Category: Pousadas of Portugal

The west coast of Spain and Portugal has cooling winds which keep the air cool and make a journey a pleasure at any time of the year.

This itinerary is for those wanting to experience a round trip of seven to ten days starting from Lisbon to Santiago de Compestela in Northern Spain staying in some of the best hotels. Most of the travel is on new motorways with the hotels only requiring a few miles diversion from the direct route

The route assumes travel via Lisbon airport which has many international flights although it can adjusted for those using (O)Porto and Santiago de Compostela international airports.

It is suggested that the first night is spent in Lisbon Where there are many hotels. We however suggest the small traditional Janeles Verdes hotel in the Embassy area near the river. The traffic congestion and signposting are bad in Lisbon. A taxi from the airport, in Lisbon itself and back to the airport to pick up a hire car is suggested.

The first stop is two hours to the north staying at Quinta das Lagrimas on the edge of the old university town of Coimbra.

Then continue north for two hours to the second city of Portugal, Porto and stay at the Pestana Porto hotel. This hotel is on the riverside in the UNESCO world heritage area with the famous Port Wine ‘Caves’ across the river. If an extra day can be managed here a trip upriver by boat to Regua is interesting with a return by train.

The next stop should be in the Pousada at Viana do Castelo. This Pousada has a famous view looking past the church to the estuary of the River Lima. Time should be taken to explore the old sailing port of Viana do Castelo where the trade in ‘Portugal Wine’ first started.

For those with time might like to include a night at the Parador of Bayona which can be reached by the old coast road with a ferry across the border river.

Our route however goes direct to Santiago de Compestela to stay two nights in the magnificent 5 star Parador which may be the oldest hotel in the world. In the middle ages, Santiago was the third most visited pilgrimage city after Rome and Jerusalem. The Cathedral takes one side of the main square with the Parador on another side. It is one of the few hotels where it is recommended at least one evening meal is taken in the main restaurant.

On the way back south on the motorway for two hours and spend a night at Guimaraes which was the capital when Lisbon was still occupied by the Moors. In winter, stay in the centre of the old town at Pousada Nossa Senhora da Oliveira but in summer Pousada Santa Mainha is in a magnificent old Convent on a nearby hill.

Rather than a second night in Lisbon, there is an interesting three hour drive for the last night. Near the airport follow the signs to the new Vasco de Gama bridge and go to the Pousada Palmela in the castle which looks over the plain below. Back along the same motorway and bridge takes you back to the airport missing the Lisbon traffic.

Many people travelling this route are ’senior citizens’. Because of this, many hotels are in the famous Paradores of Spain of Pousadas of Portugal groups which use historic government owned buildings and it is possible to obtain discounts on the standard price. These luxury hotels are very affordable if one person per room an take advantage of the older persons discount which is 40% if over 55 in the Pousadas or 30% for the over 60s in the Paradors. Restrictions apply and they are subject to availability.

There are also other promotions available for younger persons, such as 20% off the half board rate at a Parador if staying for two nights. Ask for the best price which has to be arranged at the time of reservation.

All these hotels require credit card details which will only be used in the case of a ‘no show’. Payment is made to the hotel at the end of the stay on check out.

IThe opportunity of visiting the Pousada Tavira in the eastern Algarve in Portugal was taken during the Easter break.

This Pousada has recently been converted from the Convento da Graca ( Graca Convent ) and is the only one of three Pousadas in the Algarve region based on a historical building.

The convent is on a hill in what was the old Jewish quarter of the town and surrounded by narrow streets. It was founded by King Sebastiao in 1569 and the excellent conversion into a hotel has maintained many of the original features including the Renaissance cloister and the baroque facade.

The Convento de Graca now contains 31 rooms and five suites with a contemporary design but in harmony with the age of the building. It has a restaurant serving international and regional food, a bar, meeting rooms and a gymnasium.

There are two swimming pools for adults and children with plenty of sunbathing area. A small museum contains Islamic artifacts which were found on the site during the conversion.

This is a fine place to stay with standard rooms for two persons starting at €150 in low season, rising to €250 in August, which includes a buffet breakfast for two persons and taxes.

The promotion which is most used by international visitors is a discount of 40% of the room rate if one person is over the age of 55. This is subject to availability and available from Sunday to Thursday nights except July, August and September. It is not available during certain national holiday periods.

Tavira is a pretty town which was largely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755. It is on both sides of the river Gilao which is linked using an old bridge. It has the nickname of “Venice of the Algarve”. The Pousada and the town contrast strongly with the concrete of the main tourism resorts in the central Algarve.

Golfers have the benefit of the courses recently constructed in the area including Benamor, Monte Rei and Quinta da Ria. In addition the courses of Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago and Huelva region of Spain are within reach.

About a mile away, across the salt pans are the deserted sandy beaches and villages of this part of the coast.

