São Lourenço do Barrocal

in Monsaraz, Alentejo, Portugal

The hotel is all about how the old farm buildings were constructed: handmade terracotta bricks, whitewashed walls, cobblestone streets.

Vanessa, Manager
São Lourenço do Barrocal, Monsaraz, Alentejo, Portugal

São Lourenço do Barrocal

  • Location: Countryside
    Monsaraz for shops and restaurants: 10km (10 mins by car)
    São Pedro do Corva for terracotta pottery: 7km (10 mins by car)
    Alqueva Lake: 7km (10 mins by car)
    Évora (UNESCO World Heritage): 50km (45 mins by car)
  • Lisbon Airport (LIS): 180km (2hs by car)
    Évora train station: 50km (45 mins by car)
    Airport transfer available on request
    Car recommended
    Free parking

Experience a family legacy, local architecture and simple luxury in a laid-back atmosphere.
You are in the middle of beautiful and unspoiled nature, a Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world to see the stars at night.

The next big city (Évora) is 30 minutes away, so you might feel overwhelmed by the silence and the breathtaking starry sky :)

Contact the owner directly for the best rates
1
0
0
Remaining characters: 382

You’ll receive a reply within 24 hours and often much quicker.

No booking fees & best prices

Found your stay cheaper elsewhere? Contact us and we’ll always try to match the price. Guaranteed.

Book through us and get

Welcome amenity. upon arrival

Do you need help?

Email us here for support.

An introduction to São Lourenço do Barrocal

How would you describe São Lourenço do Barrocal in a nutshell?


A project that I was naive to think would only take a few years to develop; instead, it took 14. It is now a rural retreat in the wild landscape of the Alentejo, where people of all ages can connect, not only with nature and with local people but also with each other. São Lourenço do Barrocal is a hotel that offers the utmost service and all the comfort of modern living while also allowing the experience of staying on a productive farm.


What’s the story behind São Lourenço do Barrocal and what was the inspiration to open a hotel?


The property was founded in 1820 by one of my ancestors, a gentleman called Manuel Mendes Papança, and has been in my family ever since, I’m the 8th generation. For a while, however, the estate was nationalised and, for about 10 years, it stopped all its activity. When I started to plan what to do with Barrocal, in the early 90s, I had a set of derelict buildings and almost 200 years of history to uncover and bring back to life.


How would you describe the atmosphere and the interior design of São Lourenço do Barrocal?


The hotel is all about preserving the vernacular architecture and the way the old farm buildings were constructed: handmade terracotta bricks, whitewashed walls, cobblestone streets. No artificiality, only natural textures and tones, which actually end up giving it its contemporaneity. We used a lot of local crafts in the interior design, from pottery to tapestry, to marble and leather, because we want things to last, and feel real, and give a sense of place.

To you personally, what is so special about São Lourenço do Barrocal?


The vastness of nature, and the freedom and peace of mind it allows me to have while I’m there with my three kids; it is a place that becomes special because I see them play with other kids that they just met, allowing them to build new friendships and even lasting ones because some of those kids will come back the next year.

