22 Best Hotels in Évora and the Alentejo, Portugal

The beautifully restored 17th-century manor house on Castelo de Vide's main square features a buttery yellow facade and stone stairways to intricately decorated rooms with period antiques. Set in the old stables, the breakfast room has a traditional clay-tiled floor and a huge fireplace. The hotel is the pride and joy of Victor Guimarães, whose family has owned the building for generations.

This manor house sits across the river and offers stunning views of the city at sunset; ask for a back room with views over an orange grove. Common areas have a cozy fireplace where you can read a book or socialize with other guests. The friendly owners are avid bird-watchers and can help you arrange excursions.

Its labyrinth of passageways, whitewashed walls, vaulted ceilings, and interior open courtyard reflect the Arabic influence in this 200-year-old manor house near the Igreja do Salvador. The breakfasts are special with fresh orange juice, honey from the region, and queijadinhas (cheese tarts). The manor is in the center of town and within walking distance of restaurants. Owner Miguel Bentes has several apartments on an adjacent street, which are a good choice for large families or groups who want more space and access to a kitchen.

This small and surprisingly sophisticated guesthouse—a true romantic hideaway—occupies a whitewashed row house in the center of the walled town. The exquisite rooms are filled with antiques and decorated each according to a different Portuguese explorer's destination, including Macau, Goa, Mombasa, Dili, and Asilah. The fantastic valley views and the sunsets are worth the price of a room.

This whitewashed country house is on a huge farm estate surrounded by cork and pine trees, about 3 km (2 miles) outside Alcácer do Sal. Red-and-white-striped curtains and bedcovers elegantly match the red-clay-tile floors, while bathrooms are decorated in blue-and-white Alcobaça tiles. Game lovers can feast in the on-site restaurant. There's also a vineyard and wine-tasting room.

Founded in 1889, this little inn along Beja's pedestrian shopping strip retains its old stone doorway covered in vines and vibrant pink flowers. The entryway and lobby—along with some rooms—are lined with gorgeous hand-painted tile murals of country life around Beja. A common room upstairs has a long brick fireplace and wood beams, the perfect spot to sip a complimentary glass of port in the evening. Rooms are flowery and spacious, and some have lovely wall murals. The abundant breakfast of homemade cakes, fruit salad, toast, and eggs is served in a bright breakfast room on the second floor.

Housed in a gleaming white 17th-century convent just inside the city walls, this is Elvas's most luxurious hotel. Each room is unique, and some have medieval wood screens, converted fireplaces, and headboards made of blue-and-white azulejos. Two pools and a terrace are tucked behind the city ramparts.

The essential architectural elements of a castle—including crenellated battlements and massive round towers—have been retained in this pousada located within the walls of the fortress at the edge of the village. Vaulted ceilings, red-clay-tile floors, oil paintings with gold-leaf picture frames, and red-and-gold-patterned upholstery add to the medieval atmosphere. Rooms fit for a king have beautiful arched Manueline windows and stone window benches. More than any other pousada, this really feels like you're staying in a 15th-century castle, with window seats set in thick walls that look out onto rolling plains. The cozy restaurant, open to the public, serves a variety of Alentejo specialties, including an excellent bacalhau caldeirada (codfish stew).

This sprawling horse farm and vineyard is 7 km (4 miles) from Portalegre, but it feels like it's way out in the countryside, with 360-degree views of rolling hills, rows of grapevines, and forests from the swimming pool. The family-run hotel is a rural oasis in the Mamede mountain foothills, with an outdoor brick oven and trellis-laden patio. The Portuguese owner, Nuno Malato Correia, and his Spanish wife make their own wine, an excellent peppery red, which is served with wine and cheese in the early evening or with dinner on request.

This historic manor house is old-world style at its best, exquisitely adorned with local tapestries and chock-full of antiques. The house has been in António Manuel Manta's family for more than 200 years, and it feels like you're a guest in the family home. You'll be warmed by their hospitality, and by the complimentary glass of port they normally share with guests on arrival. Most of the rooms have fireplaces and high ceilings, and one has an annex with extra beds for kids. Breakfast is a luxurious spread of local cakes, teas, and breads, served on silver and crystal.

