Santa Marta de Portuzelo Castle

A grand and captivating large group retreat, rich in historic detail and surrounded by North Portugal's trademark rural beauty.

The ultimate in luxurious family holidays, Santa Marta de Portuzelo Castle is a historic, 2000m2 castle that promises to both enthral your senses and capture your hearts.

A mere 40 minutes from bustling Porto, the castle is set in a peaceful village that's surrounded by traditional stone houses and sweet-scented fruit trees. Your journey will feel ridiculously magical, as you meander along the stone-paved road, past intricate chapels and gently rustling olive trees.  

Cocooned within walls, the two-storey castle building itself is a true creation of wonder, crafted in Portuguese Gothic style, and boasting architectural details that date all the way back to the 12th century.  

With three sumptuous living spaces to choose from, two dining rooms, and an enchanting garden that covers just over four acres, there's plenty of space for everybody to be as social as they like, or simply get lost in a good book on their own, blissfully undisturbed.

There's an enormous kitchen to whip up feasts in, as you bring everybody back together over good food, wine, and endless laughter. Then, it'll be on to claiming your favourite bedroom!

Each of the nine first-floor rooms are a spacious 50m2, all are beautifully furnished, and all boast en-suite facilities, which means everybody will be happy with their chosen sleeping space.

(Though two of the rooms feature a warming fireplace... so you may want to pick one of those, if you're hankering after a romantic evening glow!)  

The first floor living area is also the perfect spot from which to gaze at the sparkling Lima River close by, and the vast Atlantic Ocean beyond. But if you want to immerse yourselves in nature and history up close, all you have to do is head outside, into that amazing garden.

A treasure trove from gentle times past, you can sit back and admire the Manueline watchtower and dovecote, along with a captivating 16th century fountain, all surrounded by beautiful trees of just about every description, including walnut, orange, fig, and cypress.

Oh, and there's also a cooling outdoor pool, to help you break up those lazy, sun-soaked afternoons.

Head into Porto if you're looking for something to do, or if you want to take the night off from cooking, there are village restaurants within easy walking distance.  

But we've got a sneaking feeling that once you've experienced the unique magic of Santa Marta de Portuzelo Castle, you'll want to drink it all in for as long as you possibly can.

Things to note

Check in from 1pm - 4pm, check out by 12pm. Well-behaved pets are permitted. Please note that some parts of the castle and its grounds, including the tower and chapel, are closed to guests.