São Lourenço do Barrocal — São Lourenço do Barrocal São Lourenço do Barrocal — Restaurant São Lourenço do Barrocal — Restaurant São Lourenço do Barrocal — Restaurant São Lourenço do Barrocal — Shop São Lourenço do Barrocal — Pool area São Lourenço do Barrocal — Pool São Lourenço do Barrocal — São Lourenço do Barrocal São Lourenço do Barrocal — São Lourenço do Barrocal São Lourenço do Barrocal — São Lourenço do Barrocal São Lourenço do Barrocal — Suite São Lourenço do Barrocal — Suite São Lourenço do Barrocal — Suite São Lourenço do Barrocal — Suite São Lourenço do Barrocal — Two-bedroom Meadow cottage São Lourenço do Barrocal — Two-bedroom Meadow cottage São Lourenço do Barrocal — Two-bedroom Meadow cottage São Lourenço do Barrocal — Two-bedroom Yard Cottage São Lourenço do Barrocal — Two-bedroom Yard Cottage São Lourenço do Barrocal — One-bedroom Barn cottage São Lourenço do Barrocal — One-bedroom Barn cottage São Lourenço do Barrocal — One-bedroom Barn cottage São Lourenço do Barrocal — Two-bedroom Barn cottage São Lourenço do Barrocal — Two-bedroom Barn cottage São Lourenço do Barrocal — Three-bedroom Barn cottage São Lourenço do Barrocal — Three-bedroom Barn cottage São Lourenço do Barrocal — Three-bedroom Barn cottage São Lourenço do Barrocal — Farm room São Lourenço do Barrocal — Farm room São Lourenço do Barrocal — Farm room São Lourenço do Barrocal — Winery room São Lourenço do Barrocal — Winery room São Lourenço do Barrocal — Breakfast São Lourenço do Barrocal — Breakfast São Lourenço do Barrocal — Farm to table food São Lourenço do Barrocal — Bar São Lourenço do Barrocal — Bar São Lourenço do Barrocal — Bar São Lourenço do Barrocal — Reception São Lourenço do Barrocal — Spa São Lourenço do Barrocal — Spa São Lourenço do Barrocal — Spa São Lourenço do Barrocal — Event São Lourenço do Barrocal — Event São Lourenço do Barrocal — Horse stables São Lourenço do Barrocal — Horse stables São Lourenço do Barrocal — Horse stables São Lourenço do Barrocal — Donkeys São Lourenço do Barrocal — Vegetable garden São Lourenço do Barrocal — Vegetable garden São Lourenço do Barrocal — Gardens São Lourenço do Barrocal — Gardens São Lourenço do Barrocal — Gardens São Lourenço do Barrocal — Farm São Lourenço do Barrocal — Vineyards São Lourenço do Barrocal — Wine tasting São Lourenço do Barrocal — Bicycles São Lourenço do Barrocal — São Lourenço do Barrocal São Lourenço do Barrocal — São Lourenço do Barrocal São Lourenço do Barrocal — São Lourenço do Barrocal São Lourenço do Barrocal — São Lourenço do Barrocal São Lourenço do Barrocal — São Lourenço do Barrocal
São Lourenço do Barrocal
Restaurant
Restaurant
Restaurant
Shop
Pool area
Pool
São Lourenço do Barrocal
São Lourenço do Barrocal
São Lourenço do Barrocal
Suite
Suite
Suite
Suite
Two-bedroom Meadow cottage
Two-bedroom Meadow cottage
Two-bedroom Meadow cottage
Two-bedroom Yard Cottage
Two-bedroom Yard Cottage
One-bedroom Barn cottage
One-bedroom Barn cottage
One-bedroom Barn cottage
Two-bedroom Barn cottage
Two-bedroom Barn cottage
Three-bedroom Barn cottage
Three-bedroom Barn cottage
Three-bedroom Barn cottage
Farm room
Farm room
Farm room
Winery room
Winery room
Breakfast
Breakfast
Farm to table food
Bar
Bar
Bar
Reception
Spa
Spa
Spa
Event
Event
Horse stables
Horse stables
Horse stables
Donkeys
Vegetable garden
Vegetable garden
Gardens
Gardens
Gardens
Farm
Vineyards
Wine tasting
Bicycles
São Lourenço do Barrocal
São Lourenço do Barrocal
São Lourenço do Barrocal
São Lourenço do Barrocal
São Lourenço do Barrocal

São Lourenço do Barrocal rooms & rates

São Lourenço do Barrocal is a property made up of 7 buildings, divided into 2 sets along one main cobblestone street.

We’re a 40-key hotel, with 22 rooms, 2 suites, and 16 cottages set within a 780 ha estate.

  • Winery Rooms for 2 people / 60 m²
    340 / night
    • 1 Double bedroom
    • 1 Bathroom (ensuite)
    • 1 Bathroom
    • 1 Baby cot (on req.)
    • Air conditioning

    These rooms (50 to 70 sqm) are located on the pathway to the winery, offering views of the grain silos and/or the reflecting pool. They include an antechamber, bathroom with bathtub, two washbasins and underfloor heating, a generously sized desk and a reading chair. Some of the rooms give access to an outdoor patio (15 to 20 sqm) which features garden furniture and pergola shading.

