Sintra is a hidden gem in Portugal, only 30 minutes from Lisbon. An official UNESCO Cultural Landscape, Sintra features incredible palaces that once belonged to royals and aristocrats, incredible beaches, and magical forests. 

If you’re planning your visit, you must also be looking for the perfect hotel in Sintra. We have got you covered with our top favorite hotels in Sintra, at various price points to fit your budget. Let’s take a look at the 9 best hotels in Sintra.

Travel Guide: Sintra

1. Tivoli Palacio de Seteais

Tivoli Palacio de Seteias is a 5-star hotel that offers an ambiance of the XVIII century that will make you feel like royalty. The hotel is filled with ballrooms with beautiful tapestries and rooms with elegant furniture. The hotel is located 1 kilometer from the center of Sintra and provides views of the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace. Palacio de Seteais features a swimming pool, tennis courts, and an equestrian center where you can enjoy a horse riding lesson. The Restaurant Seteais offers a refined palace-like setting serving Portuguese and international cuisine. The Anantara Spa is tucked on the grounds of the palace between exotic gardens and mountain space. The spa has three treatment rooms, including one for couples where you can enjoy Vichy shower therapy, massages, and more.

2. Penha Longa Resort

Penha Longa Resort is a 5-star resort that features a 27-hole championship golf course, a 1500m2 spa center, and three Michelin star restaurants. Located around 4 kilometers from the center of Sintra in the rolling hills of the Sintra Cascais Nature Reserve, the resort was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The resort features indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and squash courts, horse riding, a spa, and fitness center, as well as a kids club. All guest rooms have private balconies with views of the gardens, pools, and golf courses. Penha Longa Resort is known for its restaurants, having 9 in total, with 3 being awarded Michelin stars: the Japanese restaurant Midori, the Basque restaurant The Eneko Lisboa, and LAB by Sergi Arola.

3. Vila Gale Sintra

A 5-minute drive from the center of Sintra, Vila Gale Sintra is located in Varzea de Sintra and is purposely designed to provide a positive wellness experience with an innovative health concept. The Spa Satsanga has a panoramic heated indoor pool with views of the Varzea de Sintra, a sauna, a hot tub, a Turkish bath, a gym, a fitness area, and more. The hotel offers a Revival Medical Spa which features a store, medical appointments, as well as nursing and clinical analysis. The facilities are endless, from a beauty salon to a library and a Kids Club with a trampoline, this place is tailored for the whole family. Each guest room is carefully decorated and features a private balcony. The restaurants feature light gourmet and low-calorie buffet options with views of the Pena Palace.

4. Sintra Marmoris Palace

A 19th-century manor house, Sintra Marmoris Palace is only a 7-minute walk from the historical center of Sintra. This place opened in 2017 after being restored, over 100 years after it was first built. The Marmoris Palace has 9 rooms divided over two separate buildings, between 14,000m2 of landscaped gardens. The elegant rooms offer views of Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle. While the Marmoris Palace does not feature a spa, it includes a large outdoor pool that can be partially covered. You will get greeted with a complimentary drink and perhaps a few peacocks wandering the gardens.

5. Lawrence’s Hotel

A country-style house in the heart of Sintra, Lawrences Hotel was founded in 1764 by an English man, making it the oldest hotel in Portugal. Many iconic authors have slept in these rooms, including Eça de Queirós and George Lord Byron. The hotel features elegant French windows and a romantic atmosphere with modern amenities in the guest rooms including Wi-Fi and a TV. Each room has its own name, rather than a number to preserve the romantic ambiance of the hotel throughout the centuries. Lawrence’s Hotel also features a spa and a restaurant with views of the greenery of Sintra.

6. Chalet Saudade

Purchased and renovated by a couple in the early 2000s, Chalet Saudade offers stunning rooms with painted high ceilings and incredible sunlight, in the heart of Sintra. Although the 19th-century building has been renovated, the architecture and style remain in place. Chalet Saudade features romantic gardens with antique water fountains and ponds, typical of mansions and large homes in Sintra. This place has plenty of room options, from a superior suite to a family suite, as well as twin rooms.

7. Sintra Boutique Hotel

Sintra Boutique Hotel is a 4-star hotel in the center of the historic town of Sintra, offering views of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. The hotel features an upscale restaurant serving Portuguese cuisine with a contemporary twist. Each spacious room comes equipped with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with luxury toiletries. Sintra Boutique Hotel is also part of the Travel Sustainable program, as its taken significant steps to make sure your stay is more eco-friendly.

