8 Best Hotels in Sintra, the Estoril Coast, and the Setúbal Peninsula, Portugal

Originally a medieval fortress and later a monastery, this pousada makes full use of the colonnaded walkways of the old cloisters as an atmospheric setting for breakfasts with views of the nearby hills. There's little trace of monastic asceticism in the monks' former refectory, now a dependable restaurant that serves traditional Portuguese food and fine wines. It's part of the Pestana Pousadas de Portugal portfolio of tastefully refurbished historic buildings.

This luxury resort stands above Costa da Caparica beach in a verdant spot away from the crowds that throng the sands. The sky-high lobby provides views of the ocean, the resort's two heated outdoor pools, and the 9-hole golf course and country club below. There's an indoor pool and a gym, as well as a spa and fitness center, with a sauna, hot tub, and steam room. Accommodations are functional rather than luxurious, although many have sea-views balconies.

This four-star boutique hotel sits on a hill just far enough off the main drag that it's hidden from the noise and crowds but still convenient walking distance to all the star attractions, including Casino Estoril and Praia do Tamariz. Choose a regular room, a studio, or a one-bedroom apartment, all of which look down to a pretty little pool shaded by palm trees or up and out to the ocean horizon. Most have a balcony and are quite spacious.

Keen swimmers will be in their element at this family-focused hotel: not only does it sit right on the beachfront at Praia Grande, Colares, but it also boasts one of Europe's largest saltwater swimming pools. The 100-meter outdoor pool comes complete with diving boards, and a poolside bar and restaurant means adults can keep an eye on the kids while enjoying a drink and a snack. The hotel, which features in the 1982 Wim Wenders film The State of Things, is a local landmark, and regular refurbishments mean the rooms, restaurants, and communal areas all look cool and contemporary. Rooms are generously proportioned, and all have balconies facing the ocean.

The name of this sparkling boutique hotel reflects the long-standing English love affair with Costa do Estoril, but it remains at heart a grand mansion that is unmistakably Portuguese. Although the interior decor is contemporary, especially so in the modern annex, there's a timeless feel thanks to the grandeur of the 19th-century main building and the old-fashioned cordiality of the staff. If it weren't for the modern swimsuits by the pool, you could almost imagine you were in 1920s Hollywood. Most guest rooms have white azulejo tiles, and some have balconies overlooking either Cascais Bay or the surrounding hills.

The royal guard quarters opposite the palace have undergone a stunning transformation to become this beautiful pousada, now managed by the Pestana hotel group. Marble hallways lined with old prints give way to crisp, high-ceilinged rooms furnished with 18th-century reproductions. Breakfast is served in the pousada itself, while dinner and lunches are provided across the road in the old palace kitchens, now the Restaurante de Cozinha Velha.

On a cliff overlooking the beach, this luxurious hotel has an indoor and outdoor infinity pool whose waters cascade down, waterfall-style, in front of the windows of the elegant seafood restaurant. There's a more casual family eatery with a colorful design, and a bar serving light snacks. All guest rooms have sea-view balconies and linens in soothing shades of blue and greens. There's a small but well-equipped playroom for kids and a shallow pool for younger guests to splash around in.

With an eye-catching wave design, this large hotel sits directly opposite the marina and has a wealth of facilities as well as easy access to beaches and boat trips. It's not looking as glitzy as it once was, but it's still a comfortable place with two rooftop pools—an infinity pool and a children's pool—offering incredible views of nearby Serra da Arrábida. All rooms have balconies, and you can choose from an array of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment suites and studios. The two restaurants on-site showcase international cuisine with an emphasis on fresh fish.