    Amenities:
    Direct access to the outdoor (pathway leading to the winery and, in some cases, to a patio with views to the rural landscape and to the reflecting pool)
    100% Egyptian cotton bed linen
    Down and feather pillows and duvets
    Susanne Kaufmann bathroom amenities
    Underfloor heating in all bathrooms
    2100W semi-professional hairdryer
    Scale
    Air conditioning with individual control
    Wireless phone
    USB plug
    Free Wi-Fi
    TV with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth access
    Digital safe
    Mini-bar
    Nespresso machine
    100% wool blankets
    Outdoor patio equipped with garden furniture (if applicable)
    24-hour reception and concierge
    24-hour room service with maid and turndown service
    Laundry and dry cleaning service

  • Courtyard Rooms for 2 people / 60 m²
    270 / night
    • 1 Double bedroom
    • 1 Bathroom (ensuite)
    • 1 Baby cot (on req.)
    • Terrace
    • Air conditioning

    Overlooking one of the most beautiful courtyards of the ‘monte’, with a reflecting pool, and the landscape of Monsaraz, these rooms (60 to 65 sqm) include an antechamber, bathroom with shower cabin and/or bathtub, two washbasins and underfloor heating. All rooms contain a generously sized desk and a reading chair and give access to a semiprivate outdoor area (25 sqm) which features garden furniture and pergola shading.

    Amenities
    Direct access to the outdoor (‘monte’ street, in most cases, with views to the rural landscape and to the reflecting pool)
    100% Egyptian cotton bed linen
    Down and feather pillows and duvets
    Susanne Kaufmann bathroom amenities
    Underfloor heating in all bathrooms
    2100W semi-professional hairdryer
    Scale
    Air conditioning with individual control
    Wireless phone
    USB plug
    Free Wi-Fi
    TV with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth access
    Digital safe
    Mini-bar
    Nespresso machine
    100% wool blankets
    Outside terrace equipped with garden furniture
    24-hour reception and concierge
    24-hour room service with maid and turndown service
    Laundry and dry cleaning service

  • Farm Rooms for 2-3 people / 60 m²
    320 / night
    • 1 Double bedroom
    • 1 Bathroom (ensuite)
    • 1 Extra bed (on req.)
    • 1 Baby cot (on req.)
    • Terrace
    • Air conditioning

    These rooms (50 to 60 sqm) have the entrance in the main street of the ‘monte’ (for the most part), marking the former homes of the farm workers and their families. They include an antechamber, bathroom with shower cabin and/ or bathtub, two washbasins and underfloor heating, a generously sized desk and a reading chair. Rooms give access to a semi-private outdoor area (25 to 35 sqm) which features outdoor furniture and pergola shading. A few rooms have a privileged view of Monsaraz castle.

    Amenities
    Direct access to the outdoor (‘monte’ street and semi-private outdoor area with views to the rural landscape and, in some cases, to the castle of Monsaraz)
    100% Egyptian cotton bed linen
    Down and feather pillows and duvets
    Susanne Kaufmann bathroom amenities
    Underfloor heating in all bathrooms
    2100W semi-professional hairdryer
    Scale
    Air conditioning with individual control
    Wireless phone
    USB plug
    Free Wi-Fi
    TV with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth access
    Digital safe
    Mini-bar
    Nespresso machine
    100% wool blankets
    Semi-private outdoor area equipped with garden furniture
    24-hour reception and concierge
    24-hour room service with maid and turndown service
    Laundry and dry cleaning service

  • Suites for 2-3 people / 90 m²
    390 / night
    • 1 Double bedroom
    • 1 Bathroom (ensuite)
    • 1 Living room
    • 1 Baby cot (on req.)
    • Terrace
    • Air conditioning

    With privileged access to the surrounding landscape and a spectacular view towards Monsaraz castle, each suite (90 sqm) includes a living room with sofas, coffee table and dining table for 6 people. A Marshall speaker is available to listen to music. The bedroom contains a generously-sized desk and a bathroom with a shower cabin and a freestanding bathtub (offering salt baths Amor Luso with plants and essential oils), two washbasins, and underfloor heating. They also offer an outdoor area with a view to a reflecting pool or to the new vineyard.

