There are countless reasons to visit Lisbon — the city of seven hills, bathed in near-constant light, known for its custard tarts on every corner and the Pombaline architecture that shapes its streets. But just as compelling are the reasons to go beyond the capital.
In recent years, spurred by a growing wave of tourism, Portugal's hotel scene has undergone a transformation. Distinctive, purpose-driven properties are flourishing, and off-the-beaten-path stays have multiplied. Many of the most exciting of these hotels are within easy reach of Lisbon, offering a mix of countryside tranquility and coastal beauty just over an hour from the city.
Below, five standout hotels — each in a different destination, all within roughly 90 minutes or less of Lisbon — that prove just how much this compact country has to offer.
Aethos Ericeira
EncarnaçãoLess than an hour’s drive from Lisbon, perched on a cliff and surrounded by a nature reserve, this MICHELIN Key hotel offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic. The setting is striking, and the interiors follow suit: spacious, light-filled, and thoughtfully designed in an elegant, contemporary style. Located in Ericeira — a coastal village known for dramatic cliffs, legendary beaches, and a laid-back pace of life — Aethos invites a serene escape, whether for a weekend or a longer seaside retreat.
What to do? Unwind at the spa, a modern hammam offering a variety of deep relaxation treatments, a heated pool, and a fully equipped wellness center. For the more adventurous, the hotel offers a surf concierge ready to arrange lessons, board rentals or tours of the region’s best surf spots.
What to eat? At Onda — a name (meaning Wave) that couldn’t be more fitting — the hotel restaurant pays tribute to the richness of Portugal’s coast, with light, sophisticated dishes inspired by the seafood of the Silver Coast. A culinary experience that honors the region’s fishing tradition.
Book Aethos Ericeira with the MICHELIN Guide →
Casa Holstein Quinta de São Sebastião
SintraWith its historic buildings, the majestic Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, and timeless charm, Sintra — just over 30 minutes from Lisbon — is a destination that’s hard to resist. Casa Holstein Quinta de São Sebastião is one more excellent reason to visit. Though not tucked away in the countryside, it sits at the entrance to the city and offers a peaceful atmosphere that encourages you to slow down.
Set in a pistachio-green building, this charming boutique hotel has just 13 rooms — many with private terraces overlooking the gardens and the nearby natural park. The ambiance is as serene and intimate as it is elegant.
What to do? Relax by the pool or on the hotel’s sun-soaked terraces. If you prefer to explore, take advantage of the bikes provided or head out on a peaceful hike. The hotel also organizes personalized routes, with or without a guide, for those who want to discover the region in greater depth.
What to eat? Casa Holstein offers a gastronomic tour developed in partnership with local restaurants. The itinerary may include everything from hidden gems to MICHELIN-Starred establishments — a personalized way to discover the region’s flavors.
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Salvaterra Country House & Spa
Salvaterra de MagosAbout 35 minutes from Lisbon, deep in the Ribatejo region, this contemporary country house — awarded a MICHELIN Key — is one of the great surprises in the Portuguese countryside. Surrounded by a lush garden and infused with genuine Ribatejo character, it’s located in Salvaterra de Magos: a quiet village rooted in local tradition that gives the hotel both its name and soul.
The suites, discreetly tucked into the greenery, offer complete privacy. Interiors combine rustic elegance with modern comfort, and features like fireplaces and soaking tubs create an atmosphere as warm and welcoming as home.
What to do? Unplug at the spa, where the surrounding greenery enhances the feeling of total tranquility. One highlight is the outdoor Dutch hot tub, wood-fired and perfect for a relaxing soak in any season. There’s also a pool, a fire pit in the garden, and cozy corners designed for couples or families. In the surrounding countryside, authentic experiences abound: boat rides on the Tagus, horseback rides through vineyards, visits to local wineries, and even sunrise hot-air balloon flights.
What to eat? While the hotel doesn’t have a formal restaurant, guests can enjoy leisurely lunches or starlit dinners at the garden barbecue. Breakfasts are delivered in baskets left at your door each morning, and the team is happy to recommend trusted local restaurants nearby.
Book Salvaterra Country House & Spa with the MICHELIN Guide →
Sublime Comporta
ComportaIn recent years, Comporta has become one of Portugal’s most sophisticated beach destinations. Among the many developments in the area, none has garnered quite as much prestige as Sublime Comporta — a retreat that blends countryside serenity with the Atlantic energy of the Alentejo coast, all less than an hour and a half from Lisbon. Set on a 17-hectare estate, this MICHELIN Key hotel offers more than 30 rooms, suites, and villas spread across several buildings, evoking a contemporary coastal village where comfort and privacy are paramount.
What to do? The atmosphere invites relaxation. The villas and top-tier suites feature private pools and fireplaces — both indoors and out — perfect for any season. The Sublime SPA offers a range of treatments and rituals, and the concierge team arranges bespoke experiences such as romantic dinners on the terrace, picnics in Lisbon’s parks, or quiet afternoons at Guincho Beach.
What to eat? The hotel is home to two on-site restaurants: Sem Porta, which reinterprets traditional Portuguese cuisine, and Food Circle, an intimate, fire-focused experience where dishes are prepared in front of guests. As if that weren’t enough, during summer, acclaimed chef João Rodrigues sets up a seasonal pop-up of his celebrated Lisbon restaurant Canalha, serving the best local ingredients with a signature touch.
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The Pergola Boutique Hotel
CascaisWhat is now an elegant 15-room boutique hotel was once the first hotel in the fishing village of Cascais, just 35 minutes from Lisbon. The building, dating back to 1925, has been renovated into one of the region’s most refined stays, with original features carefully preserved — from the stone floors and wrought-iron staircase to hand-painted tiles and the historic side garden.
The rooms are spacious, with high ceilings, abundant natural light, and private balconies overlooking the gardens — where breakfast can be served each morning. Though not quite the countryside, the atmosphere delivers on that same calming sense of escape.
What to do? The hotel offers the Golf Passport, a service granting access to the best golf courses in the area, each offering breathtaking landscapes and top-tier amenities. Just steps from the historic center and local beaches, this is also a perfect base for exploring Cascais on foot.
What to eat? The hotel’s restaurant and garden bar, Bougain — from the same owners as Lisbon’s historic Café de São Bento — serves a menu that blends French, Italian, and Portuguese influences, highlighting local ingredients like fresh Atlantic seafood and Setúbal oysters.
Book The Pergola Boutique Hotel with the MICHELIN Guide →
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Hero image: © Sublime Comporta
