Nature, gastronomy and well-being at five unique accommodation options to discover the charm of our neighbouring country during Holy Week.
Holy Week is one of the best times of the year to take a break and escape the daily grind. For those looking for a nearby, accessible destination with its own unique character, Portugal is the perfect choice: just a few hours’ drive from many parts of Spain, it offers the chance to discover new landscapes, traditions and flavours without having to travel far.
From the Alentejo to the northern mountains or the Serra da Estrela, Rusticae hotels in Portugal invite you to enjoy a getaway in touch with nature, wellbeing and the leisurely pace of rural Portugal. Charming small-scale accommodation blending seamlessly into its surroundings, many of them set in restored old country estates or traditional houses, offering authentic experiences and warm hospitality.
Below is a selection of five Rusticae hotels in Portugal, perfect for making the most of the Easter holidays and discovering our neighbouring country from a different perspective.
Craveiral Farmhouse by Belong Staying & Feeling (Alentejo)
Nestled between the countryside and the sea, in São Teotónio and very close to the beaches of Zambujeira do Mar and Carvalhal, Craveiral Farmhouse – Rusticae offers a contemporary and sustainable accommodation concept right on the Alentejo coast. This nine-hectare estate comprises 38 self-contained one- or two-bedroom cottages, designed as small, modern rural homes with large windows and private terraces offering views of the Alentejo landscape.
The project was conceived with the aim of creating a model of hospitality that respects both the natural environment and the local community. The estate features an organic vegetable garden, fruit trees, a small farm with animals, and spacious outdoor areas designed to let guests enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the Portuguese countryside. In addition to three swimming pools—one of which is indoor—the hotel offers walking trails around the property, family activities, and a Nature Interpretation Centre that explains the area’s biodiversity.
The dining experience centres on the Craveiral Farmtable restaurant, where the cuisine is based on seasonal produce grown on the estate itself or sourced from nearby producers. The proximity to some of the wildest beaches on the Portuguese coast also makes this hotel an ideal base for exploring the Costa Vicentina.
In Bulla Hotel Country & Wellness (Sabugal, inland Portugal)
In Seixo do Côa, a small village in inland Portugal with barely fifty inhabitants, lies In Bulla Hotel Country & Wellness – Rusticae, a retreat designed to help you switch off from the daily grind and reconnect with the essence of rural life. The accommodation stems from the restoration of several traditional village houses, which have been refurbished in keeping with the local architecture, combining stone, wood and contemporary lines. The result is an intimate collection of eight accommodation units where modern comfort coexists with the character of the place.
The hotel’s name comes from Latin and means ‘bubble’, a metaphor for the experience it offers: shutting out the outside noise to immerse oneself in an atmosphere of calm. The interiors are designed to convey serenity, with minimalist décor and natural materials that reinforce the sense of refuge.
One of the cornerstones of the project is its wellness area. The hotel’s spa draws inspiration from Eastern philosophies and ancient health techniques, offering treatments designed to balance body and mind through natural therapies, massages and relaxation rituals. The rural setting surrounding the hotel also invites guests to explore the rolling countryside, small historic villages and natural areas near the Spanish border.
Olive Nature Hotel & Spa (Trás-os-Montes)
Surrounded by nature in the Trás-os-Montes region, one of the most authentic and least-known areas of northern Portugal, Olive Nature Hotel & Spa – Rusticae offers a peaceful stay in a rural setting characterised by mountains, forests and small traditional villages. The hotel has 29 rooms and two fully equipped family apartments, designed to make guests feel at home whilst enjoying the scenery.
The establishment forms part of a working farm where olive trees and other traditional crops play a central role. Guests can stroll around the grounds, explore the local paths on foot or by bike, and discover a region renowned for its unspoilt natural beauty and strong cultural identity.
Gastronomy plays a prominent role in the hotel experience. At the Quinta de Olive restaurant, traditional Trás-os-Montes recipes are reinterpreted using regional produce such as artisanal smoked meats, olive oil, chestnuts and local cheeses. The wine list features carefully selected wines from various Portuguese regions to complement the culinary offerings.
To round off your stay, the Olive Spa offers treatments inspired by the region’s traditional knowledge, using plants and essential oils sourced from the estate’s gardens and local producers.
Quinta do Rapozinho (Cabeceiras de Basto, northern Portugal)
Set in a green valley in northern Portugal, five kilometres from the town of Cabeceiras de Basto, Quinta do Rapozinho – Rusticae captures the spirit of the old Minho quintas, the traditional rural estates of the Minho region. The hotel comprises six carefully restored stone houses that retain their original architecture and are set within a spacious garden surrounded by mountains.
Each house has a different layout and capacity, making it suitable for everything from couples to families or small groups of friends. The interiors preserve traditional features such as stone walls and wooden beams, combined with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. The estate also features an outdoor swimming pool and communal areas where guests can enjoy the scenery in peace.
Quinta do Rapozinho’s location allows guests to explore some of the most interesting destinations in northern Portugal. From here, it is possible to visit historic cities such as Braga or Guimarães, considered the cradle of Portugal, as well as explore the Támega Valley or take a day trip to Porto.
Casas da Lapa, Nature & Spa Hotel (Serra da Estrela)
In the small village of Lapa dos Dinheiros, within the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, lies Casas da Lapa Nature & Spa Hotel – Rusticae, an accommodation that combines traditional architecture and contemporary design amidst one of Portugal’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. The hotel comprises several restored stone houses that blend seamlessly into the village’s fabric, offering an intimate and authentic experience.
The Serra da Estrela is renowned for its mountains, glacial valleys and forests, as well as its pastoral traditions and cuisine, notably the famous Serra da Estrela cheese. The hotel organises hiking trails, nature walks and activities to discover the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
The hotel also features a spa and wellness facilities, designed for relaxation after a day in the mountains. The hotel’s culinary offering highlights local produce and traditional regional recipes, providing a dining experience closely linked to the local area.
A nearby getaway with an international flavour
Portugal proves that you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a unique experience. With diverse landscapes, historic villages, renowned cuisine and warm hospitality, our neighbouring country is an ideal destination for those who wish to make the most of the Easter holidays to unwind and discover new places with the hallmark of authenticity offered by Rusticae hotels.
Discover the best selection of charming accommodation at Rusticae for a unique experience.
About RUSTICAE
Rusticae is a quality club and booking portal that brings together a carefully curated selection of over 200 charming properties in Spain, Portugal, France, Andorra and the Mediterranean region. In selecting accommodation for the Club, priority is given to location, a commitment to quality, meticulous attention to detail in the décor, personalised and professional customer service, and a commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism.
Source: RUSTICAE