Best small hotels for a spring getaway in Portugal

Por Nelson Carvalheiro

Best Small Hotels for a Spring Getaway in Portugal

Spring has arrived here in Portugal, making it the perfect time for a getaway. The sun is shining, flowers are in bloom and the beaches and cities are yours for exploring.

Check out our suggestions on where to stay (and what to do!) for a Spring getaway in Portugal:

Porto

Solar Egas Moniz

Rising from the banks of the Douro passing through it, Porto is a hilly, historic mix of bridges, Baroque churches and narrow mediaeval alleys. Portugal’s second city comes alive in spring. After the rains of winter, there is a renewal – a freshness and greenness – to the city as cafes and restaurants that line the River Douro fill with locals and visitors alike. A recent article in Vogue described Porto as Europe’s next Hot Spot. For visitors who want to wander outside of the city, the Douro Valley is close by, home to Portugal’s most renowned and picturesque vineyards.

And where better to explore the architectural, gastronomic and design delights of Porto than from the nearby Solar Egas Moniz. Housed in a beautifully restored 120-year old house, the Solar has a wine cellar (perfect for tasting the local Vinho Verde), a library and a swimming pool. The 10 guest rooms offer a choice of themes, popular art or history, and each is decorated with modern amenities while keeping an eye on tradition.

Lisbon

Brown’s Boutique Hotel & Apartments

Once the stomping ground of Romans, Moors and Crusaders, this historic hillside city has culture, cobblestones, cafés, cable cars and castles. There has never been a better time to visit Lisbon. The capital is in the midst of a major renaissance. The classic beauty of Lisbon, evident in the gracious architecture, beautiful parks and squares, magnificent views over the Tagus River and pastel colors, is juxtaposed today with the new and the trendy, buzzing nightlife and a vibrant arts and culture scene.

Just a short distance away from Lisbon’s main center square, right in the heart of the downtown area, Browns Boutique Hotel is a charming property full of character. Its 32 rooms are outfitted with Ipads, MacBooks, and docking stations. Accommodations are elegant and the complimentary breakfast will start the day off on the right foot. If it’s location you’re after, this is your spot – Lisbon awaits!

Alentejo

Pateo dos Solares Charm Hotel

Known for its cork trees and golden plains, the stunning region of Alentejo offers visitors a genuine sense of Portuguese rural life. Dazzling flowers carpet hillsides and almond blossoms light up the countryside. Storks guard their wild nests along roadsides and on top of church steeples. Alentejo in spring is glorious. Visitors can explore the region’s gently rolling roads in car, on hiking trails along the wild coast, or by bicycle.

But whatever your preferred method of transportation, the stylish Pateo dos Solares is the perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring. Located just a few kilometers outside of the charming town of Estremoz. Wine lovers will enjoy some of the award-winning vineyards nearby, including João Portugal Ramos and Tiago Cabaço. After sipping and strolling, return to the elegant Pateo dos Solares where the terrace bar, garden and swimming pool provide the perfect place for lounging, enjoying a glass of local wine, and planning the next day’s adventures.

Algarve

Vila Monte Farm House

The southerly Algarve is Portugal’s playground. The mild climate and broad beaches (more than 150 beaches to choose from!) make it ideal for family holidays by the sea. Springtime is the perfect time to visit, the sun shines brightly and the beaches are still secluded. Family-fun abounds here with water sports, nature, hiking and horseback riding and golf in abundance.

In typical Algarve style, Vila Monte, situated in the town of Moncarapacho, uses whitewashed surfaces and natural wood to create bright, airy atmospheres. The property sprawls over nine hectares, encompassing orange and olive groves, gardens and ponds, two swimming pools, a tennis court, and four buildings that house its 55 rooms and suites. The interiors were designed by Vera Iachia—who has worked with Andy Warhol and Jacques Grange—and the hotel offers activities perfect for a spring getaway including fishing trips in the Ria Formosa, boat tours, seafood tasting, desert island sunbathing, and trips to the Olhão market with the hotel chef.