Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho Relais & Châteaux

An old fort turned into a hotel and restaurant, right on a gorgeous stretch of coastline with lovely views. We stopped for coffee this time, but would come back to try the restaurant.

The restaurant is a big part of why I keep coming back. Both meals I’ve had there were memorable, and the ocean views make them even better. The rooms are cozy and elegant, always spotless, with little touches that make the place feel special. I’ve stayed at Fortaleza do Guincho twice this year, and both visits felt just as wonderful. The welcome is warm, the staff are kind and attentive, and everything runs smoothly enough that I can really relax. It’s become one of my favourite places to get away, and I’ve already booked another stay in two weeks. Can’t wait to return.

We spent our last night at the Michelin Gastronomy Restaurant, and it was a meal we won’t forget. The dishes were beautiful and full of flavor, with wine pairings that left a lasting impression. 👍 Fortaleza do Guincho sits at the edge of a cliff, with breathtaking scenery and sunsets over the ocean. It’s deliberately remote, with a few restaurants within walking distance, and Guincho beach is popular with surfers. Cascais downtown is about a 15-minute drive away. The historic chateau has just 27 rooms, which gave it a lovely sense of charm and made the service feel personal. We chose it for the final part of our honeymoon in Portugal in early September, after all the walking and sightseeing in bustling Lisbon and Porto. A few days by the ocean was exactly what we needed to unwind and recharge. When we arrived, we were greeted before going in, then pleasantly surprised with an upgrade to an ocean-view room with a balcony. I hadn’t mentioned our honeymoon when booking. The staff were all friendly, and we enjoyed chatting with the bar staff during cocktail hour over our four-night stay. Thank you for an unforgettable experience.

We came for dinner at the end of our trip but didn’t stay at the hotel. The food was delicious, and the preparation, plating, and service were excellent from appetizer through dessert. The lobby was clean and spacious, the staff were friendly and helpful, and the views were exceptional.