Pousada Patios & Terraces

Portugal is known for a great many things, but towards the top of that list is certainly its wonderful weather, excellent wine and good options. Why not combine the three and dine 'al fresco'? We've chosen some of our favourite Pousada patios and terraces where you can enjoy a tipple or a bite to eat in the fresh air.

Porto and the North

Pousada Caniçada-Gerês
This Pousada is located in a beautiful mountain chalet-style hotel on a viewpoint over the Caniçada dam on the Cávado River and enjoys stunning views of the surrounding hills and valley, which can be admired from the terrace. It is close to the Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal’s only national park, where the Pousada’s guests can enjoy the natural green setting and take part in a plethora of outdoor activities such as fishing, canoeing and hiking.

Traditional Portuguese dishes are served in the Pousada’s restaurant, and these can be enjoyed outside overlooking the river on a warm summer’s day.

Pousada Mosteiro de Amares
Nestled between the city of Braga and the Serra do Gerês, this Pousada occupies a former s a 12th century monastery surrounded by nature and wonderful views. This rural location is a nature lover’s dream with hiking and birdwatching readily available within the nearby Peneda- Gerês National Park. Culture vultures can also get their fill with the nearby churches of Santuario de Nossa Senhora da Abadia and Santuario de São Bento da Porta Aberta.

Here guests can enjoy a typical Portuguese meal in the Pousada’s restaurant. Set in the old kitchen of the monastery, with the reconstructed original chimney, ovens and food heating stoves cut into the stone, it offers a beautiful rustic experience. Relax with a tipple in the Pousada’s peaceful courtyard or terrace.

Pousada de Viana do Castelo
Situated high on the Monte de Santa Luzia, overlooking the coastal town of Viana do Castelo, this Pousada is a throwback to early 20th-century Riviera-style travel. Selected rooms have panoramic views over the ocean and charming mountain landscapes, and there’s a funicular that takes you right into the heart of the town below. This an ideal location for water sports and nature enthusiasts alike.

Guests dining in the restaurant must request terrace seating in the summer. The large terrace, with its arches and fabulous views of the charming basilica and coastal backdrop is the perfect place to sample delicious Portuguese dishes such as cod, grilled octopus and kid stew.

Pestana Palácio do Freixo
Built by Nicolau Nasoni in the 18th century, one of the prominent figures behind Portuguese Baroque architecture, this beautiful palace sits rights on the banks of the Douro river, just a 10-minute drive. The facade of this hotel was declared a National Monument in 1910, and many of the original features of the Palace have been maintained , such as the chapel and the impressive communal areas.

The hotel enjoys wonderful views over the river and, in summer months, guests can relax and enjoy drinks at the poolside bar and terrace, or cool off with a dip in the infinity pool.

Alentejo

Pousada Convento de Beja
Found in the old Convent of São Francisco in Beja, this Pousada is a beautiful example of Portuguese religious and gothic architecture. Located in the very heart of the town, the Pousada is just a stone’s throw away from the Praca da Republica and Beja Castle. 

The Pousada has a spacious garden area with seasonal pool and a terrace surrounded by palm trees, belying its urban location. The Pousada’s charming restaurant, located a bright space characterised by its high, vaulted ceiling, offers a range of typical Alentejan dishes.

Pousada Convento de Arraiolos
Occupying the site of a 16th-century former convent with views of the Alentejo valley, this Pousada perfectly blends the historic nature of the building with modern comfort and style. The Pousada enjoys plenty of outdoor space with a good-sized seasonal outdoor pool (as well as a heated indoor pool) and a large garden with a terrace overlooking the valley, the perfect spot for a drink or meal on a warm day. 

The Pousada is located a mile from the historic village of Arraiolos, best known for its Persian-style carpets, an important part of the town’s heritage whose production dates back to the 16th century. Arraiolos is also well situated to make the most of the Alentejo plains with activities such as hiking, cycling and horse riding and centre, and the nearest town, Évora, is just 16 miles away.

Pousada Convento de Évora
Situated just a minute’s walk from the Roman Temple of Évora, this charming Pousada is a converted former monastery. It retains elements of its historic architecture, such as courtyard cloisters, as well as peaceful patio area where its seasonal swimming pool can be found.

The Pousada’s rooms are old monk’s cells, where only the purpose and decorations were changed, offering a cosy yet comfortable space where you can relax in a tranquil setting.

Explore traditional local Alentejano cuisine at the Pousada’s restaurant, which was once the monks’ refectory and where you can sit in one of the cloisters. The Pousada’s bar also offers seating in a covered cloister, or on the patio where you can soak up the sunshine and the history that the building has to offer.

Pousada Castelo de Alcácer do Sal
Found in a hilltop medieval castle, just a 10-minute walk from the Sado Estuary and an hour from Lisbon, is the Pousada Castel de Alcácer do Sal. The site has been occupied since the Neolithic era and the castle itself dates back to the Middle Ages acting as a defensive stronghold for many centuries. In the 19th century it was even home to an order of Carmelite nuns! Today you will find the tranquil Pousada, offering respite and comfort to its guests with comfortable rooms and a seasonal swimming pool and terrace, set against the gorgeous backdrop of the original castle structure. 

The Pousada’s restaurants offers a good variety of typical Portuguese cuisine in a charming setting and you can enjoy a drink from the Pousada’s bar in the peaceful cloisters.

Algarve

Pousada Convento de Tavira
This beautifully restored 16th-Century convent turned historic hotel is located in the heart of Tavira, Algarve. Perched on Tavira’s Castle Hill, the Pousada sits within the historic centre, mere steps from the Roman Bridge and cobbled streets. Guests can enjoy easy access on foot to local shops, eateries, and the ferry (and water taxis) that crosses to Ilha de Tavira’s sandy beaches in about 15 minutes.

The restaurant, set in the former convent’s dining hall, serves a range of regional dishes such as roast octopus and tuna mojama.

There are two seasonal outdoor pools (one adult and one children’s), as well as sunny, cloistered courtyards where you can relax with a refreshing drink or bite to eat.

Pousada Palácio de Estoi
This striking palace is comprised of a variety of styles; predominantly Italian Baroque, with Rococo, Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and Romantic influences. 

Inspired by the Queluz Palace near Lisbon, with its pink-tinged facade (a signifier of royalty in Portugal) and Versailles-style terraced gardens, the Pousada is built across 3 levels with dual staircases adorned in colourful azulejo tiles. The Pousada enjoys extensive grounds and gardens amongst which you will find a outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool, as well as a full service spa/health club.

The Pousada’s O Visconde restaurant, housed in the renovated palace kitchens, offers meals served both indoors and on the outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens.

Pousada de Sagres
The Pousada de Sagres occupies a bluff overlooking Sagres Fortress and Cape St Vincent – the south westernmost point of continental Europe which was once considered ‘the end of the world’ prior to the Age of Discovery and ventures into the New World. It is no surprise then that the Pousada was constructed in 1960 to mark the 500th anniversary of Prince Henry the Navigator’s death.  Designed in a Moorish – inspired style, the Pousada feature archways, nautical motifs and maritime tapestries reflecting its history.

The Pousada enjoys a large garden area with a good-sized seasonal outdoor pool and minimal foliage to make the most of the spectacular views of the Atlantic. The panoramic restaurant and bar open onto terraces offering breath-taking ocean and fortress views, with the menu highlighting regional seafood and Algarve-style cuisine.

From the Pousada it is just a 5-10 minute walk to Mareta Beach, fortress, trails, local restaurants and prime surfing spots. Activities such as surfing, hiking, biking, dolphin-watching, diving and boat tours can be organised via the reception.

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