Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Casa das Penhas Douradas
HOTEL
€€€
(
275 981 045;
www.casadaspenhasdouradas.pt
; Penhas Douradas; s €120-140, d €135-155;
)
Near the top of the mountain between Manteigas and Seia, this superb hotel gets
everything right. Though its high, lonely location and spectacular views are appealing
enough, this would be an excellent place to stay in any location. The rooms all have great
natural light, views, and some come with cosy sloping ceiling or have a most appealing
little terrace. Bathrooms are modern and stylish, and the downstairs heated pool area is
great in both summer and winter.
An enlightened attitude to guest comfort means there are all sorts of welcome details,
such as a free snack buffet all afternoon, bikes and kayaks to use, books, DVDs and spa
and massage treatments available. There's a top network of marked trails up here too, so
you can hike from the hotel doorstep.
Pousada de São Lourenço
( 275 980 050;
www.pousadas.pt
; Penhas Douradas; s/d €145/155, with mountain view €176/186; )
In a
splendid position high on the mountainside, this inn has a great location but at last visit
the rooms looked a little tired and the atmosphere, like in so many
pousadas
(upmarket
inns), was a bit staid. It's 13km above and north of Manteigas, topping the wiggly switch-
backs on the N232. Though comfortable, the hotel isn't value-packed - and wi-fi in the
rooms is extra - but the setting and, especially, the views are memorable.
INN
€€€
Eating & Drinking
O Trenó
( 275 982 020; Estrada da Lapa; mains €8-11; lunch & dinner Tue-Sat, lunch Sun)
South of the centre
of Manteigas, in the San António district near a couple of hotels, this unpretentious place
offers a genuine welcome. It's a good spot to try typical mountain dishes such as
chanfana
(stewed goat) or
feijoca
(bean and pork stew) and chat about local issues with the friendly
staff.
PORTUGUESE
€
Pastelaria Padaria Floresta
(Rua 1 de Maio; 6am-midnight Mon-Sat, 8am-1pm Sun)
Open bright and early, this little bakery is a
hiker's best friend, with simple sandwiches on homemade bread plus delicious trail snacks
for sale for around €1. Taste the
empadas de frango
(pastry dough filled with chicken),
BAKERY, CAFE
€