    Amenities
    Direct access to the outdoor (rural landscape with a view to Monsaraz and terrace overlooking the reflecting pool)
    100% Egyptian cotton bed linen
    Down and feather pillows and duvets
    Susanne Kaufmann bathroom amenities
    Salt baths Amor Luso with plants and essential oils
    Freestanding bathtub
    Underfloor heating in the bathroom
    2100W semi-professional hairdryer
    Scale
    Air conditioning with individual control
    Wireless phone
    USB plug
    Free Wi-Fi
    TV with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth access
    Marshall speaker
    Digital safe
    Mini-bar
    Nespresso machine
    100% wool blankets
    Outdoor area equipped with garden furniture
    24-hour reception and concierge
    24-hour room service with maid and turndown service
    Laundry and dry cleaning service

  • One-bedroom Barn Cottage for 2 people / 175 m²
    450 / night
    • 1 Double bedroom
    • 1 Bathroom (ensuite)
    • 1 Living room
    • 1 Dining room
    • 1 Kitchen
    • 1 Baby cot (on req.)
    • Terrace
    • Air conditioning

    This cottage (175 sqm) has an outdoor terrace (60 sq. m.), offering views to the countryside, the old sheep pen and to the life unfolding in the ‘monte’. Its spacious bedroom contains a bathroom with a shower cabin and freestanding bathtub (offering salt baths Amor Luso with plants and essential oils), two washbasins and underfloor heating. It comprises a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with Gaggenau and Smeg appliances and a dining area with a table for 6 people, with access to an inner courtyard. There is also a Marshall speaker so you can listen to your favourite music.

    Amenities
    Direct access to the outdoor (pathway leading to the old sheep pen and private terrace with view to the ‘barrocais’ landscape and the ‘monte’)
    100% Egyptian cotton bed linen
    Down and feather pillows and duvets
    Susanne Kaufmann bathroom amenities
    Salt baths Amor Luso with plants and essential oils
    Underfloor heating in all bathrooms
    2100W semi-professional hairdryer
    Scale
    Air conditioning with individual control
    Wireless phone
    USB plug
    Free Wi-Fi
    TV with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth access
    Marshall speaker
    Digital safe
    Mini-bar
    Nespresso machine
    100% wool blankets
    Outdoor terrace equipped with garden furniture
    24-hour reception and concierge
    24-hour room service with maid and turndown service
    Laundry and dry cleaning service

  • Two-bedroom Yard Cottages for 4 people / 150 m²
    470 / night
    • 1 Twin bedroom
    • 1 Double bedroom
    • 2 Bathrooms (ensuite)
    • 1 Living room
    • 1 Dining room
    • 1 Kitchen
    • 2 Baby cots (on req.)
    • Air conditioning

    Overlooking the gentle hill in the background of the rooftops or the other farm buildings, these cottages (135 to 190 sqm) are privileged places for connecting with life in the ‘monte’. Each one has 2 bedrooms (each with a private bathroom), a spacious living room with sofas, a television and coffee table, a fully equipped kitchen with Gaggenau and Smeg appliances and a dining area with a table for 6 people. Some give access to an outdoor area (13 sqm), which includes garden furniture.

    Amenities
    Direct access to the outdoor (‘monte’ main street)
    100% Egyptian cotton bed linen
    Down and feather pillows and duvets
    Susanne Kaufmann bathroom amenities
    Underfloor heating in all bathrooms
    2100W semi-professional hairdryer
    Scale
    Air conditioning with individual control
    Wireless phone
    USB plug
    Free Wi-Fi
    TV with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth access
    Digital safe
    Mini-bar
    Nespresso machine
    100% wool blankets
    Outdoor area equipped with garden furniture (if applicable)
    24-hour reception and concierge
    24-hour room service with maid and turndown service
    Laundry and dry cleaning service

  • Two-bedroom Barn Cottages for 4 people / 160 m²
    560 / night
    • 1 Twin bedroom
    • 1 Double bedroom
    • 2 Bathrooms (ensuite)
    • 1 Living room
    • 1 Dining room
    • 1 Kitchen
    • 2 Baby cots (on req.)
    • Terrace
    • Air conditioning

    These cottages (150 to 175 sqm) offer ample spaces, filled with natural light, reflecting their former use as barns, stables or cowsheds. They have 2 bedrooms (each with a private bathroom), a spacious living room with sofas, a television and coffee table, a fully equipped kitchen with Gaggenau and Smeg appliances and a dining area with a table for 6 people. Cottages give access to an outdoor patio (10 to 40 sqm), which includes garden furniture and pergola shading

