Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho Relais & Châteaux, Cascais

Experience a mix of luxury and wildness at the Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho Relais & Châteaux, a cliffside retreat overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Located just a 15-minute drive from the center of Cascais, Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho Relais & Châteaux is primely situated between two of the area's most beautiful sites: Guincho Beach and Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe once believed to be the end of the world. Walk to Guincho Beach in two minutes, drive to Cabo da Roca in 20, or take a quick day trip to Lisbon, just 30 minutes away.

This boutique hotel was built in a 17th-century fortress, whose original details have been retained to create a historic and romantic feel. Tiled floors, vaulted ceilings, and stone columns all evoke another time and place. Ground-floor courtyard rooms have partial sea views through the fortress' lookout windows, upper rooms have clear ocean views from their closed or open balconies, and Junior Suites have the best views of all. Most options are doubles, and the atmosphere is better suited for couples or those who love history or gastronomy. Bathrooms have removable shower heads and bathtubs.

One of the standout features of this historic hotel is its restaurant, which has held a Michelin star since 2001 and, in fact, was one of the first restaurants in Portugal to receive one. Indulge in the menu of creative local dishes while enjoying the fantastic sea views from the wraparound windows. The hotel hosts regular wine tastings, so whether you're looking for gastronomy, history, or a bit of romance, you'll find it here.