Portugal is a country known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and delicious cuisine. However, it also boasts some of the most beautiful lakes in Europe. These lakes not only offer breathtaking views but also provide a tranquil escape from the bustling cities. And what better way to experience the beauty of these lakes than by staying at a lake hotel? From luxurious resorts to cozy boutique hotels, Portugal has a variety of options for those seeking a lakeside getaway. In this article, we will explore the best lake hotels in Portugal, each with its unique charm and location.
1. Lago Montargil & Villas – Montargil
Located in the heart of Alentejo, Lago Montargil & Villas is a luxurious 5-star hotel situated on the banks of the Montargil Lake. The hotel offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding countryside, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. The rooms are elegantly designed with modern amenities and feature private balconies or terraces overlooking the lake. Guests can also enjoy a range of activities such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking around the lake.
The hotel’s highlight is its infinity pool, which seems to blend seamlessly with the lake, creating a mesmerizing effect. The pool area also has a bar where guests can enjoy refreshing drinks while taking in the picturesque views. The on-site restaurant serves delicious traditional Portuguese cuisine, and guests can also opt for a romantic dinner by the lake.
2. Quinta do Lago – Algarve
Quinta do Lago is a 5-star resort located in the Algarve region, known for its stunning beaches and golf courses. However, the resort also offers a unique lakeside experience with its location on the edge of Ria Formosa Natural Park. The resort has a private lake where guests can enjoy activities such as paddleboarding and kayaking.
The rooms at Quinta do Lago are spacious and elegantly decorated, with most of them offering views of the lake. The resort also has a range of facilities, including a spa, fitness center, and multiple restaurants serving international and Portuguese cuisine. Guests can also take a leisurely stroll around the lake or relax on the resort’s private beach.
3. Casa do Lago – Gerês
Nestled in the heart of Peneda-Gerês National Park, Casa do Lago is a charming boutique hotel overlooking the Caniçada Lake. The hotel’s location offers guests a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, with stunning views of the lake and mountains. The rooms are cozy and decorated with traditional Portuguese elements, providing a homely feel.
Casa do Lago has a beautiful outdoor pool overlooking the lake, where guests can relax and soak up the sun. The hotel also offers activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and boat tours on the lake. The on-site restaurant serves delicious regional dishes made with fresh local ingredients, and guests can also enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace while admiring the sunset over the lake.
4. Lake Resort – Vilamoura
Located in the popular resort town of Vilamoura, Lake Resort is a 5-star hotel situated on the banks of the Falésia Lake. The hotel’s design is inspired by traditional Portuguese architecture, with a modern twist. The rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated, with most of them offering views of the lake or the hotel’s lush gardens.
The hotel has a private beach where guests can enjoy water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing. The infinity pool overlooking the lake is another highlight of the hotel, providing a perfect spot to relax and take in the stunning views. The on-site restaurant offers a variety of international and Portuguese dishes, and guests can also enjoy a drink at the lakeside bar.
5. Hotel Lagoa dos Pastorinhos – Fátima
For those seeking a spiritual retreat, Hotel Lagoa dos Pastorinhos is the perfect choice. Located in the town of Fátima, famous for its religious significance, the hotel is situated on the banks of the Lagoa dos Pastorinhos. The hotel’s design is inspired by the traditional Portuguese countryside, with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
The rooms at Hotel Lagoa dos Pastorinhos are comfortable and feature balconies with views of the lake. The hotel also has a beautiful outdoor pool surrounded by gardens, providing a peaceful spot to relax. Guests can also take a walk around the lake or visit the nearby Sanctuary of Fátima. The on-site restaurant serves traditional Portuguese cuisine, and guests can also enjoy a drink at the bar overlooking the lake.
6. Lake Spa Resort – Vilamoura
Another gem in Vilamoura, Lake Spa Resort is a 5-star hotel situated on the banks of the Ria Formosa Lagoon. The hotel’s location offers guests stunning views of the lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. The rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated, with most of them featuring private balconies or terraces overlooking the lagoon.
The hotel has a private beach where guests can enjoy water sports such as windsurfing and sailing. The infinity pool overlooking the lagoon is another highlight of the hotel, providing a perfect spot to relax and take in the views. The on-site restaurant offers a variety of international and Portuguese dishes, and guests can also enjoy a drink at the lakeside bar.
7. Quinta do Lago Country Club – Algarve
Located in the exclusive Quinta do Lago resort, Quinta do Lago Country Club is a luxurious 4-star hotel situated on the edge of Quinta do Lago Lake. The hotel’s location offers guests stunning views of the lake and surrounding golf courses. The rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated, with most of them featuring private balconies or terraces overlooking the lake.
The hotel has a range of facilities, including a spa, fitness center, and multiple restaurants serving international and Portuguese cuisine. Guests can also enjoy a round of golf at one of the nearby courses or take a leisurely stroll around the lake. The hotel also offers activities such as fishing and boat tours on the lake.
8. Hotel Lagoa Azul – Azores
For a unique lakeside experience, head to the Azores and stay at Hotel Lagoa Azul. Located on the island of São Miguel, the hotel is situated on the banks of the Lagoa Azul, one of the island’s most beautiful lakes. The hotel’s design is inspired by traditional Azorean architecture, with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
The rooms at Hotel Lagoa Azul are comfortable and feature balconies with views of the lake. The hotel also has a beautiful outdoor pool surrounded by gardens, providing a peaceful spot to relax. Guests can also take a walk around the lake or explore the nearby town of Sete Cidades. The on-site restaurant serves traditional Azorean cuisine, and guests can also enjoy a drink at the bar overlooking the lake.
9. Lake House – Alentejo
Located in the Alentejo region, Lake House is a charming boutique hotel situated on the banks of the Alqueva Lake, Europe’s largest artificial lake. The hotel’s location offers guests stunning views of the lake and surrounding countryside. The rooms are cozy and decorated with traditional Portuguese elements, providing a homely feel.
Lake House has a beautiful outdoor pool overlooking the lake, where guests can relax and soak up the sun. The hotel also offers activities such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking around the lake. The on-site restaurant serves delicious regional dishes made with fresh local ingredients, and guests can also enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace while admiring the sunset over the lake.
10. Hotel Lagoa dos Cisnes – Azores
Last but not least, Hotel Lagoa dos Cisnes is another beautiful lakeside hotel located on the island of São Miguel in the Azores. The hotel is situated on the banks of the Lagoa das Sete Cidades, one of the island’s most iconic lakes. The rooms are comfortable and feature balconies with views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
The hotel has a range of facilities, including a spa, fitness center, and multiple restaurants serving international and Azorean cuisine. Guests can also enjoy activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and boat tours on the lake. The hotel’s highlight is its rooftop pool, offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
In conclusion, Portugal offers a variety of options for those seeking a lakeside getaway. From luxurious resorts to cozy boutique hotels, each with its unique charm and location, these lake hotels provide the perfect setting for a peaceful and relaxing vacation. So why not plan your next trip to Portugal and experience the beauty of these stunning lakes for yourself?
Passionate traveler, travel planner, private tour guide, and travel article writer in Portugal. Owner of The Lisbon Guide with more than 250.000 pages visited every year (5 million views in 12 years)
I'm based in Lisbon/Portugal and experienced in travel planning, tour guiding, and entrepreneurship since 1996, and guiding customers for over 20 years across Portugal. Helping customers from all over the world, planning their stay in Portugal. I'm also an avid TripAdvisor user level 6 with more than 300.000 readers worldwide, assisting thousands of travelers yearly to plan their perfect trip.
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