The most beautiful pousadas in Portugal: 10 exceptional hotels for your holidays

This is the perfect place to spend a few days in Lisbon. The Pousada de Lisboa occupies a superb period building directly on the Praça do Comércio, the most prestigious square in the entire capital.

The charm of the past should not, however, detract from the comfort: state-of-the-art facilities, full spa, top-of-the-range restaurant, gourmet breakfast - the services are those of a true 5-star hotel.

Just 3km from the historic centre of Porto, directly on the banks of the Douro, it would be hard to find a more striking establishment than the Pestana Palácio do Freixo: a magnificent Baroque-style palace, listed as a historic monument in Portugal.

A very upmarket setting, perfectly in keeping with the luxury features of this 5-star pousada. In a word: exceptional.

Pousadas offer the chance to sleep in historically exceptional locations, as is the case with the Pousada Mosteiro do Crato. The hotel occupies the fortress-church, the fortified palace and the outbuildings of the former monastery of Santa Maria de Flor da Rosa, which dates back to the 14th century!

A charming stopover with outdoor pool and restaurant, lost in the heart of the Alentejo countryside in the village of Flor da Rosa. It's unique!

Rua das Flores is one of the most prominent pedestrian thoroughfares in Porto, a lively city like no other. It is here, in a beautiful town house, that the Pousada do Porto - Rua das Flores is located: a perfect location.

In addition to preserved 18th-century historical features, this luxury pousada has a contemporary decor, with interiors that are as comfortable as they are stylish. Bonus: an indoor heated swimming pool.

The Alentejo region is famous for its medieval castles, so why not choose one to spend the night? You can do just that at the Pousada Castelo de Estremoz, housed in an ancient 13th-century castle that still dominates the historic centre of Estremoz.

The refined interiors of the Pousada Castelo de Estremoz, the attentive service, the restaurant, the beautiful outdoor swimming pool and the exceptional views of the surrounding area all combine to make for an excellent stay.

The natural setting is an important criterion for a beautiful pousada: in the mountains of central Portugal, which rise to over 1990m, it is not unusual for the Pousada da Serra da Estrela to be snowed under in winter.

Ideal for enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela, in Covilhã, in a setting of great comfort: on-site restaurant, sauna, Turkish bath, indoor and outdoor pools... everything you need to relax.

The Pousada Palacio de Estoi has plenty to offer its guests: it occupies a splendid, fully restored 19th-century palace surrounded by formal gardens. In the heart of the Algarve, the views of the surrounding area are magnificent.

While some of the lounges are still decorated in a prestigious neoclassical and rococo style, the bedrooms offer the very latest in comfort. Special mention must go to the large terrace with swimming pool!

A top-of-the-range establishment in Madeira, not far from Funchal: with unbeatable views over the bay of Câmara de Lobos from its terrace and panoramic swimming pool, the Pestana Churchill Bay is one of the island's most sought-after addresses.

Housed in a recent building in an exceptional location, this pousada does not disappoint when it comes to the quality of its services and facilities, which are worthy of its standing. A sure bet.

In central Portugal, Viseu is known for its rich architectural heritage, of which the Pousada De Viseu is an integral part. The establishment occupies a former hospital dating from 1842, which has been completely refurbished.

The large, impressive hall, the restaurant, the spa complete with massages, the beautiful outdoor swimming pool - nothing is left to chance at the Pousada De Viseu to ensure you have the most comfortable stay possible.

In the beautiful Lisbon region, the Pousada Castelo de Palmela is housed within the ancient walls of the castle and convent of Palmela, not far from Setubal. Overlooking the surrounding area from its heights, the view is incredible, stretching as far as the Atlantic.

With its old stones full of history, the Pousada Castelo de Palmela has a truly unique character. The first beaches are only a 15-minute drive away, and Lisbon is not much further (42km).