8. Tivoli Sintra

Tivoli Sintra is located in a relaxing setting within the Sintra greenery with views of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. A 4-star hotel, Tivoli Sintra is located within walking distance from Sintra’s main attractions. Each modern room features air conditioning, a minibar, and a satellite TV. The Miranda Restaurant offers panoramic views, serving a menu of Portuguese and international dishes. Relax and have a drink after dinner at the Terrace Bar.

9. Sintra Green Chalet Bed & Breakfast

One of the best bed and breakfasts in Sintra, Green Chalet Bed & Breakfast is only 10 minutes from the historical center. This B&B has two floors, 9 rooms, a breakfast area, a garden, and an outdoor terrace. The green theme seeks to represent the vegetation of Sintra. The outdoor terrace is oftentimes used for yoga lessons, perfecting for getting to know other tourists.

Located in the center of Portugal, Coimbra attracts more tourists every year due to being home to one of the oldest universities in the world and its unique architecture. Both the University of Coimbra and the uptown of the city, are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are booking your trip to see these beautiful attractions, where to stay in Coimbra is on your mind. To help you out, let’s take a look at the 5 best hotels in Coimbra.

Travel Guide: Coimbra

1. Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas

A 5-star hotel, Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas is located in a historic medieval palace that was recently renovated. Featuring botanical gardens and a luxurious spa with views of the city, as well as a 9-hole golf course, this hotel has all the facilities you need. The 2 restaurants at the hotel serve seasonal dishes with local ingredients. There are 3 room types at Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas: palace rooms that once accommodated the Duke of Wellington, garden rooms that overlook the botanical gardens, and spa rooms with a hydrotherapy bathtub.

2. Solar Antigo Luxury Coimbra

Located in the heart of Coimbra, only 400 meters from the University of Coimbra, Solar Antigo Luxury Coimbra is a 4-star boutique hotel that features views of the city. A historical building, its traditional architecture has been kept intact, while including all the modern amenities necessary for a comfortable stay. The hotel features rooms and apartments, as well as a suite with a private pool. The units come equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom with free toiletries, and a stovetop.

3. Tivoli Coimbra

Tivoli Coimbra is a 4-star hotel located in the historical center of Coimbra that features a modern shared lounge with the Simone Coffee Shop, where a barista can fix you up a warm cappuccino. The staff offers 24-hour service and helps you arrange rental cars and tours of the city. The bright rooms feature large windows to let the light in, a comfortable seating area, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV.

4. Sapientia Boutique Hotel

A 4-star hotel, Sapientia Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of Coimbra, 400 meters from the University of Coimbra. With a stunning rooftop terrace to watch the sunset over the city and modern rooms, guests rate this hotel very positively. This place features a restaurant, bar, and terrace, as well as comfortable family rooms. The rooms come equipped with air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom, while some also feature a kitchenette.

5. Quinta da Granja Villa and Gardener’s Cottage

A 4-star colonial-style house, Quinta da Granja features one-bedroom New York-style cottages surrounded by forests. This place has a large garden with 18 different fruit trees and a kitchen garden with fresh organic fruit and vegetables from the garden. The outdoor swimming pool overlooks the village of Lobazes and the grapevine patio. The units come with a private pool, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, and a private bathroom.

Fátima is located one hour drive from Lisbon and is surrounded by mountainous parks and villages with stoned houses. However, it is mostly known for the miracles in the iconic Sanctuary of Fátima. 

The city has something for every traveler’s budget. From petite guesthouses to affordable four-star hotels, the city has a lot to offer. Let’s take a look at our 9 favorite hotels in Fátima.

Travel Guide: Fatima

1. Hotel Santa Maria

This four-star hotel is a 2-minute walk from the sanctuary. Hotel Santa Maria has a modern interior, spacious rooms, as well as a meditation room and chapel. The terrace on the fourth floor provides amazing views of the sanctuary. You can get a double room here for €55 with breakfast included. A family room for a family of four costs €89.

2. Steyler Fátima Hotel Congress & Spa

Steyler Fátima is only 100 meters away from the sanctuary. The four-star hotel has large modern rooms with terraces, a Portuguese restaurant, a chapel for praying, and even a kids club. This hotel is known for its spa with an indoor pool, sauna, and Turkish bath. You can get a double room here for €60 with breakfast included.

