Pousada in Geres-Canicada
Pousada in Geres-Canicada – Hotel Sao Bento
The only National Park in Portugal is the location for the Hotel Pousada do Geres-Canicada which has magnificent views over the River Cavado, hills and the lake.
Situated in the Peneda-Geres National Park this former hunter’s chalet is covered with climbing plants. 
Its welcoming and comfortably furnished lounge with stone fireplace and wooden beams makes Pousada do Geres-Canicada one of the most welcoming of the Pousadas of Portugal.
4 kilometres to the east is the church Bom Jesus do Monte which is surrounded by beautiful gardens. This church is reached by a stunning Baroque staircase, of over 1000 steps, or, by funicular for the fainthearted!
We had a very nice visit to this wonderfully located hotel. My husband is in a wheelchair but the hotel was very good about moving cars out of the disabled parking spaces and with any help that I required. However there is a need to put some holding on handles for the shower so that a disabled person can stand up in the shower. Also a need for more space to put your sponge bag down in the bathroom.
These are minor irritations but should be put right to gain the top spot in hotel listings. I did mention all these things to the Receptionist but whether anything will be done …. Otherwise it was lovely.
We spent a wonderful few days in early September. The weather was very hot and the rooms (faded charm with very large and comfortable bed) a litlle too hot despite the air conditioning, but we had a balcony which was very pleasant. I made full use of the swimming pool which I greatly appreciated. The views from the terrace were wonderful. The staff were excellent, extremely obliging and the breakfast and evening meals were very good. Beautiful surrounding countryside. All in all we would highly recommend this pousada.
Peter and I stayed at Pousada Sao Bento for a couple of days in July and loved it. The views from the Pousada’s perch on top of a mountain overlooking a beautiful valley and river are breathtaking and very serene. The nearby town of Geres is a little gem and the hiking trails in the national park are just wonderful, particularly the hike at Pedra Bella (beautiful rock) which took us along trails full of flowers, butterflies, unusual rock formations and gorgeous vistas. We wound up in the most charming little town of Ermida by accident and had a lovely little interchange with a woman from the village even though we didn’t speak the same language. We recommend this Pousada very highly as it is a lovely rustic, but elegant lodge with all the amenities of a fine hotel.
the rooms are big the bed is very good and the view from the room is un belivable.breakfest is also very good. the price is reasonable.very very good deal.
Two years ago, I celebrated my wedding anniversary at this Pousada and had a wonderful time. The scenery is beautiful, no matter which way you are facing. This was a wonderful surprise and the food was great.