Chão do Rio - Turismo de Aldeia

We’ve been here a few times, and every stay feels special. Such a sweet spot, with lots of lovely things for kids to do at the hotel in every season.

We stayed at Chão do Rio with our three kids and loved the peaceful rural setting. The place feels authentic, and its quiet gave us space to relax and put things into perspective. Even our usually energetic kids were happy playing outside and getting fully absorbed in nature. Communication before and during the stay was wonderful, and we really liked the healthy, eco-conscious approach. Breakfast was absolutely delicious, especially the oven bread. A few things could be better for us. The house can feel chilly when it isn’t warm outside, and we missed having a small sports area with mats for meditation, yoga, or simple workouts. Organizing bike tours isn’t really possible either, since the bikes available are quite old and there aren’t dedicated paths nearby, especially ones suitable for children. A special thank you to Louisa, who was incredibly kind to our kids. They still talk about her and remember how warm and friendly she was.

The house was incredibly quiet, with beautifully preserved surroundings and top-notch decoration. It felt a bit like staying on a farm, and the whole experience was comfortable and unique. Staff were super friendly, and the host service was among the best I’ve ever had. They brought bread each day at 5:30 PM and refilled the breakfast basket daily. It was big and packed with all sorts of things, mostly local products, including cheese, pumpkin compote, eggs, and the best milk you can imagine. An amazing place to stay.

Of the 12 or more places we stayed, Chão do Rio was one of our favorites, a truly special, almost poetic experience in Portugal. When I mentioned our wedding anniversary in the reservation, they surprised us with a beautiful bouquet from the garden. It was such a thoughtful gesture and made the trip unforgettable. The place is worth every penny. The staff were incredibly kind, polite, and attentive, and the cleanliness was spotless. We loved the comfortable bed and pillows, the natural-material soaps, and all the local products. The breakfast basket of local treats is a must-try and such a special part of staying in Serra da Estrela. Everything was functional and clearly well thought out, and the photos really do show what the place is like. Huge thanks to this magical place and all the staff. All the women who run it are amazing!