The Pergola Boutique Hotel, Cascais

This former family home has been transformed into a chic boutique hotel and is just five minutes from the beach. Marcelino Correia bought two countryside cottages for his daughters in 1925, and one of those homes was transformed into The Pergola House in 1985, the first tourist accommodation in Cascais. The Pergola Boutique Hotel's central location offers easy access to the sites of the area. The Old Town and the 5th of October Square, with its signature wavy mosaic design, is five minutes away, the 15th-century fortress is 10 minutes on foot, and Boca do Inferno is a 25-minute walk or 10-minute drive.

Original details like an iron staircase, stone floors with geometric designs, and hand-painted tiles combine with a warm minimalist style of mid-century furniture and soft lighting. Rooms are doubles, so they're best suited for couples or friends. They look out over the city or garden, and the Deluxe Room has the extra perk of a balcony overlooking the courtyard. Small Doubles and Standards can feel tight, so book a Superior or above for more space. All except the Small Double have rainfall showers, and Deluxe options include a bathtub. This historic building doesn't have an elevator, so it's not suitable for those with limited mobility.

A highlight of the hotel is its tranquil garden, which has been cared for and kept since the days that Marcelino's daughter, Piedade, lived in this house. Relax on one of the tiled benches to soak in the sights and smells of the lush courtyard, or grab a seat at Bougain, the hotel's modern garden bar and restaurant.