3. Hotel Dom Goncalo & Spa

This four-star boutique hotel is less than a 10-minute walk from the sanctuary. You can enjoy the wellness center here, as well as the outdoor garden with a playground for the kids. The Restaurant O Convite offers a selection of Portuguese wines and local cuisine. You can get a double room here for €70 with breakfast included for two people.

4. Hotel Anjo de Portugal

This four-star design hotel is only a couple of minutes away from the sanctuary. The hotel has a modern restaurant, an outdoor lounge area with a bar, and free parking. You can get a double room for €45 with breakfast included and a family room for three for €69.

5. Pereira Guesthouse

This place is great for those on a budget. You can get a private double room and bathroom for two people in this place for less than 35€. The guesthouse even has a four-bedroom apartment that sleeps 6 people for €150 a night. A single bed in a dormitory room is €15. This place is also a 5-minute walk to the sanctuary and is close to restaurants and shops.

6. Hotel Santo Antonio De Fatima

Hotel Santo Antonio de Fatima is only a 2-minute walk from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima. This hotel has two restaurants, a spacious lounge area, and a bar to enjoy a drink. Each room has an en suite bathroom and satellite TV. Rooms start at an affordable €40.

 7. Hotel 3 Pastorinhos 

Located 2 minutes from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, Hotel 3 Pastorinhos has an a la carte menu with traditional Portuguese food, a cozy bar, and even a gift shop. Rooms are decorated in a modern way with light colors and wooden furniture. The hotel is also only 750 minutes away from Fatima’s Wax Museum. Rooms start at an affordable €40.

 8. Luna Fatima Hotel

Luna Fatima Hotel is a 4-star hotel a 10-minute walk from the Sanctuary Our Lady of Fatima. The modern rooms at this place have a TV, a private safe, and a minibar, as well as an en suite bathroom. The hotel offers room service and has a modern bar for an afternoon drink. Rooms start at an affordable €50.

 9. Hotel Cinquentenario & Conference Center

While most large resorts have only been built in recent decades, Portugal features beautiful resorts at a variety of pricepoints. Whether you want to enjoy the island of Madeira, stay at a relaxing resort near Lisbon or enjoy the Douro Valley, Portugal is bound to have a resort for you.

Keep in mind that all-inclusive packages are far less common in Portugal than in other countries and that in general, resorts tend to be a luxury that is not incredibly affordable.

If you are looking for a more relaxed vacation in Portugal, let’s take a look at the 7 best luxury resorts in Portugal 2023.

1. Saccharum – Hedonist Design Resort

Located on Calheta Beach, on the island of Madeira, Saccharum is a 5-star luxury resort situated between the gorgeous mountains of Madeira and the Atlantic ocean. A Savoy Signature hotel and spa, this place has everything you need for a luxury stay. 

Featuring an infinity pool with views of the ocean, a large spa with an indoor pool, multiple restaurants, bars, and more, you don’t even need to leave the resort. Saccharum even has a squash field and a game room for children.  Every room in this hotel is designed by a different local artist on the theme of sugar cane. The hotel also offers self-catering apartments.

2. Six Senses Douro Valley

Six Senses Douro Valley offers stunning views of the terraced vineyards of the UNESCO World Heritage Douro Valley in the north of Portugal. This resort is located in a renovated 19th century manor house and offers spa treatments, wine tastings, and a beautiful infinity pool. 

Rooms feature a contemporary decor with elegant bathrooms which include both showers and bathtubs. At the resort’s Wine Library you will find more than 750 of vintage wines in the region, as well as cheeses to go with your tasting. 

This 8 hectare property also includes an organic garden, yoga programs, an indoor pool, arctic showers, water beds, and even a library where you can enjoy a good book. 

3. Pestana Troia Eco-Resort & Residences

Located on the tropical-like Troia Peninsula around 1 hour away from Lisbon, Pestana Troia Eco-Resort features private villas surrounded by native plants and white sands to protect the environment and natural species of the region.

The spaces between the villas are meant to promote an environmentally-friendly experience, inviting guests to use sustainable vehicles such as bicycles or walking.

The winner of the Best Eco-Tourism Project in 2015, this resort covers an area of more than 100 hectares and has exclusive access to the beach, featuring indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sports facilities, saunas, Turkish baths, and gyms. There is also an 18-hole golf course nearby.

4. Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa

Located in Armação de Pera in the Algarve, Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa is situated on the top of a hill overlooking the Atlantic ocean. Each room features a terrace or balcony providing relaxing views of Armação de Pera or the ocean. 

