Pousa is when a bird lands to find a short resting place before flying off again.

The Pousadas of Portugal are a group of luxury hotels that equal 4 star accommodation but with a difference all the Pousadas have a cultural theme that emphasises history, nature, views and the Portuguese heritage buildings in which they are located.

The Pousadas of Portugal or the Pousadas de Portugal were created by a Law passed on May 1, 1941, at the initiative of António Ferro,
the Pousadas were designed to “accommodate visitors and provide them with food in accordance with the style of each region.”

The period was under the rule of the dictatorship that lasted until 1972 and the carnation revolution.

The first Pousada hotel to open its doors  was in Elvas, Alentejo, a region that currently has the largest number of historic pousadas, and it remained open until 2012. Many others where also opening their doors and all had there emphasis on a limited number of lodgings and the regional quisine belonging to the area where they where located.

In the 1950’s the history element belonging to Pousada’s was introduced and this was used to recover many derelict and degraded monasteries, convents and castles

The first recovered historical pousada hotel to be created under this new concept was the Pousada do Castelo in Obidos.

Until 2003 the Portuguese state was the owner of all the pousadas at whih state it decided to privatise the Pousadas, the bulk are run by the Pestana group which has modernised many of the pousadas but has taken great caution to keep their cultural concept well protected and intact.

the pousadas of Portugal are a group of luxury hotels spread throughout the most historical towns and areas of Portugal where accommodation is more than a bed for the night, it is a traditionally Portuguese experience in some of its finest and most beautiful heritage buildings!

All pousada hotels are on Go Discover Portugal and can be booked directly with us, we are an official representative of the Pestana group.

All the pousadas are fully equiped to handle large events, corporate meetings or offsite events weddings and celebrations or team building events, please contact us for more information!

Check them here Pousadas of Portugal