While Portugal is most known for its white sandy beaches, wine, and superb delicacies, you wouldn’t want to overlook the enchanting accommodations you could opt for rather than the usual contemporary hotels. With it being one of the oldest countries in the European continent, it is also known for its well-preserved 16th- to 19th-century architectural structures. Particularly, their castles, which have been turned into hotels that anyone can book. Make your trip a memorable one by staying in a castle hotel and let everyone back home know you stayed where the actual royalty lived. Here’s the lowdown on the best castle hotels in Portugal.
Tip from Content Creator
Before you splurge on a castle hotel, you might want to find out which part of Portugal matches your vibe. Overall, I’d rank Portugal a solid eight. Here’s why:Portugal has so many different vibes, and regardless of what you're looking for, you can probably find it here. I loved having a new experience in each place. Lisbon had that buzzy, big-city feeling, with incredible food, nightlife, and romantic, winding streets; Porto felt like I’d been transported back in time; Madeira had all of the gorgeous island vibes; and the Algarve was a perfect oasis for relaxing while soaking in the sun and sea. Don't forget to visit the gorgeous island of The Azores if you have time, as well.
Where you choose to stay totally depends on what you’re looking to get out of your trip, but if I had to do mine again, I’d probably spend a week in Madeira and a week in Algarve. I love nature, so those beautiful views make a trip worthwhile for me. If you’re a city person, though, you’d probably have the best time in Lisbon and Porto.
Tip: wherever you go in Portugal, be prepared for lots of seafood! I personally enjoy seafood, but if you’re not a big fan, you might struggle with what to eat, so just keep this in mind ahead of time.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 11, 2024.
1. Pousada de Marvao (from USD 129)
Discover the charm of Marvao at this delightful hotel, nestled within the historic village. Immerse yourself in the medieval ambiance, surrounded by ancient walls and breathtaking views. Explore the nearby castles of Marvao, Ammaia, and Castelo de Vide, and revel in the natural beauty of Serra de Sao Mamede Natural Park.
After a day of adventure, retreat to your cozy room, indulge in regional cuisine, and witness the mesmerizing sunset over the mountains. Enjoy the convenience of free Wi-Fi and free parking, ensuring a seamless and comfortable stay.
Pousada de Marvao
Address: Rua 24 Janeiro, 7
153.12 km (95.2 mi) from Castle of Óbidos
2. Pousada Castelo de Alvito (from USD 90)
The Portuguese architecture really stands out in this castle hotel. The combination of Gothic, Islamic, and Manueline artistry set against the beautiful Alentejan plains is enough for anyone to feel like they’re in a fairytale no one should ever wake them from. The hotel offers access to a fully stocked bar, lush garden where you can take a relaxing walk, an outdoor pool to unwind in, and a terrace to act out all your Romeo and Juliet scenes. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a few peacocks strutting around the garden. The rooms has all the essentials that you may need for a comfortable stay, including air conditioning, cable TV, free wireless internet access, an en-suite bathroom, and more
Pousada Castelo de Alvito
Address: Alvito
159.08 km (98.9 mi) from Castle of Óbidos
3. Pousada Mosteiro do Crato (from USD 151)
If you are searching for where to stay in Portugal? Look no further! Pousada Mosteiro do Crato is a perfect mix of historical and modern. It still bears an uncanny resemblance to its castle and the hotel still pays tribute to its original owners, who were the Hospitallers of the Order of Malta by displaying their unique motif all throughout the hotel. Enjoy the hotel’s elegant pool or take a stroll along its beautiful gardens before heading on over to the Crato Pousada’s excellent restaurant that will give you the dinner of a lifetime. There are superior rooms and suites with mod cons and warm decor. Make sure to ask about the luxury suite that’s located in what was once a dungeon, if you’re interested. There’s a restaurant and a 24-hour reception service available here.
Pousada Mosteiro do Crato
Address: Mosteiro Sta Maria de Flor da Rosa
129.92 km (80.8 mi) from Castle of Óbidos
4. Pousada Castelo de Palmela (from USD 167)
Competitive pricing for a historic castle hotel with stunning views.
Spacious rooms, beautiful courtyard, and a special surprise gift for guests with dogs.
Quiet hilltop location with breathtaking panoramic views and close proximity to beaches and historical sites.
Fantastic breakfast with a wide variety of options, excellent dinner with local tastes, and accommodating staff for special occasions.
Majestic, dignified, and luxurious — these are the words that best describe this medieval hotel. It was built in the 12th century by the Moors, in the middle of a hilltop town. What was once a castle turned convent, and is now a convent turned hotel with a lot of rooms and lounging areas still carrying remnants of what the buildings once were. That’s what makes it one of the best castle hotels in Europe — there’s so much to imagine and so much to explore in this charming old hotel. The rooms here have a minibar, cable TV, and a modern bathroom. Plus, there’s a bar on site that pairs excellent drinks with pleasing views.
