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Chris Evans: Portugal's so peaceful

The media star bought a magnificent villa in the Algarve

When he was married to Billie Piper, golf-fanatic Chris Evans enjoyed holidays at his multimillion-pound villa – surrounded by palm, fig and almond trees – at Quinta do Lago.

The Pousadas of Portugal

One of the best ways of discovering the unspoilt charms of Portugal is by visiting the country’s unique pousadas. Inspired by the paradores of Spain, Pousadas de Portugal is a network of quality, state-owned hotels either created from historic buildings or situated in stunning locations, all designed to give guests a true flavour of the real Portugal.

The scheme began in 1940 and there are now 40 pousadas, ranging from former palaces and castles to interesting modern buildings. They’ve been grouped into four categories: ‘Historic Pousadas’, the most luxurious, often built in national monuments; ‘Historic Design Pousadas’ that have a more contemporary vibe; ‘Charm Pousadas’ that were once private residences; and ‘Nature Pousadas’ set in beautiful, but more remote locations.

Most are small and friendly with excellent food and, although they don’t possess the facilities of many of the larger resort hotels, most do have swimming pools.

Dona Maria I Pousada, Queluz-Lisboa

With Lisbon only 11 miles away, the converted Queluz Palace – once used by the Portuguese Royal Guard – offers guests a city break with a difference. The 24 rooms are decorated in a modern, luxurious style and the nearby station provides fast and frequent trains to whisk visitors to Lisbon and the stunning town of Sintra.

Pousada de Sagres

Occupying a spectacular clifftop position in the village of Sagres in the Algarve, this modern pousada is the perfect choice for those who love dramatic seascapes. The restaurant terrace looks out across the Atlantic and the pretty village is a good base from which to explore the sandy coves and neighbouring deserted peninsula.

Pousada de São Francisco, Beja

The old Roman town of Beja, set inland in the sun-baked plains of the Alentejo region, plays historical home to this whitewashed former monastery built in the 13th century.

Rooms are spacious and traditionally furnished, while Beja itself has an atmospheric old quarter of narrow cobbled streets. Don’t miss the historic walled city of Evora, a World Heritage site just 90 minutes’ drive away.

Santa Marinha Pousada, Guimarães

Only 40 minutes transfer from the coastal city of Porto – also called Oporto, with direct flights from the UK – the Santa Marinha is one of the most impressively restored historic pousadas with small courtyard gardens and tinkling fountains.

Situated close to Guimarães city centre, the Santa Marhina is famous for its beautiful balconies and terraces that give sweeping views over the city.

Pousada de Rainha Santa Isabel, Estremoz

Once home to King Dinis and his wife Queen Isabel, this magnificent 14th-century castle, surrounded by battlements and furnished with four-poster beds and period furniture, dominates the white town of Estremoz. Nearby is the palace of Vila Vicosa, the wine area of Redondo and the cross border town of Elvas, only seven miles from the Spanish border.

Pousada de Alijó – Barãode Forrester

This pousada is a must for wine lovers – there are visitor-friendly quintas (wine estates) all around, best visited in early autumn to see the grape harvest. Named after the Englishman Joseph James Forrester – an influential figure in the local wine industry – this once-private house is located in the old village of Alijó in the heart of the Douro wine region.

Pousada de Murtosa-Torreira

Probably the most romantic of all the ‘Nature’ pousadas in the Beiras region. Most of its 19 bedrooms have balconies overlooking the Aveiro River. Rooms are modern, flooded with natural light and decorated in neutral colours. The relatively untouched beaches of Praia de Mira are only half an hour away by car.

Pousada de Castelo, Óbidos

The first pousada to be converted from a restored historical building, the castle, with its medieval atmosphere and mod cons, is one of the most popular. It overlooks the hill town Óbidos, 10 miles inland from the coast in Portugal’s Estremadura region, known for its rolling hills and dramatic cliffs.

Pousada de Conde de Ourém, Ourém-Fatimá

The walled citadel of Ourém
– eight miles from the picturesque town of Tomar and close to the world famous pilgrimage destination of Fatimá – was converted from a cluster of medieval houses and now includes an outside pool.

Pousada de São Bras de Alportel

Around one hour from Faro, capital of the Algarve, this well-equipped pousada is great if you love to be near golden beaches but prefer to escape the crowds. Its mountain setting combined with its proximity to the coast and year-round sunny climate make it ideal for short breaks.

Food and drink

All pousada menus reflect the dishes and wines of their particular region, but expect to find national favourites such as caldo verde (vegetable soup), bacalhau (baked salted cod with potatoes) and fejoada (a meat stew with many local variations).

Southern Portuguese dishes tend to be more fish oriented (especially in the Algarve) and northern dishes more meat oriented (lamb and pork in particular). Portuguese wines have improved in recent years. Look for easy drinking reds in the Alentejo region, the fortified wine, port, especially around the Douro area in the north, and lots of freshly made zippy-tasting rose wines.

Do I need a car?

Not necessarily, as a good selection of pousadas are located within easy reach of Portugal’s three main airports: Faro in the south, Porto in the north and Lisbon. Each pousada will arrange transfers. But if you plan to stay at more than one pousada, a car is advisable so you can get to explore the area.

For more info
Contact the Portuguese National Tourist Office (www.visitportugal.com)
Visit www.pousadas.pt

Philip Blackmore