Portugal - Best Hotels in the World!

'Hot list' of Conde Naste Traveller highlighted the Best New Hotels in the world

Fascinating hotel (Pousada) in historic Citadel of Cascais, Hotel do Carmo in Lisbon, Carmo Boutique Hotel in Ponte de Lima, Fazenda Nova in Tavira, Villa Extramuros in Evora (in Serra de Aires) are among 62 Best Hotels in the World 2013

These six units in Portugal were distinguished in the category of Best New Hotels under $300 in assessment that involved more than a thousand hotels worldwide.

The 'hot list' of 2013 of Conde Naste Traveller, which is one of the most reputable publications in the sector, assessed all areas, from architecture and design to quality of service and rooms.

The result distinguished both larger or smaller historical units, as amazing Pousada of Cascais of Pestana Group and other, as boutique hotel in Ponte de Lima or small Pousada in Tavira that has only ten rooms. Various details and originality are highlighted in every hotel, as pool area in Corbusier style 'villa' Extramural or enviable view of Lisbon from the best room in the Hotel do Carmo.

Travel and discover the best!

The most desirable activity in the world.. Travelling!

Travelling is one of the best, most interesting things in the world, one of our strongest desires always and something that inspired, gives us new impression, emotions, teaches us and simply makes us happy! 

Something that we wish to experience, to do again and again, this small and sometimes big pleasures of life. Travelling.
Discovering new beautiful things, listening to stories of fascinating places and great people, taste most delicious things ever! Tis is the target, this is the dream that always keeps us going.

Maybe not all the trips we make become thus unforgettable - in a positive note - experience and make us happy. But in a place called Portugal it is practically impossible.
Most luxurious spa retreats and Michelin starred spots, yes, there are many here, but not only. Most pleasant sometimes are the simple things, as observing an endless view of a river valley and then proving delicious regional wines right there. 

And this is for everyone, for one with a great taste, curiosity, way of living the life as a special one, going off beaten tracks and loving discoveries!

Portugal National Park of Gerês region is exactly what make such nomad dreams come true.
Endless lands, heritage monuments, mountains and waterfall, most charming little villages ever, offering you a boutique hotel accommodation and feeling at home, offering delicious regional culinary variations to indulge in and numerous extreme sports and adventure experiences to challenge yourself!

Travel with taste, curiosity, discover and prove new.
Come to Gerês, even if you've been to Portugal and any other natural resources - this one will no doubt surprise you a lot.
And give an unforgettable experience and excitement!

Only in Portugal

Travel and discover! Fascinating rural views and craft. Portugal

Heritage

Discover the cultural heritage of the Algarve as seen in its architecture, its landscape and its traditions. The echoes of the past can still be heard in the old lanes of the town, with their traditional houses dating from the golden age of cork when São Brás de Alportel was one of the main centres of the cork industry in the country.

In these parts, old Moorish legends can still be heard, with the bell of the main church in the background. A few metres away, it is well worth having a look at the Jardim da Verbena, close to the Old Episcopal Palace, and then walk along the “calçadinha”, the cobbled Roman road. In the countryside can be seen water-wheels and other hydraulic devices from a bygone era.

This thematic hub is the entry point for visitors into the wonderful world of cork.

Nature

On the way up to the hills of the serra, enjoy the dazzling scenery, with cork oaks as far as the eye can see! Breathe in the pure air, listen to the birds singing and experience an eco-system into which human beings merge harmoniously. Walk along the old footpaths, discover some of the habitats of Rede Natura 2000, in the hope of catching a glimpse of a Bonelli’s eagle or even the very rare Iberian lynx. In this natural setting, you will find out about the techniques for removing the cork from the trees and stacking it up, techniques that have been employed for centuries.

Rural Life

With us you can rediscover the old customs of the rural Algarve, while you ramble through the fields and the villages of the Barrocal, carefully whitewashed in a clear affirmation of their Arab heritage.

This is a unique opportunity to speak to farmers involved in their daily toil and to try out some of the most authentic culinary treats. Enjoy the honey, the ‘aguardente’ brandy, the liqueurs and local sweets, which incorporate the flowers and berries of the serra so well, and the dried fruits from the dryland orchards: carob, figs and almonds.

by Rota da Cortiça

Rock climbing in Centre of Portugal. Breathe taking landscapes and unforgettable views.

In the Centro de Portugal, to contemplate the landscape is to get united with Nature; to look at the valley and the mountains beyond, their lines shaped by time; to breath the fresh air and observe the slow sunset, followed by the afternoon colours… that’s when you feel the landscape

Due to the mild climate and only a few months of rain, the variety of natural and human environments in a small territory, climbing in Portugal is very pleasant and inexpensive, appropriate for families and friends who also wish to undertake other activities such as going to the beach, hiking, birdwatching, visiting monuments and learning about cultural traditions, etc. Although with no extensive or high cliffs, it is possible to climb in mountains, the coastline, rivers or near rural areas. It is also possible to climb on some beautiful islands of the Azores and Madeira

In the Centro de Portugal, there is a world of diversified landscapes to discover, permanently challenging the eye of the visitor: impressive mountains, long fields, ancient stones which set the design of magnificent natural monuments, glacier valleys, in a true puzzle made out of unique pieces put together in perfect harmony.

The Caramulo mountain, close to Viseu, is a telling example of Nature’s imaginative power. There you will find the granite rocks in strange, surprising shapes as well as an immaculate fresh air of proven therapeutic benefits. The Cambarinho Nature Reserve has the biggest concentration of Rose bays in Portugal.

The Arada mountain range is the ideal place for the practice of radical sports, with or without a guide, from mountain biking to hiking and climbing. The granite shroud covers the landscape with an unmistakable character. In the Centro de Portugal there are endless examples of impressive landscapes, endless valleys, hills or isolated rocks rising from the depth of the immense fields.

The Naturtejo Geopark offers countless range of new sceneries to explore.

The landscapes of Centro de Portugal are magical, with sacred woodlands which invite to contemplation and quietude.

The Buçaco National Woodland, with origins dating back to 1630, stretches over an extensive lush area, inhabited by rare species from the far corners of the Earth: Buçaco Cypresses, Tasmanian Eucalyptus, Sequoias, Conifers, Firs and Himalayan pine-trees. The scenery hints the aesthetic splendour of what’s coming next as you continue upwards: a revivalist 19th Century palace.

In the Centro de Portugal, the landscape tells stories of memorable times and opens itself like a book, eager for the eye of the reader.

Happy discovering!