Herdade da Matinha Country House & Restaurant
Rustic-artistic farmstay with an eclectic, lived-in warmth. Think colourful original paintings, ceramics, patterned cushions, retro lamps, and the smell of something good coming from the kitchen. No TVs in most rooms — that's intentional. The dirt road to get here is part of the point.
Book dinner in advance — the restaurant fills up and the daily-changing menu is the highlight of any stay
Why It Matters
One of Portugal's most beloved rural hotels and featured in both the Michelin Guide and Tablet Hotels. The estate has planted over 55,000 trees since 1996. The Rota Vicentina — a 340 km hiking network — runs directly past the property. And the dinner menu changes every single day.
A family-run estate set on 110 hectares in the Serra do Cercal, about 15 km from the wild beaches of the Costa Vicentina. Alfredo Moreira da Silva bought the original four-bedroom house with no electricity or water and built it into something genuinely rare: 35 rooms spread across four buildings, a kitchen turning out seasonal farm-to-table meals, three pools, and a yoga shala. His paintings hang in every room. The second generation — sons Santiago and Mateus — now runs the day-to-day.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Family Farmhouse Deluxe
Built specifically for families in the newest Farmhouse building. All 16 rooms are connecting, so you can open up into a spacious family configuration. Private outdoor area with views over forest or valley. Shared lobby with board games. Dedicated swimming pool for this building. Each room sleeps two adults plus a child plus a baby.
Double or Twin · 28 sqmOld House Double Room
The entry-level room in the original main house. Cosy, simple, light, and harmonious. Each room has access to a small traditional Alentejo patio opening directly onto the garden. Small but done with enough character — original paintings on the walls, warm colours, wooden furniture.
Double · 15 sqmOld House La Sete Suite
The flagship suite of the estate. 70 m² split between a 40 m² living room with kitchenette and a 30 m² bedroom with king size bed. Fireplace for cold evenings. Two private outdoor patios — one faces the pool with private access, the other faces west with a reflecting pool. Bathroom has both a bathtub and a walk-in shower. One of the very few rooms with a TV on the property.
King · 70 sqmOld House Large Double
A step up from the standard double — extra space comes from an attached living room. Traditional country house atmosphere with mountain views and direct access to the garden and pool. Good option if you want more breathing room without jumping to a suite.
Double · 30 sqm
Rose Club Deluxe Superior
Adults-only. Eight rooms in the newer Rose Club building with unobstructed views over Serra do Cercal. Country baroque decoration — think simple lines, generous proportions, and a private garden and lounge area. Guests get exclusive access to the adults-only pool. No cribs or extra beds possible here.
Double · 31 sqm
Surf Lodge Double
Simple, no-fuss rooms built for guests who spend most of their time outdoors. Private wooden deck outside the front door — designed with surfboards and bicycles in mind. Close to the main house. No frills, decent size for the price, air conditioning included.
Double · 19 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
E-bikes available for guests over 12 years old to explore Rota Vicentina cycling trails on dirt roads and quiet tarmac roads. Staff help select routes including hilltop sunset viewpoints.
The kitchen prepares a hamper and you choose your shade. Plenty of oak trees and quiet spots on the 110-hectare estate to spread out.
Visit the artisanal arbutus berry distillery 'Junior Jacques' to see the production process from harvesting to distillation and taste the final product — a distinctly local spirit of the Costa Vicentina.
Visit a nearby family estate dedicated to low-intervention artisanal wine production. Includes a vineyard and cellar tour, wine tasting, and traditional gastronomic experiences.
The 750 km Rota Vicentina trail network passes directly by the property. Guided hikes with local partners or self-guided with maps from reception. Options include the famous Fishermen's Trail along the cliffs.
The estate's own horses have retired and now roam freely on the property. Riding experiences for adults and children are now arranged through trusted professional partners in the region, with guide, insurance, and equipment included.
Gentle boat trip on the river Mira, observing local fauna and flora. A quieter alternative for those who'd rather not paddle.
SUP sessions on the Mira River or in the ocean. Big SUP (group paddleboard) also available for a fun group experience.
Private or group surf and bodyboard lessons on nearby Alentejo coast beaches. Arranged through partner instructors.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Wi-Fi available in rooms and common areas.
Full breakfast included with all room rates. Features Alentejo bread from Dona Ercília, fresh-squeezed orange juice from the estate's own trees, homemade cakes, and local cheeses.
Bar and lounge area serving regional Portuguese wines and drinks.
On-site playground for young guests.
Extensive grounds with shaded seating areas, outdoor fireplace, lavender fields, and sun terraces. The 110-hectare estate has over 55,000 trees planted since 1996.
Pets welcome on request. The property is notably dog-friendly.
Three pools total: one for the main Old House/Surf Lodge area, one dedicated to Family Farmhouse guests, and one adults-only pool exclusive to Rose Club guests. All surrounded by sun loungers.
On-site working garden growing tomatoes, courgette, pumpkin, eggplant, onion, broad beans, peas, cabbage, aromatic herbs, and seasonal fruits. Produce goes directly to the restaurant kitchen.
On-site parking available at no charge.
Large, bright purpose-built yoga shala with mountain views. Available for individual classes, group sessions, and retreat events.
BUILD YOUR HERDADE DA MATINHA COUNTRY HOUSE & RESTAURANT PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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