Its gardens feature multiple pools, a children’s park, a tennis court, and a mini-golf course. The Vila Vita spa has 12 treatment rooms for relaxing massages. The resort has 10 restaurants and six bars, so there’s so much to choose from. The resort has both rooms, studios, and even larger apartments. 

5. Domes Lake Algarve

Located next to Praia da Falesia in Vilamoura, Algarve, Domes Lake Resort is a luxurious 5-star space that features multiple outdoor pools, including one with fake sand, a large spa, and various restaurants, including a floating one on the lake.

Also known as the Lake Resort, Domes Lake Algarve provides a relaxing experience where you get to lounge on the sunbeds, order delicious drinks and food, and be only a step away from the beach. 

This place even offers Haute-Living services, including a dedicated director, a private salon with VIP services, and private check-in. You will be only a few minutes away from Vilamoura Marina, as well as 20 minutes by car from Albufeira. 

6. Dolce CampoReal Lisboa

What about a full-blown resort less than 30 minutes away from the busy city of Lisbon? Located in Turcifal, Dolce CampoReal Lisboa is a 5-star resort that is surrounded by old vineyards. It features indoor and outdoor pools, as well as an extensive spa with a water circuit and relaxing treatments.

The resort includes three restaurants, two bars, as well as tennis courts, a soccer field, and a whole golf course. The rooms have views of either the patio or the gold course. You are close to the Santa Cruz beaches, as well as the city of Torres Vedras. 

7. Gavião Nature Village

Located near the Alamal beach in Alentejo, Gavião Nature Village seeks to provide guests with a unique experience in contact with nature, without sacrificing comfort. The eco resort features an open camping area, 10 cork eco-friendly shelters made of local materials, and 13 Glamping tents that feel like a hotel room, but were constructed sustainably, featuring solar panels.

The village also includes a spa circuit offering a jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, and outdoor swimming pool overlooking the Alentejo.

The accommodation’s restaurant, Cadafaz, offers a panoramic view of Belver Castle and serves regional cuisine such as meats, olive oil, and wines made of bioproducts.

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Located on the Portuguese riviera, Cascais is a coastal town featuring stunning beaches, delicious restaurants, and quaint stores. Cascais offers a relaxing day away from the chaos of the capital, only a 25-minute drive away. The luxury hotels here do not disappoint, as well as the more affordable guesthouses. Let’s take a look at the 5 best hotels in Cascais 2023.

Travel Guide: Cascais

1. Pestana Cidadela Cascais – Pousada & Art District

Pestana Cidadela Cascais is a 5-star hotel near the Cascais marina in a renovated sixteenth-century citadel complex. Only a 3-minute walk from the beach, Pestana Cidadela has an outdoor and indoor pool, as well as a spa. The rooms in the hotels are decorated by various artists and include a flat-screen TV and minibar. You can enjoy a large buffet breakfast with views of the bay and the Santa Maria lighthouse.

2. Senhora da Guia Cascais Boutique Hotel

Located close to Guincho beach, Senhora da Guia offers a salt-water pool and rooms with a gorgeous sea view. Each room has a modern decor and a flat-screen TV. Senhora da Guia features a bar, restaurant, indoor pool, as well as a Turkish bath, hot tub, sauna, and gym. Book a beauty treatment or a massage for the perfect relaxing day or take a 1-hour walk to Guincho beach for a swim.

3. Sheraton Cascais Resort – Hotel & Residences

The 5-star Sheraton Cascais Resort is only a 5-minute drive from the beach and includes a restaurant, large outdoor swimming pools, and a luxury spa. The spa offers a sauna, Turkish Bath, and hot tub. This place features large suites with elegant decor, a kitchenette, and a spacious seating area. The resort’s restaurant has an extensive wine list and provides a fine dining experience. The resort also has a great space for kids in the new kids club, the Brave Kids.

4. Pergola Boutique Hotel

Pergola Boutique Hotel is located in the center of Cascais in a Mediterranean-style mansion, surrounded by colorful gardens of flowers and plants. Rooms are decorated with antique furniture and historic paintings, many even having arched walls and crystal chandeliers. Breakfast is served daily on the covered terrace or in the dining room with its fireplace. This place is family-run and is known for its friendly environment and inviting hospitality.

5. Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa

A 5-star hotel, Grande Real Villa Italia is known for having one of the best spas in Cascais, a thalasso spa with face and body treatments, a Turkish bath, a pool, and more. The rooms are just as luxurious, featuring classic furniture with modern appliances and bathrooms with Italian marbles and Venetian mosaics. This hotel also offers a babysitting service with a room for kids to play in.

