Pousada Mosteiro Guimarães

This exquisite Pousada that was once a 12th-century monastery built by the 1st Queen of Portugal, Dona Mafalda, is perched above the small city of Guimarães with its medieval core housing the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. .

Rooms are exquisite and have city, garden or mountain views, with classic decoration and many historic touches. Ancient stone seats built into the room windows provide a space to relax.

Come evening, there are myriad dining options at Dona Mafalda restaurant, offering exquisite flavours of the Minho and Guimarães region. Start with a traditional couvert and some finger food: order the typical warm comforting green broth, perfect to chase away the cold and warm up the body. Other emblematic dishes are the traditional cod with bread, or monkfish rice. Don't forget that you are right in the heart of the Vinho Verde region, ideal for accompanying starters and fish. To finish, the chocolate pie filled with cream and hot chocolate is the house favourite.

Come daytime, take advantage of exploring Guimarães with the traditional Portuguese houses and gothic shrine of Largo da Oliveira Square, or the 1st and 2nd BC century archaeology of Citania de Briteiros, and the commanding landmark of Guimarães Castle where a climb on the outer walls provides a viewpoint of the medieval city.

After days spent exploring, take advantage of the extensive gardens where you can follow a botanical trail, or the large spectacular outdoor heated swimming  pool in the grounds.