Discover your perfect stay in Amares.
Discover the most iconic attractions in Amares
Find the perfect place to stay in Amares




Questions You Might Need to Know About Traveling to Amares
For a rich cultural stay in Amariz, choose accommodations near the Monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaça, such as Pousada do Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça—a historic site turned luxury hotel. Its medieval architecture, restored cloisters, and panoramic views of the Serra de Cadaval offer an immersive journey into Portugal’s monastic past.
Alternatively, Casa da Serra, a sustainable mountain retreat, blends traditional design with eco-conscious living. Staying here allows guests to engage with local traditions, enjoy farm-to-table meals using regional ingredients, and participate in guided walks through the surrounding hills. These areas not only provide comfort but also deepen your connection to Amariz’s spiritual and rural heritage.
Yes, Casa da Serra in Amariz offers family-friendly accommodations with dedicated outdoor spaces including a children’s play area, organic garden, and nature trails. Families can join hands-on workshops like herbal cooking or fruit picking, fostering meaningful engagement with local culture.
Another great option is Hotel Rural Vale das Águas, which features private cottages with gardens and BBQ areas. Located near the Douro River tributaries, it’s ideal for biking, fishing, and picnicking. Both properties prioritize safety, space, and nature-based fun—perfect for families seeking a relaxed yet enriching getaway in the heart of rural Portugal.
Absolutely. Hotels in Amariz offer deep culinary immersion. At Pousada do Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça, guests enjoy traditional dishes like Tarte de Amêndoa (almond tart) and Mel de Vinho (honey wine), crafted from centuries-old monastery recipes using locally sourced ingredients.
Casa da Serra features a "Farm-to-Table" dining experience where guests can harvest vegetables, then cook them into authentic Cozido à Portuguesa (Portuguese stew) or prepare presunto (ham) platters. Some hotels even host interactive cooking classes focused on Fado-inspired meals or regional breads. These experiences transform meals into cultural storytelling moments, making every bite a taste of heritage.
The quietest and most restorative area in Amariz lies in the forested foothills surrounding the Monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaça. Here, Pousada do Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça offers tranquil rooms with private terraces overlooking serene gardens and a meditation courtyard perfect for solitude.
Further inland, Casa da Serra sits nestled within the Serra de Cadaval mountains, surrounded by dense woodland and minimal light pollution—ideal for stargazing. The property emphasizes wellness with yoga sessions, forest bathing, and bespoke spa treatments. With no nightlife and only natural sounds—birdsong and flowing streams—this region is a sanctuary for those seeking peace, reflection, and deep rejuvenation.
Yes, many hotels in Amariz provide expert-led cultural tours. Pousada do Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça offers daily "Monastery Through Time" walks led by historians, exploring cloisters, archives, and royal tombs, revealing stories of Portuguese royalty and religious life.
Casa da Serra hosts "Mountain Tales" guided hikes with local elders who share ancestral farming practices, folk legends, and oral histories passed down through generations. Some hotels also partner with the Alcobaça Museum, offering free access and thematic lectures. These curated experiences blend history, ecology, and community memory, transforming your stay into a living narrative of the region’s soul.
Absolutely. Amariz lies in the foothills of the Douro River tributaries, offering diverse hiking trails suited for all levels. Casa da Serra provides guided treks through ancient forests, where hikers may spot wild irises, red squirrels, and rare birds—ending at a 12th-century abandoned chapel.
Pousada do Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça features a 3-kilometer ecological trail to Serra de Cadaval, passing through primeval woods and crystal-clear waterfalls. The hotel supplies maps, trekking poles, and eco-friendly hydration packs. With mild spring and autumn weather, these seasons are ideal for immersive nature experiences. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned hiker, Amariz delivers untouched landscapes and profound tranquility.
Amaries is a captivating coastal town in northern Portugal, renowned for its pristine beaches and medieval heritage. The Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção showcases distinctive Manueline architecture, while the ruins of Amaries Castle narrate 12th-century defense history. As a key stop on the Camino da Costa Portuguese pilgrimage route, the town blends spiritual mystique with Atlantic grandeur.
Top attractions include the cliffside Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção with its iconic spiral columns and nautical rope carvings. The Amaries Castle ruins offer panoramic coastal views, especially breathtaking at sunset. Don't miss the iconic wooden bridge on the Santiago Pilgrimage Route and the traditional Elevador de Amarieis cable system used by local fishermen.
Culinary highlights feature fresh seafood—try grilled sardines and seafood stew (Caldeirada). The salted cod (Bacalhau à Brás) at historic restaurant A Tasquinha is legendary. For dessert, sample rice pudding (Arroz Doce) with cinnamon, ideally paired with local Vinho Verde wine.
Driving from Porto via A28 highway takes ~45 minutes. The town is best explored on foot, with a tourist train available for steep areas. The traditional cable car (€2.5/ride) connects to beaches. Rede Expressos operates long-distance buses, but schedules are limited—check timetables in advance.
May-September is ideal, with summer averages of 25°C perfect for beach activities. July-August sees peak crowds but enriched by pilgrim culture, while September's grape harvest offers festive experiences.
Language: Portuguese predominates; English works in tourist areas. Currency: Euros. Visa/Mastercard widely accepted but markets are cash-only. Internet: Major carrier MEO provides solid coverage. Emergency: Dial 112. Pharmacies display green crosses with Sunday rosters posted. Beach lifeguard stations operate June-September. Medical center located on Rua 25 de Abril.