Algarve Pousadas

Fancy something a bit different? Try one of the Algarve Pousadas

For a different twist to your Algarve holiday, why not stay in one of the Algarve Pousadas. There are currently only three Pousadas in the Algarve, although there are over forty of them throughout Portugal.

Exactly what is a Pousada?

Well, it’s a hotel really, but with a difference. Pousadas are based in historic or culturally important buildings or in areas of outstanding natural beauty. These buildings have been carefully converted into hotels in keeping with the traditions and architecture of the local regions. The buildings are owned by the state, but are privately run under the auspices of Pousadas de Portugal

The concept of the Pousada is a Portuguese one. In the 1940s it was decided to to provide accommodation to visitors in keeping with the traditions and architecture of local regions. Each Pousada is decorated and furnished in the period traditional style giving it a feel of times past. Each one has a restaurant serving good quality international and regional cuisine to keep the feeling going.

The buildings are owned by the state, but are privately run.

To make life easier for you (or perhaps to keep a civil servant in employment), Pousadas are now divided into one of four categories, depending on their style. These are:

Historic Pousadas - located in carefully restored monuments such as castles, convents, fortresses and palaces

Historic Design Pousadas - historical Pousadas whose architecture had been modified by distinguished architects

Nature Pousadas - are located in areas of natural beauty in Portugal

Charm Pousadas - for those which don’t fit into any other category

Where are the Algarve Pousadas?

There are currently three Pousadas in the Algarve.

Name	Location	Category
Tavira Pousada	Convento de Graça, Tavira	Historic Pousadas
Sao Bras Pousada	Sao Bras de Alportel	Charm Pousadas
Infante Pousada	Sagres	Nature Pousadas

Are there any other Algarve Pousadas planned?

A new Pousada is being built at the Estoi Palace, in Estoi a few kilometres north of Faro. This large palace dates from the 19th Century, and is very distinctive in the fact that it is painted pink, interlaced, with blue Portuguese azulejo tiles decorated with huge floral designs. This refurbishment, costing an estimated 10 million Euros is due for completion in September 2008.

Are they expensive?

Being up-market, Pousadas are not the cheapest Algarve accommodation you’ll find. But there are always offers available which make the cost far more reasonable. For instance over 55’s get a 40% discount and there are specific packages for honeymooners. There are also usually promotions specifically for the Algarve Pousadas. These promotions are limited to certain dates and rooms, but can be checked out on the Pousadas de Portugal website.

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