Formerly an old castle, Pousada Alcacer do Sal overlooks the River Sado in Alentejo, Portugal.
The restoration of this Pousada
was under the direction of the famous architect Diogo Lino Pimental.
This beautiful accommodation is
approximately 90 kilometres from Lisbon,
Portugal's exciting capital city. It is situated at the start
of the vast plains of the Alentejo region which stretch to the south
and the east of Portugal.
Alcacer do Sal is located
on the estuary of the River Sado where the marshes have been converted
into paddy fields growing rice. The Portuguese are the largest consumers
of rice, per capita, in Europe, they are also the biggest producers.
To the west of the Pousada
lies the Troia Peninsula with beautiful, long sandy beaches where it is
possible to find a long stretch all to oneself.
In this area there are many
traces of previous civilizations ranging from Phoenician villages to Roman
ruins. All around there is evidence of the Arab influence following the
occupation of the area by the Moors. They were expelled from Portugal with
the help of the Crusaders.
The Castle has a history
stretching back 5000 years and has now been converted into luxurious accommodation
comprising 2 suites 16 superior rooms and 17 standard rooms with en suite bathroom, air conditioning, telephone, cable television, internet connection, mini-bar, safe, hair dryer and bathing gowns on request. Some rooms are inter-connecting.
Facilities at Pousada Alcacer do Sal include restaurant, bar, terrace, safe, air conditioning,
lift, facilities for disabled persons and parking. Small conferences can
also be held here.
The swimming pool has underwater
lighting for evening swimming.
Dining in Portugal is usually
very good. The restaurants of the Pousada group hotels offer a variety
of dishes including a selection of local and regional specialities.
There are a number of excellent
golf courses in the area which can be seen at Lisbon Golf Courses.
The Sado estuary is a protected
area with many wading birds in the tidal marshes. These can be seen from
hides, from walking the nature trails, by bicycle, from horseback, river
cruise, four wheel drive vehicles or, from a hot air balloon.
In the waters of the river
and the coast there are facilities for canoeing, diving and other water
sports. More aggressive sports include hunting, shooting and fishing together
with archery and crossbow shooting and paint ball.
Trips by car can be made
to the dams of Altar and Vale do Gaio. The Natural Park of Arrabida
is within easy reach with its south facing sandy coves and, the fishing
village of Sesimbra which has many excellent fish restaurants.
The international airport
at Lisbon (Lisboa) is approximately 90 kilometers from this Pousada of Portugal.
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