Pousada Castelo de Palmela
Address: Castelo de Palmela
91.43 km (56.9 mi) from Castle of Óbidos
5. Pousada Castelo de Obidos (from USD 606)
Luxurious stay in a historic castle, but some rooms are small and may lack modern amenities. Dinner prices can be high, and fixed-price reservations may lead to miscommunication.
Beautifully maintained castle with stunning views, charming common areas, and a lovely breakfast spread. Some rooms may lack modern facilities and may be noisy.
Perfectly situated inside the walled town of Óbidos, providing easy access to the city's attractions and panoramic views. However, parking can be challenging, and accessing the hotel may require a steep uphill walk.
The restaurant offers a charming medieval ambiance and a good breakfast, but dinner prices can be high, and the quality may not always match the cost. Some guests experienced slow service and miscommunications regarding fixed-price reservations.
Be amazed and marvel at one of UNESCO’s possible World Heritage sites when you book a stay at one of the best pousadas in Portugal. Obidos is among the most-visited towns by Portuguese monarchs when they just need to relax and take a respite from all their royal duties, so who knows, you may get a William and Kate love story out here. Pousada de Obidos itself is a 12th-century medieval castle that would be a charm to stay at. It has spacious rooms and suites with all the modern conveniences. Some of the rooms here boasts chandeliers and stone walls, adding a touch of luxury to your vacation. Feeling peckish? There’s a restaurant on site, serving delectable Portuguese fare. Plus, there are a plethora of eateries and cafes nearby. If you wish to explore the area, there’s a 24-hour front desk that can help arrange tours for you.
Pousada Castelo de Obidos
Address: Paço Real
27 meters (89.5 ft) from Castle of Óbidos
6. Pousada Castelo de Alcacer do Sal (from USD 178)
Located in a town that screams old Phoenician villages and Roman ruins, this castle in Portugal is one of the most beautiful hotels in the country. The Baroque architectural style of what was once a grand castle still stands in its place as it’s now a comfortable and luxurious hotel for travellers to the town. Enjoy the hotel’s swimming pool as you watch the sunset along the Sado River and know deep in your heart that this is what the world needs more of — magical moments where time doesn’t seem to exist. All the rooms here are kitted out with basic necessities like cable TV, wireless internet access, a minibar, air conditioning and heating, as well as an en-suite bathroom.
Pousada Castelo de Alcacer do Sal
Address: Castelo de Alcácer
123.48 km (76.8 mi) from Castle of Óbidos
7. Pousada Castelo de Estremoz (from USD 200)
Reasonable pricing for a historic castle hotel with excellent value for money.
Spacious rooms, beautiful grounds, refreshing pool, and well-maintained historic decor.
Perfectly situated in a historic town with stunning views and easy access to local attractions.
Delicious breakfast with a wide variety, excellent dinner options, and friendly, attentive staff.
This 13th-century castle-turned-luxurious hotel is filled with so much beauty that just being in it lets you know and feel the importance it has to Portugal’s history. Silks and velvets adorn the hotel’s interior, and antiques of historical importance are being displayed proudly. Bask in the glory of the Alentejan plains from the hotel’s outdoor courtyard or its private gardens, or swim in the hotel’s outdoor pool. Either way, you’re going to find yourself in an aesthetically interesting place, with all the castle’s battlements still standing tall around you. The guest rooms stands out with their classic decor; some of these have pieces dating back to the 1700s. Enjoy Portuguese fare with modern touch at the on-site restaurant.
Pousada Castelo de Estremoz
Address: Largo D. Diniz
146.97 km (91.4 mi) from Castle of Óbidos
8. Pousada de Angra do Heroismo Castelo de S. Sebastiao (from USD 69)
High stone walls, two sentry posts, and a turret of its original fortress are what welcome you at the Pousada de Angra, which was once a castle/military fortress. It’s nestled within the Saint Sebastian’s Little Castle that dates back to the 1500s. Take a gander at the hotel’s beautiful pool and relax in it’s hot tub before heading on over to the in-hotel restaurant that serves up traditional Portuguese cuisine. Talk about your day’s adventure as you watch the beautiful waves on the ocean dance back and forth. Book one of the luxurious rooms in this hotel; some come with a terrace. There is also one suite with contemporary furnishings, if you’d prefer a classier stay. You don’t have to worry about basic necessities like TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and heating, or an en-suite bathroom because this castle hotel has you covered.
Pousada de Angra do Heroismo Castelo de S. Sebastiao
Address: Rua do Castelinho, s/n
1559.46 km (969.1 mi) from Castle of Óbidos
Enjoy every bit of Portugal
Being in such a historical place with fascinating places to visit fills you with so much wonder and amazement at what humans before us have gone through, and that’s the whole point of traveling — to be amazed and to never stop wondering. Have a wonderful trip to Portugal, as there is a wide range of exciting things to do there.
Frequently asked questions about castle hotels in Portugal
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