torrão – Beja – Alvito

On the Winde and Marble Route

Begin this tour with a walk through the uplands of the Serra da Arrabida. Continue to Setubal and visit the Convent of Jesus, a 15th century church and museum and the cathedral. Before heading for the Alentejo, we recommend you take the opportunity to sample the local Moscatel as you admire the unique sunset from the terrace of the Pousada de São Filipe. Estremoz and Borba are areas abundant in marble and it is used in many of the local façades and monuments. This region is also extremely well-known for its wines; Borba wine is considered one of the best wines not just in the Alentejo region, but in the whole of Portugal. We suggest a leisurely visit to the house of Bragança´s Duke´s Palace in Vila Viçosa, a town known for its abundant use of the local marble. The Palace is a majestic work, representative indeed of the era of splendor that reigned here during the 16th century. At the southern end of the square in the 16th century convent of Chagas de Cristo which has now been adapted as a Pousada.

Region: Lisbon area and Alentejo

Suggested Pousadas:
Palmela – Setubal – Estremoz – Vila Viçosa – Elvas – Marvão – Crato – Sousel

Agarve – Sea and Montains Route

Over 200km of fine, golden sandy beaches make the Algarve one of the loveliest places in Portugal. The sun is ever-present and the temperature of the sea is an open invitation to enjoy a quick dip. Golfers will be pleased to know that the regions´s courses are among the best in Europe. But the Algarve has much more to offer that just sun and sand. Visit Sagres, the westernmost point of the West Algarve, which was the departure point, over 500 years ago, for D. Henrique´s caravels, as they set off o their voyage to discover new lands. Go for a wander around Silves, discover its Roman castle and Archaeological Museum. And don’t miss the Sé, a Roman-Gothic building built on the site of an old mosque. The most significant Roman ruins in all the Algarve can be found at Milreu, just a few minutes away from Faro. Try a trip inland to Monchiqe, famed for its caldas and uplands. The caldas (springs of thermal waters) situated at an altitude of 250m, ad reaching temperatures of up to 30º, are recommended for a variety of treatments. D Joao II used to come here for remedies for his illnesses. The Monchiqe Mountains constitute the border between the Algarve and the Alentejo, their highest point being Fóia at an altitude of 902m. Continue North to the Santa Clara-a-Velha Dam, where the magnificent view is an invitation to relax.

Region: Alentejo and Algarve

Suggested Pousadas:
Sao Bras de Aportel – Tavira – Sagres – Santa Clara-a-Velha

CUISINE

Interested on a specific cuisine tour throught the world famous Pousada's restaurants? If so Pousadas of Portugal suggests the itineraries below to take advantage of specific culinary specialties.

Take an absolutely unforgettable voyage of discovery into the best of Portuguese cuisine. Pousadas de Portugal restaurants are known for their superior quality and refined ambience. They provide guests with an unforgettable experience for all five senses. Pousadas de Portugal ate now making such precious moments even more special.

Suggested Route

Use it at any one of our 42 restaurants or accept our suggestions and follow one of the routes we have specially prepared for you

Fish & Shellfish Route

Start the morning by going to the fish auction to get to know the produce used in the dishes you will be enjoying. Later, at the Pousada Restaurant try fish or shellfish cataplanas, caldeiradas, or a whole range of other delicacies harvested from the sea.

São Brás de Alportel – Sagres – Palmela – Setúbal.

Cod Fishing Route

Bacalhau Dourado in Elvas, and Bacalhau Conventual in Beja, are just two of the 1001 ways of preparing codfish. You choose the Pousada, and we will prepare the dish.

Beja – Alvito – Arraiolos – Évora – Estremoz – Crato – Elvas – Vila Viçosa.

Long Live the Wine Route

To accompany a delicious gourmet meal featuring the most genuine regional cuisine, why not try the Minho region’s Vinho Verde, or explore the deep richness of the wines of the Douro.

Amares – Guimarães (Santa Marinha/N.Sra.Oliveira) – Viana do Castelo – Mesão Frio.

The Food of the Beiras Route

Fantastic sausages, kid or suckling pig. Bring the family to a Pousada in the Beiras region, discover and savour the region’s gastronomic delights.

Vila Pouca da Beira – Manteigas – Belmonte – Almeida – Condeixa-a-Nova.

Rice Route

The Terras do Sado region has forever been known for its paddy fields. Savour some of the many dishes that can be made using rice from one of Portugal’s foremost rice-growing regions, at these Pousadas.

Alcácer do Sal – Torrão – Santiago do Cacém.

Castles and Fortresses Route

Offer your children the thrill of sleeping in a castle where Queen Isabel slept oro f eating at the table of the first king of Portugal.

Óbidos – Palmela – Setúbal – Alcácer do Sal – Alvito – Estremoz.

Convents and Monasteries Route

Once places of worship and spiritual retreat, these days they still offer peace and quiet for both the body and the soul.

Arraiolos – Évora – Vila Viçosa – Crato

Reservations
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