Casa da Calçada

Casa da Calcada is set in beautiful century-old gardens of manicured lawns shaded by old-growth trees. The pretty town of Amarante, meanwhile, is famous for its Romanesque bridges, arches, churches and monasteries.

The rooms and suites at Casa da Calçada are as lavish as the rest of the hotel, combining a traditional Baroque charm with modern style. Executive rooms have an atmospheric, wine-red colour scheme, while Luxury rooms are brighter and overlook the Tamega River and the historic centre of Amarante. Superior Luxury rooms have the same views with the added bonus of a private balcony, while the spacious suites also have their own plush living rooms. All rooms feature beautiful bathrooms. 

The Largo do Paco restaurant has earned a Michelin star for its high-quality Portuguese cuisine, and it’s not hard to see why. Breakfast takes the form of a sumptuous buffet spread of pastries, fresh and baked fruit, hot and cold meats and smoked fish – if you’re looking to treat yourself, Buck’s Fizz will see you get the day off to a sparkling start. At lunch and dinner, you’ll find exquisitely presented gourmet Portuguese food: sample dishes include suckling pig and a mango, juniper and salted chocolate dessert.

In the hotel’s attractive gardens you’ll find two swimming pools, one for adults and a smaller one for kids. The pools are open from June to September, and are perfect for cooling off from the hot afternoon sun.

Amarante’s photogenic Romanesque architecture is the perfect setting for a walking tour. Be sure to take in the Sao Goncalo Bridge and the Mosteiro de Sao Goncalo, a beautiful monastery. Both are named after Portugal’s answer to St Valentine, who is said to hail from Amarante – the town’s name comes from the Portuguese verb ‘to love’. 

Cyclists will enjoy the Ecopista da Linha do Tamega, a designated cycle path which trails through the town, surrounded by beautiful trees, and for golfers, there is an 18-hole golf course nearby. Art lovers should check out the Museum Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, which is dedicated to the works of local writers and artists.