    Amenities
    Direct access to the outdoor (‘monte’ main street or patio overlooking the reflecting pool)
    100% Egyptian cotton bed linen
    Down and feather pillows and duvets
    Susanne Kaufmann bathroom amenities
    Underfloor heating in all bathrooms
    2100W semi-professional hairdryer
    Scale
    Air conditioning with individual control
    Wireless phone
    USB plug
    Free Wi-Fi
    TV with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth access
    Digital safe
    Mini-bar
    Nespresso machine
    100% wool blankets
    Outdoor patio equipped with garden furniture
    24-hour reception and concierge
    24-hour room service with maid and turndown service
    Laundry and dry cleaning service

  • Two-bedroom Meadow Cottages for 4-5 people / 165 m²
    590 / night
    • 1 Twin bedroom
    • 1 Double bedroom
    • 2 Bathrooms (ensuite)
    • 1 Living room
    • 1 Dining room
    • 1 Kitchen
    • 1 Extra bed (on req.)
    • 1 Baby cot (on req.)
    • Terrace
    • Air conditioning

    These cottages (155 to 175 sqm) give access to an outdoor patio (40 to 120 sq. m.), offering views of the ‘barrocais’ landscape and its wild meadows. Each cottage comprises a spacious living room with sofas, television and coffee table, a fully equipped kitchen with Gaggenau and Smeg appliances and a dining area with a table for 6 people. Each one of its 2 bedrooms includes a bathroom, with shower cabin or bathtub and underfloor heating.

    Amenities
    Direct access to the outdoor (semi-private patio and meadow with ‘barrocais’)
    100% Egyptian cotton bed linen
    Down and feather pillows and duvets
    Susanne Kaufmann bathroom amenities
    Underfloor heating in all bathrooms
    2100W semi-professional hairdryer
    Scale
    Air conditioning with individual control
    Wireless phone
    USB plug
    Free Wi-Fi
    TV with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth access
    Digital safe
    Mini-bar
    Nespresso machine
    100% wool blankets
    Outdoor patio equipped with garden furniture
    24-hour reception and concierge
    24-hour room service with maid and turndown service
    Laundry and dry cleaning service

  • Three-bedroom Barn Cottages for 6 people / 200 m²
    770 / night
    • 2 Twin bedrooms
    • 1 Double bedroom
    • 2 Bathrooms (ensuite)
    • 1 Bathroom
    • 1 Living room
    • 1 Dining room
    • 1 Kitchen
    • 3 Baby cots (on req.)
    • Terrace
    • Air conditioning

    Single or two-storey, these cottages have large areas (185 to 220 sqm), and unique features for hosting families or groups of friends. They give access to an outdoor patio (30 to 85 sqm), offering views to the countryside and to life unfolding in the ‘monte’. They comprise bathrooms with shower cabin or bathtub and underfloor heating, a spacious living room with sofas, television and coffee table, a fully equipped kitchen with Gaggenau and Smeg appliances and a dining area with a table for 6 people.

    Amenities
    Direct access to the outdoor (main street or rural landscape with patio overlooking reflecting pool)
    100% Egyptian cotton bed linen
    Down and feather pillows and duvets
    Susanne Kaufmann bathroom amenities
    Underfloor heating in all bathrooms
    2100W semi-professional hairdryer
    Scale
    Air conditioning with individual control
    Wireless phone
    USB plug
    Free Wi-Fi
    TV with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth access
    Digital safe
    Mini-bar
    Nespresso machine
    100% wool blankets
    Outdoor patio equipped with garden furniture
    24-hour reception and concierge
    24-hour room service with maid and turndown service
    Laundry and dry cleaning service

Included in the rates
Farm breakfast for two guests (with local artisanal bread and other selected foods), if taken in the restaurant, Spa (relaxation room, dry saunas, and studio), Outdoor swimming pools (spring/summer), Free classical bicycles for cycling through the ‘monte’, Children's facilities (playroom) and treasure hunt, Walks around the estate (including working farm), Full access to all gardens, including organic vegetable garden, at all times
Optional extras
Available on request (with an extra charge): Susanne Kaufmann spa treatments, Picnic baskets and scenic walks, Guided tours to the winery and wine tasting, Horse riding and lessons, Custom bike tours around the region, Archeological guided visits, Pottery workshops, Hot air balloon rides, Balance and pilates classes
Children & Extra beds
Children of all ages are very welcome. This is a great place for children with the playground, the animals and so much space to explore. Children up to 4 years old stay free of charge in a baby bed. In some rooms, it is possible to add an extra bed (futon) for children between 5 and 12 years at €80 per night (breakfast included).
Minimum stay
1 nights
Check in time
after 14:00
Check out time
before 12:00

