Comments Pousada in Valenca
Pousada in Valenca – Hotel Sao Teotonio
The Pousada in Valenca do Minho has wonderful views of the hills, river plains and the border towns of Spain and Portugal.
On the other side of the river stands the Spanish town of Tuy (Tui) with its beautiful Cathedral built on top of a small hill.
The Pousada is in the inner fort which is accessed through a small gate into the outer fort and then through more gates to the inner fortifications.
Within the fort is the old town whose residents were protected from a Spanish Invasion in years gone by.
Nowadays the inhabitants are responsible for a new Spanish Invasion as the town is full of small shops selling items, particularly textiles, of interest to their Spanish neighbours.
The River Minho is one of the most beautiful in Portugal and is navigable from the Pousada down to the sea at Caminha. It has many interesting towns along its banks.
The Pousada is convenient for the main north highway in Portugal which continues across the river to the city of Vigo in Spain and also the famous pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela.
The delightful resort of Baiona (Bayona) in Spain is also well worth a visit.
Below are some comments of guests who recently stayed in Pousada in Valenca.
Stayed three nights here . Location was very historical, unique and beautiful. Enjoyed the grounds and the pousada lounge andcommon / public areas which were varied . Restaurant offered tasty dishes as well. One note of caution : watch if you send laundry out ! I was charged extra without my knowledge until closer to my departure. I only wish I was able to make that choice rather than be informed of the extra charge ! Otherwise, rooms are large and comfortable with beautiful views of the river and the Spanish town of Tuy. Good location to use as a base to explore the surrounding areas. Lots of shops available for the tourist as well but watch the prices. Other parts of POrtugal are less expensive for rthe same item !! Friendly and accommodating staff as well. A nice stay.
We last visited Vilança, and stayed at the Pousasa, some 15 years ago. On both occasions we had some difficulty in actually getting to the front door of the hotel- there were not many signs.. A small car is definitely advisable to get through the narow doorways of the fortifications.
As was the case the first time, we found the staff friendly and efficient. The interior of the pousada did not seem to have changed much – some may find the furniture and décor rather sombre, but our room, and the the restaurant, had a super view of the Minho and Spain. The local Moncao white wine is definitely worth trying.
We found the Pousada an excellent base to visit the Penedes Geres National Park
We have stayed here before and always enjoy our stay, the food and the wine are always good, the service is fantastic. Its not designer and modern it has a charm that seems belong to another time and thats its strength.
It is perfectly positioned for visiting the town which is a must see and the views ti Tui Spain across the river at night are wonderful.
Its well worth a visit!
We stayed here more than 20 years ago, and the place was fantastic again. The staff and dining were excellent
On the downside there was no computer for internet connection available and in these times that is an essential.
Also there was little or no local information available, and as the tourist office was not open we felt the hotel should have had some available.
Again it was wonderful
regards
Mike & Barbara Rowston
All the information given above is correct. Pousada Sao Teotonio is delightful. Entering through the various portals of the fortification was an awesome experience in time travel. The narrow, cobblestone streets made it easy to imagine what the town was like hundreds of years ago. The shops selling bed linens, towels, baby layettes, tablecloths and placemats made you wish you had an empty suitcase to fill with this beautiful merchandise. The pousada itself blended with the ancient architecture, but was modern, clean, and welcoming inside. From the common rooms and from our bedroom we could see the walls of the fort, the river below, and Spain on the other side. Crossing into Spain was easy and worth the walk. Tuy has a beautiful cathedral with a tower you can climb for a reverse view into Portugal.
We would gladly return to Portugal to stay at some of the other interesting pousadas in various regions of this beautiful country!