There is a problem with the signposting to the Pousada. On the exit from the motorway are the familiar blue signs pointing to the Pousada that are in use throughout Portugal.

Unfortunately the local mayor ( President of the Camara ), for reasons best known to himself, will not permit them. In the town there are white signs to “Convento da Graca”. Visitors to the Pousada should be prepared to follow the signs of both colours and to both the “Pousada” and the “Convento da Graca”.

Following these signs through narrow streets will bring you to this jewel of a hotel.

In February 2008 only, certain Pousadas of Portugal are offering an attractive discount. The prices for 2 nights, with breakfast included, vary between €120 to €200 depending on the Pousada chosen. These rates are for two persons sharing a room and includes breakfast.

This promotion is attractive to all except where at least or person in the room is aged over 55 years where the golden days discount gives a 40% discount on the standard rate .

The Pousada s in this offer, grouped under the nearest international airport, are:

Porto Airport (north of Portugal)

• Bragança - €150 for 2 nights
• Geres - Amares - €200 for 2 nights
• Guimaraes (Santa Marinha) - €200 for 2 nights
• Viana do Castelo - €150 for 2 nights
• Vila Nova de Cerveira - €150 for 2 nights

Lisbon Airport (Central Portugal)

• Alvito - €200 for 2 nights
• Alcacer do Sal - €200 for 2 nights
• Estremoz - €200 for 2 nights
• Santa Clara a Velha - €120 for 2 nights
• Sousel - €150 for 2 nights
• Condeixa a Nova - €150 for 2 nights
• Vila Vicosa - €200 for 2 nights

Faro Airport (South of Portugal)

• Sagres - €140 for 2 nights
• SaoBras de Alportel - €120 for 2 nights

Santa Cruz (Azores)

• Horta - €150 for 2 nights

The more expensive Pousadas are using the buildings of castles, old monasteries etc.

Conditions:
- This promotion is limited by the rates availability.
- Can not be accumulated with other promotions or special conditions, and is not valid for groups.
- All rates include service charge, local taxes and VAT and are subject to change without prior notice.
- Reservations paid by credit card will be automatically charged.
- Reservation cancellation made with credit card are subject to a €9.00 penalty.
- Cancellations: first night will be charged if the reservation is cancelled less than 48 hours prior to arrival date.
- No-Shows: The entire stay will be charged.

Persons over 55 years can get a 40% discount at the fabulous Pousadas of Portugal. Combined with low cost flights, it is an excellent opportunity for a high class mid week break at little cost.

The discount is available on single or double occupancy and only one traveller per room needs to be over 55. With this discount, the cost per person in a room for two, Sunday to Thursday, is approximately 36 Euros or £23. On Friday and Saturday nights, it may increase by 25 Euros as the Pousadas are very popular with the Portuguese and Spanish enjoying a weekend break.

Another option is the Golden Age Passport which is available for 375 Euros. This gives vouchers for 5 nights accommodation Sunday to Thursday inclusive and also 25% discount off the bill in any of the 42 Pousada restaurants.

There are more than 40 Pousada Hotels, many of which were formerly historic castles, monasteries, palaces, convents and other historic buildings. They all offer very high class accommodation and observe the best traditions of the regions where they are located.

The Pousadas are located throughout Portugal and many are to be found in the lesser known, unspoilt areas. One such area is the Costa Verde (The Green Coast) in the north of Portugal. It is one of the most beautiful areas of the country although it receives more rain than the Algarve.

The winter has an average of 5-6 hours of sunshine per day. This is a region of lush vegetation and small fields from which the area gets its name of “The Green Coast”.

Spring is a good time to visit to enjoy the warm sunshine and pleasant climate. It is after the winter rain and before the heat of the summer. The colour of the blossom of the trees starts with the Mimosa in February which is followed by the flowers of the fruit trees.

Two excellent Pousadas for a winter break in north Portugal are Pousada Monte Santa Luzia overlooking the delightful old sailing port of Viana do Castelo and Pousada Nossa Senhora da Oliveira in the centre of Guimaraes, once the capital of Portugal.

These Pousadas have been selected for their easy access to historic towns which can be enjoyed before the rush of tourists. Both towns have many cafes, shops, bars and restaurants and have easy motorway access to the airport.

Porto (Oporto) international airport is in the north of Portugal and TAP fly here twice a day from London Heathrow. Ryanair have two flights a day from London Stanstead and they also fly from Liverpool. In the next few weeks there will also be flights from East Midlands airport near Sheffield to Porto. There are also flights to the main European capital cities.

Also available is the Golden Age Passport which is available for Euro 375. This gives vouchers for 5 nights accommodation on any night except Friday and Saturday and also 25% off the bill in any of the 42 Pousada restaurants.

These offers are available for most but not all of the Pousadas. They are subject to availability and are limited to certain dates excluding such as Christmas, Carnival, Easter and the summer months. Conditions apply.

These discounts are available on single or double occupancy and only one traveller per room needs to be over 55.