Formerly an old castle, Pousada de Alcacer do Sal overlooks the River Sado in Alentejo, Portugal.

The restoration of this Pousada was under the direction of the famous architect Diogo Lino Pimental.

This beautiful Pousada is approximately 90 kilometres from Lisbon, Portugal's exciting capital city. It is situated at the start of the vast plains of the Alentejo region which stretch to the south and the east of Portugal.

Alcacer do Sal is located on the estuary of the River Sado where the marshes have been converted into paddy fields growing rice. The Portuguese are the largest consumers of rice, per capita, in Europe, they are also the biggest producers.

To the west of the Pousada lies the Troia Peninsula with beautiful, long sandy beaches where it is possible to find a long stretch all to oneself.

In this area there are many traces of previous civilizations ranging from Phoenician villages to Roman ruins. All around there is evidence of the Arab influence following the occupation of the area by the Moors. They were expelled from Portugal with the help of the Crusaders.

The Castle has a history stretching back 5000 years and has now been converted into luxurious accommodation comprising 3 deluxe and 30 double rooms with ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, telephone, Cable television, internet connection, mini-bar, safe, hair dryer and bathing gowns on request. Some rooms are inter-connecting.

Facilities at Pousada de Alcacer do Sal include restaurant, bar, terrace, safe, air conditioning, lift, facilities for disabled persons and parking. Small conferences can also be held here.

The swimming pool has underwater lighting for evening swimming.

Dining in Portugal is usually very good. The restaurants of the Pousada group hotels offer a variety of dishes including a selection of local and regional specialities.

There are a number of excellent golf courses in the area which can be seen at Lisbon Golf Courses.

The Sado estuary is a protected area with many wading birds in the tidal marshes. These can be seen from hides, from walking the nature trails, by bicycle, from horseback, river cruise, four wheel drive vehicles or, from a hot air balloon.

In the waters of the river and the coast there are facilities for canoeing, diving and other water sports. More aggressive sports include hunting, shooting and fishing together with archery and crossbow shooting and paint ball.

Trips by car can be made to the dams of Altar and Vale do Gaio. The Natural Park of Arrabida is within easy reach with its south facing sandy coves and, the fishing village of Sesimbra which has many excellent fish restaurants.

The international airport at Lisbon (Lisboa) is approximately 90 kilometers from this Pousada of Portugal.