Book a hotel in Cascais

Wondering where to stay in Madeira, Portugal? Madeira hotels are some of the best and most affordable in Portugal. From cheap hotels to luxurious 5-star experiences, the accommodation options in Madeira are endless. Here are the best 9 hotels in Madeira at a variety of price points.

Travel Guide: Madeira

1. Saccharum – Resort & Spa – Savoy Signature

Located on Madeira island, this 5-star hotel offers a mindblowing view of Calheta Beach with a rooftop infinity pool. The Saccharum has all the facilities you need for a luxurious experience. From a restaurant and terraces to four bars and a spa with an indoor pool, the Saccharum is one of the best hotels in Madeira. Every room in this hotel is designed by a different local artist on the theme of sugar cane. The hotel also offers self-catering apartments. A double-room costs €126 a night and prices go up to €350 depending on the room size and the number of guests.

2. Three House Hotel

Three House Hotel is a trendy 4-star hotel in Funchal that does not disappoint. The gorgeous interior features family rooms, a bar, a front desk, and a restaurant. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool with views of the ocean. All units come with a private bathroom and kitchen. You can even play table tennis at the Three House Hostel! This place is only 10 kilometers from the airport and is super close to Marina do Funchal. A room here costs around €120.

3. Savoy Palace – The Leading Hotels of the World – Savoy Signature

Savoy Palace offers one of the best seaside views of Funchal. This 5-star hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, as well as a shared lounge, restaurant, bar, and terrace. What more could you need for a luxury vacation? Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a relaxing seating area, and a large private bathroom. Some units also feature a kitchen with all the necessary appliances. A double room with a buffet breakfast included starts at €200 here. The presidential suite, the most expensive in the whole hotel, costs around €5,000.

4. Pestana Churchill Bay

Located in Câmara de Lobos, Pestana Churchill Bay offers panoramic views of the bay which guests can enjoy from the outdoor swimming pool. This 4-star hotel by Pestana also has a well-renowned restaurant that features traditional Portuguese food, as well as vegan options. Every room is decorated by an interior designer and is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, and a balcony. You can book a room here for €150.

5. Hotel Cajú

Hotel Cajú is a 4-star hotel, located in Funchal that is well-reviewed by guests in the region. This hotel is only a few minutes away from Madeira Casino and the Funchal Cathedral. The perfect place to enjoy some room service in bed, this hotel also features an in-house restaurant, a gym, and a bar. Every unit is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, and air conditioning for those hot summer days. You can book a room here for €130.

6. Aqua Natura Bay

Located in Porto Moniz, Aqua Natura Bay is a 4-star hotel that feels more like a 5-star hotel. This place has both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a Turkish bath, a sauna, and a hot tub. Last but not least, Aqua Natura Bay even features an on-site diving center, perfect for nature lovers. The on-site restaurant showcases local products and serves a buffet breakfast every morning. This hotel is only 10 minutes away from the waterfalls and Madeira’s forest. You can get a room here starting at €85.

7. ARTS IN Hotel Conde Carvalhal

A 4-star hotel, ARTS IN Hotel Conde Carvalhal, is situated in a modern mansion, a few minutes from Funchal’s Old Town. This hotel features peaceful botanical gardens and terraces that offer a view of the sea. The modern rooms have beautiful wooden floors and flat-screen TVs. Some of their studios even offer a balcony and a small kitchen for guests to enjoy. The hotel has one of the best breakfasts on the island featuring local and organic products like fruits, pastries, and eggs. You can book a high-quality massage at the spa, as well as book a scooter or bicycle rental to explore the island. You can get a room here for €100.

8. Pestana Casino Park Hotel & Casino

Pestana Casino Park Hotel & Casino is a 5-star hotel that has a view overlooking the Bay of Funchal. A 5-minute walk from the center, this Pestana Hotel features a spa, a casino, and even a disco for dancing. This large hotel has 6 restaurants, the most well-known being the Panoramic Restaurant that provides views of the Bay and pool, as well as the Sunset Restaurant that features a cocktail bar. Each room has a private balcony, a setting area, and a satellite LCD TV. You can get a room here for €110.

9. Vila Camacho Guest House

An affordable guest house in Funchal, Vila Camacho is located close to the Funchal Marina. This quaint Guest House has a communal garden, terrace, and an outdoor swimming pool for guests to enjoy. Each room features a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, and a balcony or terrace. Guests are also served a large continental breakfast that is included in the room rate. You can book a room at Vila Camacho for €50.