Perched on the slopes of the Serra da Estrela mountains, Casa de São Lourenço offers a refined retreat where landscape takes center stage. With sweeping views over glacial valleys and rolling highlands, this hotel invites guests to slow down and experience Portugal’s highest mountain range from a place of comfort, silence and understated elegance.
The building itself has a long history in the region, once serving as a mountain refuge before being carefully transformed into a contemporary hotel. The renovation respected the original structure while introducing a clean, modern aesthetic that complements the surrounding environment. Stone, wood and glass are used with intention, allowing the architecture to feel both grounded and open to the vast scenery beyond.
Inside, the atmosphere is calm and intimate. The interiors are warm and minimalist, designed to highlight the natural light and the ever changing views outside. Each room feels private and serene, offering a sense of shelter without disconnecting guests from the mountains that surround them. Large windows frame the landscape like living paintings, changing with the seasons and the weather.
Dining at Casa de São Lourenço is closely connected to the region. The restaurant celebrates local ingredients and mountain traditions, presented with a contemporary sensibility. Flavors are clean and honest, reflecting the character of the Serra da Estrela while elevating it through thoughtful preparation. Whether enjoyed at lunch after a ride or as a quiet dinner at sunset, meals here are an essential part of the experience.
Wellbeing is woven naturally into a stay at Casa de São Lourenço. The indoor pool and relaxation areas are positioned to take full advantage of the views, creating a sense of continuity between indoors and outdoors. After a day of cycling through high altitude roads or exploring nearby trails, the hotel offers the perfect space to rest and recover.
As part of the Bike Tour Across Portugal From North to South, Casa de São Lourenço stands out as a moment of altitude and perspective. It offers a pause in the journey where travelers can reflect on the distance already covered while looking out over one of Portugal’s most dramatic landscapes. The combination of comfort, design and location makes it a memorable stop along the route.
Casa de São Lourenço is more than a place to stay in the mountains. It is a vantage point, a refuge and an experience shaped by space, light and silence. A night here leaves guests with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and scale of Portugal’s interior.
Enjoy a stay at Forte de São Francisco on the following tours: