The Quinta da Romaneira is already renowned for its wines. What is perhaps less known is that inside this estate there is a luxurious hotel with beautiful views of the Douro River.

The historical village of Marialva received the charter of the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, and was once upon a time a busy military stronghold. Now a quiet place filled with memories, it is preserving the pace of a world in danger of extinction.

Hotels in Portugal recorded 2.5 million guest nights in March, a 1.8% drop compared with the same month last year.

A hike in visitors had led to a 36% rise in the number of beds available in the city, causing concern.

According to the hostel booking website hostelworld.com, the Portuguese capital is home to the best hostels in the world, recently distinguished at the 2012 edition of the Hoscar Awards.

By Sara Raquel Silva

A stay at Imani Country House and a tour around Évora’s prehistoric sites.
By Célia Pedroso

Its cluster of stone houses seems to have been gently placed at the foot of the hills of the Serra do Açor with no other purpose but to provide visitors with a picturesque view of an enchanted village. This is how Piódão appeared to us, one of the ten Historic Villages of Portugal.

Classified as national heritage, Casa da ínsua is an old manor house in the Beira Alta region, converted into an irresistible tourism facility for those seeking a luxurious retreat in rural Portugal. The estate is also renowned for the unique Dão wines it has produced since the 18th century.

A rural hotel equipped with spa and wine cellar, Herdade da Malhadinha Nova is a place devoted to pleasure where you can enjoy several theme programmes, focussing on gastronomy, yoga, writing, photography or wine tourism.