10 Rural, Country and Farmhouse Hotels in the Alentejo

We are often asked to recommend places to stay with a back-to-nature feel and an understated luxury vibe.

Below is a mix of the Rural Hotels, Country Houses and Farmhouse Stays in the Alentejo we have visited and love, plus those on our radar. They are the perfect getaways to relax, enjoy nature and breathe fresh air. Most are family-friendly and offer plenty of activities for the little ones.

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Herdade da Matinha

Located near the Alentejo coast, surrounded by beautiful scenery, Herdade da Matinha captivates through its cosy and intimate atmosphere. This country house is bursting with colour, thanks to owner Alfredo’s vivid paintings and red, pink and orange doors, chairs, sofas and cushions. Surrounded by nature, the Herdade offers several activities including picnics, yoga, surf classes, cooking lessons, and magnificent horse riding. Those who want to walk the Rota Vicentina could not be better placed, as the 340km nature route runs by the doorstep of Herdade da Matinha.

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Três Marias

After driving through a stretch of dirt road you arrive at this little slice of heaven in the coast of Alentejo, the perfect base to explore the spectacular beaches of Southwest Alentejo and Vicentina Coast Natural Park. The owner, Balthasar, is a founder member of Rota Vicentina (a network of walking and cycling trails) and his passionate knowledge about the area is captivating. Três Marias is a rural hotel offering fifteen whitewashed rooms all with minimal rustic decor, plenty of natural light, and an inviting porch for enjoying the peaceful surrounding nature.

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São Lourenço do Barrocal

São Lourenço do Barrocal is a luxury farmhouse hotel in the Alentejo region of Portugal. The estate has been in the same family for over 200 years, and it used to be an ancient farming village, which has been brought carefully back to life as a luxury hotel, with the help of Pritzker prize-winning architect Eduardo Souto de Moura and interior designers Anahory Almeida. Spread over a vast 7.8 million square meters, São Lourenço do Barrocal offers 40 types of accommodation. There’s also a restaurant, a spa, a winery, and stables, among other experiences. Sleep cradled by the restfulness of the landscape and open your window in the morning to a breathtaking view of Monsaraz. You will want to go outside, stepping into your very own private terrace to take in the gentle countryside air.

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Casas Caiadas

Casas Caiadas presents a trio of lovingly restored water mills converted into charming whitewashed cottages near Sabugueiro in Alentejo. Seamlessly blending rustic charm with minimalism, these cottages can be rented individually or together. Featuring a swimming pool, daily breakfast, and housekeeping, the retreat is surrounded by ancient olive trees, making it an ideal choice for stargazing and nature lovers.

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Casa no Tempo

A dreamy four-bedroom old family farmhouse, with minimal beautiful decor set among wildflower fields, lakes and cork groves near the hilltop village of Montemor-o-Novo in the deep Alentejo in Portugal. Only an hour’s drive from Lisbon.

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Cabeça da Cabra Country Guesthouse

Cabeça de Cabra is located in Costa Vicentina in the Alentejo, a haven for nature lovers. This rural guesthouse is the labour of love of the owner, Ana, who transformed an abandoned primary school into a peaceful retreat.

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Cucumbi

Cucumbi is a rural guesthouse on an organic farm in Portugal's Alentejo region, run by Catarina and ToZé. They offer six rooms and a two-bedroom cottage with rustic design, a saltwater pool, bikes, and an organic breakfast featuring fresh-laid eggs. Rooms are named after animals on the estate.

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Malhadinha Nova Country House & Spa

Malhadinha Nova Country House & Spa is a boutique hotel set in rural Alentejo, in Beja. This luxurious farmhouse offers an infinity swimming pool, a spa and a winery, all surrounded by the estate’s gorgeous vineyards.

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Craveiral Farmhouse by Belong

This charming boutique farmhouse is located in the heart of the Alentejo coast near the small fishing village Zambujeira do Mar. It consists of 38 houses and studios, with a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by nature.

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Monte Velho Equo Resort

A boutique hotel near Évora with a strong focus on horse riding activities. Each room opens to a furnished balcony with amazing views of the dam, and the typical beautiful landscape of Alentejo.