Named for its friendly owner, Maria Luisa, this historic guesthouse, decorated with antiques and local textiles, offers a great location on the edge of Castelo de Vide. The breakfast is a feast of homemade cakes, fresh fruit, and local cured meats, all served on the terrace overlooking Maria Luisa's flower garden. Don't be surprised if she greets you with tea and homemade bread and jam after your long day of sightseeing. Maria can lend you maps of the area.

This 17th-century home has stone arches and thick walls with original murals depicting scenes from the Alentejo. Drinks are served on a panoramic terrace overlooking the valley, the ideal place to relax after a day of sightseeing. In winter, you can retreat to the crackling fireplace in the cozy lounge. The adjacent restaurant, Varanda do Alentejo, is run by the same family and serves excellent Alentejan cuisine.

Just outside town sits this sprawling establishment that is a great option for families—there are huge swimming pools (both indoor and outdoor) and lots of activities for kids. Parents aren't left out, as you can join wine tastings, city tours, and excursions in the countryside. The modern guest rooms are generously proportioned and have balconies. Public areas are light and spacious, as is the dining room, which presents a delicious buffet of regional specialties on Sunday.

Five of the rooms in this 200-year-old inn inside the castle walls have eye-popping cliff-side views—they're well worth requesting in advance. All are decorated with locally made furnishings, tile floors, wood paneling, and heavy draperies. The restaurant is open to the public only for dinner, serving regional fare.

No matter where you are in this popular hotel you're likely to have a water view, be it the Mira River, the Atlantic Ocean, or the glistening swimming pool. The restaurant, open only to hotel guests, has panoramic views of the sea that are spectacular on a clear day. Good, down-to-earth Portuguese dishes include açorda de marisco (seafood porridge), sopa de peixe (fish soup), and a variety of grilled fish that the Portuguese prepare so well. You can't beat the location, which is right across the street from the beach and a short walk to the town center.

A mile from the historic quarter, this hotel is housed in an 18th-century manor house with sprawling gardens, a heated outdoor swimming pool, and plenty of period charm. Bicycles are free for guests who want to cycle up the road to the walled old city. The main building has colonnaded Arabic-style arches out front, huge hearths and tiled floors inside, and is chock-full of local antiques. You can rent a room or a suite in the main building, or an entire cottage out back. It has one of the biggest and best breakfast spreads in town, with homemade bread and jam.

The former home of a 17th-century nobleman, this charming hotel offers one of the best values in Évora, with most rooms featuring a view of the city’s skyline. Every room is unique, with traditional touches like the vaulted ceilings, wooden floors, and stunning tiled walls. The open-air terrace is the perfect place to enjoy your breakfast or a glass of wine. Book the garden suite and sleep surrounded by Évora's old Roman wall.

About 8 km (5 miles) outside Elvas, this palm-shaded estate makes for a restful overnight stop near the Portugal–Spain border. The property covers more than 30 acres, with a sprawling main building, 18th-century chapel, and outdoor swimming pool. There's a good restaurant serving traditional Alentejan fare, and an even better bar with huge cozy fireplace. The staff can help you book horseback riding, hiking, or bicycle excursions.

Some guest rooms in this former mill have balconies overlooking the Guadiana River, while others face the town. The friendly management can help arrange canoeing, jeep excursions, or fishing trips and can rent bikes or kayaks.

You can't overlook this sleek hotel in the historical center: its name extends across the entire facade. Every room is named after a famous figure in Portalegre's history, one of the city's landmarks, or a nearby village. Outside, the roof is lined with solar panels that produce most of the building's electricity and hot water. There's even a system for collecting rainwater to nourish the terrace plants.

Steps from the beach and the town center, this hotel is a favorite among the surfers, cyclists, kayakers, and hikers making their way along the Rota Vicentina. The hotel can also help you rent bicycles, paddleboards, and canoes. There's a variety of rooms and apartments, all with views of the river or the ocean.