Going to the Castelo de Palmela Pousada is like travelling in time without driving the DeLorean. The former home of the Order of Santiago is in such a vantage point that you get a view of the Serra da Arrábida Nature Park, the ocean and some of Portugal's most famous vineyards (including properties such as Ermelinda Freitas, José Maria da Fonseca or Bacalhôa). The Pessegueiro ("peach tree") Courtyard is sheltered within the castle, and you can discover it while enjoying a meal serving for up to 30 people; the menu includes the famous "caramela" soup (a strong mix of potatoes, cabbage, sausage, beans and carrots) and partridge pie, or an equally fulfilling alternative, game meat broth with watercress "farófias" and roast pork leg.
“If you can look, see. If you can see, take notice." This sentence comes from Portuguese King D. Duarte's "Book of Teachings", and it was included in the back cover of Literature Nobel prize winner José Saramago's "Blindness". It could apply to the new Pousadas of Portugal program. Places that have always been in plain sight now make themselves noticed by being members of Pousadas Authentic Venues, a series of locations where you can have lunch, tea, dinner or even watch the Champions League final, in couples or in groups, in private or corporate events - with prices varying according to the number of patrons and the selected menus. Here are the current Authentic Venues.
Recommended: The best things to do in Lisbon.
