Algarve Pousadas - three and counting! It was only when I started to explore the region that I first met the term Algarve pousadas (poo-sar-ders) - and I didn't have a clue what it meant. I soon discovered that a pousada is a state-owned hotel, usually in a particularly well-favoured spot. There are over 40 within Portugal, but only 3 in Algarve (with a fourth on the way). Algarve pousadas should not, by the way, be confused with pousadas de juventude, which are state-run youth hostels. While the latter are undoubtedly worthy establishments, they are hostels, not hotels. The pousada 'concept' was intended to provide an option of luxury and service within a setting that would reflect and celebrate the culture of each pousada's region. My personal favourite is the inland pousada at São Brás de Alportel, but that's probably because it's so central, and I often stop there to re-fuel (myself, not the motor car) during yet another meticulously-planned Algarve itinerary. Having declared my bias, I will nevertheless tell about all three Algarve pousadas. São BrásThe Pousada do São Brás has magnificent views of the surrounding Algarve mountains and towards the distant Atlantic ocean. It boasts the distinction of having been the first pousada in Algarve, and the second in the whole of Portugal, having been built in 1942.  The establishment offers the best of everything that's great about Algarve pousadas. Its luxury is from another age, set amid peace and tranquility. But it is only a short distance from many of the Algarve's top offerings:
If your preference is for a quieter, more contemplative stay, then Algarve pousadas are just the ticket. The São Brás pousada has 31 rooms and two suites. It benefits from air conditioning and has been converted to offer sensible access to disabled visitors. The outdoor swimming pool is open during the summer months, while the more active can enjoy a set or two on the tennis court. After a pleasant meal and some local wine, one can enjoy those stunning views from the terrace. Last time we visited, we were entertained on the terrace by the industry of the martins that were feeding their young in nests that clung beneath the eaves. Delightful! SagresPerhaps the most dramatically-situated of the Algarve pousadas, the hotel Pousada do Infante benefits from some out-of-this-world views from its cliff-top setting overlooking the Atlantic ocean. The pousada offers renowned local seafood cuisine in its well-appointed restaurant.  There are 38 rooms and one suite, all with air conditioning. A swim in the sea water swimming pool, or a spot of tennis or snooker are all available within the pousada. Locally, there are options for watersports and deep-sea fishing. Sagres is located at the south west tip of the Algarve on a windswept promontory. This area is so beautiful that Prince Henry the Navigator established his School of Navigation there in the 15th Century and spent the last decades of his life enjoying at the vistas. The local beaches are a favourite area for divers. The area is rich in history, since Henry's school spawned the mariners who set out to claim far-flung areas of the world (such as Brazil) for the Portuguese crown. Henry's house and navigation school were part of the Sagres Fortaleza, now a popular tourist spot undergoing some well-deserved restoration and well worth a visit. A particularly noteworthy sight is the stone-and-earth wind compass, some 43 metres in diameter, that was rediscovered only in the 1920s. Vila do Bispo is a little to the north and boasts a baroque church renowned for its ornamental gilded interior and the rather secular subjects of the blue and white azulejos (tiles). Six kilometres from Sagres is the most south western point in Europe, Cabo do Sao Vincente, which was regarded by early Europeans as the edge of the world. Even the most secular of visitors agree that it is a 'spiritual' place in which to pass some time. The Latest...Presumably because of the success of the two original Algarve pousadas, a brand new one has opened at Tavira. It delights in the name of Pousada do Convento da Graca and its ochre and terracotta paintwork looks rather fetching beneath a gorgeous Algarve sky.  It has 20 rooms, all air conditioned. There are lifts (elevators) if you can't manage stairs. There is a swimming pool and meeting rooms on offer. And of course, you can step outside and enjoy Tavira any time you like! Interestingly, this seems to be the most expensive Algarve pousada, yet it doesn't offer superior rooms or suites. I shall have to step inside and discover more. Check back on this page soon. So, how much does it cost to stay in one of these Algarve pousadas? Prices (2008)
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Update: A fourth Algarve pousada is planned, at the Estoi palace. Work is still underway, but I can't establish an opening date, so don't hold your breath... The nearest pousada to the current three in the Algarve is Pousada de Santa Clara, at Santa Clara-a-Velha in the Alentejo. But, since this page concerns Algarve pousadas, I'll leave discovering that one to you, should you so wish. If you have any suggestions for inclusion on this page (either some Algarve pousada experiences you've enjoyed or something you'd like to know more about) please tell me about it on the Your Algarve Best form and I'll see about including it. And do subscribe to my monthly newsletter, Algarve Beach Life News, by clicking on the link below ("For Lovers of Algarve Beach Life") or on the button at top left ("Subscribe to
ABLN") -- I'll keep you updated, every month, about the new information I have added about the night life or anything else in this wonderful region. For Lovers of Algarve Beach Life Return from Algarve Pousadas to Algarve Beach Life home Back to top 
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