The Lince Santa Clara
The former Convent of Santa Clara itself is the star in this luxury hilltop hotel overlooking Vila do Conde, inaugurated in 2024 after years of painstaking renovation work---although the inspired food served in the Michelin-starred Oculto restaurant also lures many visitors. The convent was established in the early 15th century but the main structure dates to the 18th; it features atmospheric common areas with imposing arches and long corridors leading to charming, spacious guest rooms, most with stone window seats from which to contemplate the views, through iron grilles that again recall the cloistered one-time residents. The top-floor rooms are done out in a lighter, more modern style, but are equally comfortable. Adjoining the building is a well-equipped spa and, outside, a sheltered garden and another small pool. Across from the hotel entrance is the original 14th-century church, with the tombs of the convent's founders Dom Afonso Sanches, illegitimate son of Dom Dinis, and his wife, Dona Teresa Martins; it opens once a week for mass on Saturdays, at 6 pm.
