Portugal is renowned for its vibrant cities and sun-kissed beaches, but venture beyond the usual tourist routes, and you’ll uncover a world of serene rural retreats and immersive experiences. From the lush landscapes of the North to the rugged coastlines of the Algarve, this guide will take you on a journey through some of Portugal's most charming countryside stays, paired with unforgettable tours that showcase the country's diverse beauty and culture.
Nestled in the heart of Minho, Terra Rosa Country House & Vineyards is a peaceful sanctuary where the only sounds are birdsong and rustling leaves. This charming country house, surrounded by vineyards, offers an authentic experience of Northern Portugal with tastefully decorated rooms and suites, a heated pool and the possibility to have a massage between the vineyards or a wine-tasting experience. This is a space dedicated to comfort and tranquillity, with an engaging and unique landscape.
Don’t Miss: Adventure in Peneda-Gerês National Park
The nearby Peneda-Gerês National Park is a must-visit for the adventurous at heart. The Peneda-Gerês National Park Adventure Tour offers a multi-activity experience, including hiking, kayaking and wildlife spotting, in one of Portugal’s most beautiful and untouched natural reserves.
A short distance from the Douro Valley's famous vineyards, Solar Egas Moniz combines heritage and comfort in a 18th-century manor in Penafiel, a beautiful city with 242 years of history, giving it a degree of antiquity and charm, in contrast to a young and dynamic city, full of commercial spaces that keep the historical centre alive.
This boutique hotel is perfect for wine lovers seeking tranquillity after a day exploring Portugal's most famous wine region.
Explore on Two Wheels: The Charming Douro Valley Bike Tour
The Douro Valley is not only famous for its wine but also its stunning landscapes. Experience it differently with the Charming Douro Valley Bike Tour, where you’ll pedal through terraced vineyards and charming villages, all while soaking in breathtaking views.
Deep in the heart of Portugal, Chão do Rio is one of the first rural projects to receive a Biosphere certification in Portugal, result of their sustainability and a simple way of life. Located near Seia, at Serra da Estrela Natural Park (the largest protected area in Portugal) the property has 7 traditional stone cottages surrounded by nature. With its beautiful meadows, walking trails and natural swimming pool, it’s the ideal escape for those looking to reconnect with the land.
Walk the Path of History: The Historical & Schist Villages Walking Tour
Discover Portugal’s hidden history with the Historical & Schist Villages Off-the-Beaten Path, which takes you through ancient villages, hidden in the mountainous regions of Central Portugal, each one with preserved traditions and habits of its people.
From Douro region and its wines to Serra da Estrela Mountain and its cheeses, passing by the Historical Villages, this tour offers you the best of Portugal: nature, adventure, history and gastronomy.
Near Fátima, Luz Houses blends rustic charm with spiritual tranquillity. This serene retreat is perfect for relaxation and introspection, offering a peaceful environment surrounded by lush greenery.
The decoration of the individual rooms will inspire you and you will feel at home, enjoying the little things in life, like a night under the moonlight enjoying the starry sky or the warmth of the fireplace.
Yoga & Meditation Retreat
Enhance your stay with a rejuvenating Yoga & Meditation Retreat, designed to balance mind and body while taking in the peaceful surroundings. This retreat takes place at Luz Houses, a place that gathers all the necessary conditions for an amazing experience. An all-inclusive package so that you have no worries and can enjoy this transforming experience to the fullest. A soul experience.You will have at your disposal activities that provide reflection and concentration, from hiking and picnics to magical massages and enchanted nights.
Located in the rolling hills of Alentejo, Quinta das Lavandas is a lavender-scented dream. This boutique farm stay in the heart of Alentejo, surrounded by endless fields of lavender, is an immersive experience of the region’s natural beauty. Opposite the plantation and the organic garden is the building which was reconstructed until the last detail in comfort and that houses 7 rooms, all different and inspired by the flora of the estate, which gives each one of them an individual name. Castelo de Vide is just 4 kilometres away and it has a stunning beauty, rich vegetation and historical legacy, which give the town the charisma of one of the most romantic towns in the Alentejo region.
Discover History: The Jewish Heritage Tour
Dive into Portugal’s rich cultural history with the Jewish Heritage Tour, exploring ancient synagogues, Jewish quarters and cultural landmarks that tell the story of the Jewish community in Portugal. For this tour, we handpicked a selection of the most charming cities, villages and sites including Belmonte, the place of the sole Peninsular community legitimately heir to the ancient historical presence of the Sephardic Jews.
Montimerso offers guests a truly unique experience in the Alentejo countryside, with panoramic views of the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve. Located in Monsaraz, the house displays the traditional whitewashed walls of the Alentejo houses and a modern and minimalist design aesthetic.
Guests can explore the region’s scenic beauty, the delicious gastronomy or go on an adventure in a balloon or horse ride. By night, gaze at the stars in one of the world’s best stargazing destinations as Montimerso is within the Darksky® Alqueva Reserve, the world's first UNESCO-certified starlight tourism destination.
