São Lourenço do Barrocal: Best hotel in the Alentejo!

View from my room. A gorgeous moon and lots of stars.

Where is São Lourenço do Barrocal?

São Lourenço do Barrocal is hidden away in beautiful Alentejo near the medieval city of Monsaraz and the ceramic famous town of São Pedro do Corval.

How to get to São Lourenço do Barrocal

Rent a car. It would be too complicated to visit this area by public transport and you will want to visit the surrounding villages to- so a car is a must!

Lisbon to São Lourenço do Barrocal

Why I love São Lourenço do Barrocal

First of all, it’s beautiful! The hotel rooms are cozy, the service is excellent and it’s where I go to reset!

 São Lourenço do Barrocal is not just a hotel—it’s a working farm and a slice of Portuguese history.

If you crave open skies, starlit nights, and quiet mornings filled with birdsong and the scent of olive trees—keep reading.

What Makes It Special?

• São Lourenço do Barrocal is family-owned, and you can feel it. There’s care in every corner. You will see family mementos, photographs and personal items in every room. 
• You can spend your time here however you like. That might mean swimming in their stunning pool, biking between the vineyards, or simply sitting under an olive tree doing absolutely nothing.

Here’s a taste of what makes Barrocal so unforgettable:

• Wine from their own vineyards  They offer white, red and rosé. I specially like the rosé!

• Olive oil – Delicious! Just look at their olive trees and you will understand why the oil is so good. 

  

• Bike riding in between the vines and all over the property.

• Beekeeping and honey – You can visit the hives or just enjoy the honey at breakfast.

• Horseback riding – Through the countryside, past ancient stones and wide fields.

• Megalithic stones! I’m a megalithic stone fan and fell in love with the ones in their property.

• Stargazing – No light pollution here. The sky is enormous and clear.

• A gigantic rock by the pool – Yes, it sounds random, but it’s oddly magical. 

• Roaming cows – Just another part of life here. They move slowly, like the days. I have to admit that I am still not used to walking around the cattle. They are huge! But I don’t let my fear stop me.

About São Lourenço do Barrocal

This land has been lived on for thousands of years. The megalithic stones scattered around the area are a reminder of that.

The estate itself was once a self-sufficient farming village—livestock, grains, vegetables, and wine sustained fifty families. It even had its own bullring and schoolroom.

Now, it’s been lovingly restored, blending old stone and modern comfort. You still feel the past here, but you’re not roughing it.

When to Go to São Lourenço do Barrocal?

The easy answer: anytime.
I’ve visited in summer, fall, and winter.

Each season brings something different—sun-soaked afternoons in July, cozy fires and clear skies in January, golden leaves and crisp walks in October. It’s always beautiful.

They offer different activities year-round, so you can return and still find something new.

Should You Go?

Only if this sounds like your kind of paradise:

• You love good food made with care.

• You enjoy walking, biking, or riding through nature.

• You’re happy with peace and quiet.

• You like the idea of a sky full of stars instead of city lights.

São Lourenço do Barrocal is where I go to reset. To breathe deeper. To reconnect—with the land, with time, with myself.

Winter days can be foggy or sunny

I loved the foggy evenings and mornings during the winter. It looked so mysterious and cozy!

The hotel is welcoming and you will find a lot of information about the area in your room.

And guess where I spent one of my birthdays in Portugal?

There was a delicious chocolate cake and more goodies in my room as a welcoming gift- along with a card wishing me happy birthday. Little details. So important.

A few “must visit” places: Monsaraz, the medieval city up on the hill. Spend the day walking around, taking photos. There are several cafes within the walls and great restaurants in the outskirts.  

If you want to try a more authentic restaurant in the area, ask the hotel staff to help you choose one and to make reservations.

Are you interested in ceramics?

Visit São Pedro do Corval.

There are many ceramic places in the this area and some nice places to stop for lunch.

NOTE:

I am not affiliated with the hotel. I just really, really love going there!

Links for you

Sao Lourenco do Barrocal

Observatory OLA They offer many activities.

BBC video: Almendres Cromlech in Evora

FAQ São Lourenço do Barrocal

How long does it take to go from Lisbon to São Lourenço do Barrocal?

It takes around 2 hrs and 10 min.

Are there any good spots to stop for lunch on my way?

Reguengos de Monsaraz  is near the hotel. Reguengos is know for it’s local wine and ceramics.

Lisbon to Reguengos de Monsaraz

Evora is an amazing city worth a visit but also a great spot to stop for lunch on your way to the hotel!

What kind of sports can I do at the hotel?

Ride horses, bike and walk or hike.

What is the food like in this area?

The food in the Alentejo is fantastic. Meat lovers will love the typical dishes! Portuguese pork is served in many styles. Lamb dishes are great.

You can eat river fish and many villages have their own special Bacalao dishes that you must try.

For those of you who are vegetarian: Many places offer vegetarian dishes but ask before you reserve or go in!

Do I have to reserve a spot to visit the OLA Observatory?

Yes. Check out their activities, dates and times. They are not open to the public all year round.

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Updated May 2025