Sao Lourenco do Barrocal

Portugal

Rooms

Floors

Pools

Restaurants

Location

countryside

key features

Kid-Friendly Grounds

Luxury Choice

Spacious Rooms

Delicious Food

Excellent Location

One of the best hotels in Europe. Slow down and enjoy a beautiful, peaceful, immersive experience Portugal’s Alentejo region with kids.

Rooms start around $400; 2 BR cottages start around $890

Why we like it for families

It’s the Complete Package: Sao Lourenco do Barrocal really has it all — for all travelers, including families. Everywhere you look, the details of this family-owned countryside estate will delight your senses, from the overflowing gardens to the presentation at breakfast. You’ll experience amazing rooms, incredible food and wine, a fantastic spa, stunning pools, and a true sense of connection to Portugal’s Alentejo region. It’s honestly one of the best hotels in the world, and one we hope every family traveling to Portugal can experience at least once.
The Location: This family-friendly hotel in Alentejo is just two hours east of Lisbon. It’s not the usual tourist hub like the Algarve or Douro, but that’s what makes it so special (along with the wine, olives, rolling hills, and charming villages). We prioritize slow travel with kids in Europe, and Alentejo does it right. The slower pace allows you to reconnect, but in a way that feels worth the journey.
The Immersive Experience: We love Sao Lourenco do Barrocal for families because it offers an immersive way to experience Portugal’s countryside without the stress of packing up and moving around. You can explore the beauty of the Alentejo countryside at your own pace – wine made on-site, learning to press olive oil, or wandering through the wildflower garden. With animals on the farm and local flavors in the kitchen, enjoy Portugal’s rich culture and natural beauty without the exhaustion of a fast-paced trip.
The Kid-Friendly Grounds: The grounds are like a giant playground with secret nooks and crannies, perfect for epic hide-and-seek games behind the original historic walls. The pools are stunning (with a great shallow end). Enjoy picnics in the vineyard and bike rides across the fields.
A Luxury Choice: Sometimes luxury hotels and kids don’t go hand-in-hand. But that couldn’t be further from the truth at Sao Lourenço do Barrocal. With top-of-the-line service and stunning decor, both parents and kids will feel like VIPs. It’s the kind of luxury experience that feels extra special. You’ll feel pampered and perfectly in tune with your surroundings. The best part? Your kids will never feel out of place and can discover a truly unique experience alongside you.

Location and Activities

Sao Lourenco do Barrocal is just a 2-hour drive from Humberto Delgado Aiport (LIS). Alentejo is a fantastic area for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers, with charming vineyards and beautiful countryside all around. Nearby, you can explore the historic towns of Evora and Monsaraz, go hiking or wine tasting, and find some incredible food too.

A rental car is your best bet for getting around, giving you the freedom to explore this picturesque region at your own (and your kids’) pace. The drive from the airport is easy, and there is free parking on the estate.

Tour of Amenities

Dining

Rooms

For Kids

Activities

Sao Lourenco do Barrocal is a family-owned estate that has been around for over 200 years. It feels more like a small village than a hotel, and you’ll be wowed by the history and beauty when you arrive on property.
The scenery steals the show – wildflowers spilling over stone walls, lush greenery wrapping around every corner, and cozy seating areas designed so you don’t miss a thing. You’ll catch constant glimpses of the hilltop village of Montsarraz in the distance. Make sure you soak in the sunset from the sitting areas outside the main farmhouse – it’s the kind of moment that makes everything else fade away.
While the standard rooms will sleep one young child in a crib (cot), the multiple bedroom cottages offer more space and are the way to go for families. If you book one with a dining area, we highly recommend arranging a catered dinner one night.
Quick note: The hotel offers complimentary “cots” for kids under four – that means a large crib. If you need an actual cot, rollaway futons are €80 per night, which comes beautifully made up with linens like an actual bed and includes breakfast for your child (and boy is the breakfast amazing). If you’re unsure which room is the best fit, we are here to help you choose.
The estate offers two farm-to-table restaurants where you can savor fresh, local meals in stunning settings. There’s also a poolside bar with a charming atmosphere. If you’re craving a Michelin-star experience, there’s a stunning restaurant at a nearby winery and the hotel concierge can help you book a private room so you can bring your kids for lunch and feel comfortable.
Pro Tip: Book a private picnic for a relaxing, beautiful family outing. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the peace and beauty of this magical estate.
For activities, you won’t run out of things to do: stargazing, wine tasting, olive oil workshops, horseback riding, and even beekeeping are all available. There are bikes on property (including with kids’ seats) that can be used free of charge. The staff provides apples and carrots so your kids can feed the resident horses. While the experiences are unique, some come with a hefty price tag, so it’s worth prioritizing your top picks and then treating yourself without regret.
Kids will love the pools, especially the one with the shallow end for little swimmers. What’s great about the pool setup is that the family-friendly pool sits a bit away from the more romantic adult pool and pool bar, so you won’t feel any angst about dirty looks from honeymooners.
There’s a beautiful kids’ playroom when the kids need a moment break – it’s not a staffed kids’ club, but has a nice collection of books and toys and is near the restaurant. Childcare can certainly be arranged if desired. The Sao Lourenco do Barrocal team is great at anticipating what your kids might need, whether it’s a treasure hunt, craft project, quieter seating area in the restaurants, or just some fun time with the animals.
Adults must indulge at the spa, where the estate’s own olive oil and herbs are used in soothing, handcrafted treatments. Don’t forget to book a private yoga session for an extra touch of zen.
And if you’re the type that loves to shop, the estate’s boutique is a must-visit – you can even have their gorgeous ceramics, delicious olive oil, and wine shipped home—trust of from experience, it’s the right move.