Look to the Stars: Dark Sky Alqueva
Take advantage of the pristine night skies in Alentejo with a stargazing experience like no other in Europe, where the clarity of the sky allows you to see far beyond what city lights obscure.
Perched in the hills overlooking the Atlantic, Herdade da Matinha is an idyllic retreat in Coastal Alentejo, combining comfort, style and an incredible location. Here, you’ll find endless walking paths and pristine beaches just a stone’s throw away. Located in the picturesque village of Cercal, the property invites you to experience real luxury: silence. Herdade da Matinha extends over 110 hectares of cork oak and stone pine forest, where two rustic houses have been restored and are now with doors open in this superb Alentejo retreat.
At Herdade da Matinha you can enjoy horseback riding, a picnic or even a Yoga or Pilates class. You can also explore the Vicentina Route to enjoy the unique flora and fauna of the Alentejo and follow the path until you reach the nearby towns of Porto Covo, Vila Nova de Milfontes or Zambujeira do Mar.
Hike the Rota Vicentina: Coastal Alentejo Walking Tour
Our Coastal Alentejo & Rota Vicentina Walk Tour is perfect for those who want to explore the rugged beauty of Portugal’s coastline. Traverse dramatic cliffs, remote beaches and picturesque fishing villages along one of Portugal’s most famous hiking trails. Rota Vicentina is a hidden treasure in Portugal’s south-west coast, between Alentejo and the Algarve. In this tour, you will walk in the historical way and fishermen's trails and have the opportunity to discover the region’s authenticity, culture and gastronomy, especially if you appreciate fish and seafood.
In the historic city of Lagos, Casa Mãe is an intimate boutique hotel blending modern design with a laid-back atmosphere. The perfect base for exploring the quieter side of the Algarve. While there, join in a pottery or kitchen workshop, do yoga or enjoy the fantastic beaches of Lagos. Rent a bike and discover the coast of the Algarve. Be surrounded by the ocean and some of the most beautiful European beaches.
Lagos is a region of the Algarve filled with life and where you will find beaches with clear blue water, slopes and where the view is breathtaking.
Costa Vicentina Algarve Walk Tour
Discover a wild scrubby expanse of low hills and wave-pounded cliffs. Our Costa Vicentina Algarve Walking Tour takes you along this stunning stretch of coastline, combining the beauty of the sea with rugged landscapes to discover miles of golden beaches, authentic rural life, fishing communities and old villages that seem to be lost in time. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the famous Benagil caves, a natural wonder on the Algarve coast.
For those seeking a rural escape in the Algarve, Monte do Álamo offers a peaceful retreat in the rolling hills near Tavira. Surrounded by orchards and farmland, it’s a beautiful base to experience the region’s natural and culinary delights. It is distributed in 6 rooms with a tasteful environment combined with comfort, resulting from the recovery of an old farmhouse. Here the Alentejo gastronomy merges with the Algarve, with unique flavors at the table. Dine outdoors surrounded by the tranquillity of the countryside and a typically Algarvian landscape, among olive and almond trees.
Savor the Flavors: Food Lovers in Algarve Tour
Foodies will adore our Food Lovers in Algarve Tour, which offers an immersive journey into the flavors of the region, from fresh seafood to traditional sweets. In this tour, we combine the best places in the Algarve with the food that represents this region and a unique farm to table experience, where guests go with the chef to the local Olhão market. Travel along the flavours of fresh bread, gold olive oil, wine, the best seafood, aromatic herbs and fresh products from natural vegetable gardens. Enjoy the Mediterranean diet, intangible Heritage Patrimony by UNESCO.
Set on São Miguel Island in the Azores, in the historic building of the former Estalagem Senhora da Rosa, arises Senhora da Rosa, a boutique hotel surrounded by lush gardens and orchards, offering a perfect base to explore this volcanic archipelago’s rich natural beauty. Enjoy the “Magma” restaurant focused on the flavours of the land and the season, indulge in treatments made with fruits and flowers from the farm at the SPA “Musgo” and enjoy the outdoor hot water pool overlooking the immense green so characteristic of the island.
Discover the Azores: Nature & Food Lovers Tour
Discover a unique ecosystem in São Miguel Island. For a true taste of the Azores, our Nature & Food Lovers Azores Tour combines culinary delights with breathtaking natural landscapes, including volcanic lakes, dramatic coastlines, and hot springs. The magnificent landscapes and authentic experiences will make you feel like a local and leave you with the sensation that you have always belonged there.
Sail in the Atlantic to watch dolphins and whales that live around the island, hike through nature trails to discover the Caldeira das Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, do an E-bike tour through the forest and experience an unforgettable canyoning experience. Last but not least, have a true gastronomic experience by The Art of Tasting Portugal with Chef Cláudio Pontes.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation or a taste of Portugal’s rich history and culture, these boutique stays and curated tours offer a deeper connection to the country’s hidden gems. Explore Portugal beyond the cities and discover the magic that awaits in its serene countryside and untouched natural landscapes.
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