Hotel Pousada Santa Clara
A Velha is located between two distinct regions of Portugal, the Algarve
and Alentejo and is near the beaches and coast of S. Vicente.
The Pousada is situated on the
banks of Portugal's largest reservoir and has stunning views of the lake.
It provides an oasis of calm
for those wanting a break from the traffic of Lisbon or the crowds of the
Algarve. It is also a good place to escape from the pressures of modern
living.
The rolling hills are full
of little known tracks waiting to be explored, many of which lead down
to the waterside.
The surrounding Serra de
Monchique is a beautiful area of mountains, streams and thermal springs.
The area has an abundance
of pines, spruces and scented eucalyptus all basking in the hot sun of
the Alentejo region.
In the local town of Santa
Clara-a-Velha, the Church (known as Igreja Matriz) is worth a visit for
its azulejos (painted tiles). Overlooking the town are the ruins of Nossa
Senhora do Desterro, a 17th Century Franciscan monastery.
During your visit you should
sample the locally produced arbutus brandy.
To the south is the small
spa town of Caldas de Monchique, nestling in a wooded valley, which has
a history going back to the days of the Roman occupation.
The spa waters became popular
in the 19th Century resulting in the construction of many fine buildings.
The spa is still in used today in the treatment hospital. The town also
has a small bottling plant and the mineral water is sold throughout Portugal.
To the west of Santa Clara
are the beautiful long, sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean which have
the cooling 'Portuguese Trade Winds' blowing almost every afternoon.
The little coastal town of
Milfontes makes an interesting day trip from the Pousada.
The accommodation comprises
9 standard bedrooms, 8 superior bedrooms and 2 suites. Some bedrooms are inter-connecting. The bedrooms
all have private bathroom, air conditioning, hair dryer, bathing gowns, telephone, Cable television and mini-bar.
The Pousada is air conditioned
and facilities include lift, lounge areas, family games, restaurant, bar,
terrace, swimming pool, childrens play area and parking.
The restaurants of the Pousada
group hotels offer a variety of dishes including a selection of local and
regional specialities and an international menu.
Activities in the area include
fishing, motor boat cruises, canoeing on the river, horse riding, four-wheel
driving and country walks.
The locals celebrate the
festival of Santa Clara, the patron saint, from 8 to 10 August each year.
The international airport
at Faro is approximately 120 kilometers from this Pousada of Portugal.
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