Best Rooms for Families

The hotel has several categories of rooms, ranging from Rooms to Cottages, but these ones have the best room configurations for families.

Suites

Best for families of 3 (with a crib)
Bedroom with king bed and desk
Separate living room with sofa (no pull-out)
Minibar
Dining table for 6
One bathroom with shower and freestanding bathtub
Outdoor terrace with reflecting pool or vineyard views

View on Hotel Website

1 Bedroom Barn Cottages

Best for families of 3 (with a crib)
One bedroom with king bed and desk
Bathroom with shower and freestanding bathtub
Separate living with sofa (no pull-out)
Fully equipped kitchen
Dining table for 6
Outdoor terrace with countryside views

View on Hotel Website

Family friendly room in Sao Lourenco do Barrocal

2 Bedroom Meadow Cottages

Best for families of 4-6 (with a crib and futon)
Two bedrooms each with a king bed and en-suite bathrooms
Some bathrooms have freestanding bathtubgs
Separate living room with sofa (no pull-out)
Fully equipped kitchen
Dining table for 6
Private terrace with countryside views

View on Hotel Website

2 Bedroom Yard or Barn Cottages

Best for families of 4-5 (with a crib)
Two bedrooms with king beds and en-suite bathrooms (with tub)
Separate living room with sofa (no pull-out)
Fully equipped kitchen
Dining table for 6
Outdoor terrace with countryside views

View on Hotel Website

Family Cottages at Sao Lourenco do Barrocal

3 Bedroom Barn Cottage

Best for families or groups of 6-8
Three bedrooms with king beds (can be split to twins)
Two en-suite bathrooms with bathtubs
Third hallway bathroom with bathtub
Separate living room with sofa (no pull-out)
Fully equipped kitchen
Dining table for 6
Outdoor terrace with countryside views

View on Hotel Website

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Traveler Reviews

Perfect The hotel is a haven away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They have every detail down to a T. From towels ready at the pool, to replenishing water without asking, to just the vast amount of knowledge that staff have of the history of the place. We came as a family and found there was plenty to do for everyone here. The food was excellent, particularly breakfast. I would come back here in a heartbeat.

★★★★★ 5/5

Reviewed by or111 , Aug 2024, via TripAdvisor

Such a great family getaway!!!! We loved it! We had an incredible time! The food was exceptional. Our room was spacious, extremely clean, and unique, the staff was super! We loved it and would definitely recommend this special place to others. We went with our 7 year old son. There were lots of families there, lots of great activities for kids.

★★★★★ 5/5

Reviewed by Aimee S, Aug 2024, via TripAdvisor

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Other Hotels and Resources

Want to see more of what Portugal has to offer? Dive into our complete Portugal Collection for more family-friendly hotels in Portugal and must-do activities.

Sao Lourenco do Barrocal

Rooms

Floors

Pools

Restaurants

Location

key features

Kid-Friendly Grounds

Luxury Choice

Spacious Rooms

Delicious Food

Excellent Location

Why we like it for families

Location and Activities

Tour of Amenities

Dining

Rooms

For Kids

Activities

Best Rooms for Families

Is this the one for you?

Let’s get you there.

Traveler Reviews

Other Hotels and Resources

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