Facilities & services

  • Children welcome
  • Bar
  • Air conditioning
  • Concierge service
  • Terrace
  • Swimming pool
  • WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • TV
  • Fireplace
  • Babysitting on request
  • Garden
  • Sauna
  • Business / Remote work facilities
  • Courtyard
  • Room service
  • Music system
  • Toys for kids
  • Pets welcome
  • Gym
  • Iron & Board
  • Safe box
  • Laundry service
  • Playground
  • Bicycles
  • Hair dryer
  • Spa

There are two farm-to-table restaurants, one open all year round and the other only for dinners in summer. There is also one hotel bar, two outdoor pools (one for children and one for adults) with a pool bar next to it, an on-site winery since we’re producers of our own wine, horse stables and riding ring with Lusitano horses, and a spa.

Overview of the facilities

  • Susanne Kaufmann spa treatments
  • Picnic baskets and scenic walks
  • Guided tours to the winery and wine tasting
  • Horse riding and lessons
  • Custom bike tours around the region
  • Archeological guided visits
  • Pottery workshops
  • Stargazing
  • Birding
  • Sportfishing
  • Hot air balloon rides
  • Balance and pilates classes

It is also possible to work from our rooms, using the desk and the outdoor table in them.

Things to do in Alentejo & Monsaraz

  • Shopping / Markets
  • Wine tastings
  • Cooking classes
  • Wildlife / Animals
  • Massages / Treatments
  • Yoga classes
  • Hiking
  • Cycling
  • Horseback riding
  • Boat trips
  • Fishing

On the estate: wine tastings, horseback rides with our own Lusitano horses, donkey cart rides for children, treasure hunts, stargazing, ethnobotanical walks and birding, spa treatments, archaeological tours to the megalithic heritage of the estate, pottery workshops, or just relaxing at one of the pools.

Outside the estate: historical tours to Monsaraz or Évora, sailing, sport fishing or wild swimming in the lake, mountain bike riding, hiking, hot air balloon rides, skydiving, horseback riding, wine tasting, shopping for terracotta and textiles.

So many things are possible here. These are our 3 highlights:

1) The Barrocal Menhir, Portugal’s tallest menhir and the second in the Iberian Peninsula, located inside the estate (about a 10-minute walk from the hotel’s reception).


2) Monsaraz village located on top of a hill, filled with whitewashed houses, small shops and restaurants, offering a 360-degree view over the big lake Alqueva and the Alentejo farmlands (about a 5-minute drive from the hotel).


3) São Pedro do Corval, Portugal's largest pottery centre, home to many families of master potters and several pottery shops bordering its main street (another 5-minute drive from the hotel).

OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITIES

  • BARROCAL OLIVE OIL TASTING
  • CHILDREN’S VEGETABLE GARDEN
  • WINE TASTINGS
  • FLOWER ARRANGEMENT WORKSHOP
  • FROM SHEEP TO YARN WORKSHOP
  • POTTERY WORKSHOP
  • GUIDED TOURS to ÉVORA OR MONSARAZ WITH LOCAL HISTORIAN
  • TREASURE HUNTING FOR KIDS
  • ALENTEJO COOKING WORKSHOP
  • COCKTAILS WORKSHOP
  • COOKIE WORKSHOP
  • BOAT TRIPS IN THE ALQUEVA LAKE
  • DONKEY CART RIDE FOR CHILDREN
  • ELECTRIC BICYCLE RIDES
  • HORSE RIDING
  • HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES
  • SPORT FISHING IN LAKE ALQUEVA
  • STARGAZING
  • SUSANNE KAUFMANN SPA TREATMENTS

The location of São Lourenço do Barrocal

Barrocal is set in a wild corner of the Alentejo region of Portugal, about a 2-hour drive from Lisbon, very close to the border with Spain. It is located inside a Dark Sky Reserve near the big lake Alqueva, near the medieval village of Monsaraz and a 45-minutes drive from Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city.

This is a region that’s perfect for road trips, since roads are very safe and easy to drive on, leading through numerous charming historic villages, vineyards, wineries, and restaurants serving traditional food. It also has the privilege of hosting Europe’s biggest artificial water reservoir, the Alqueva lake, which has changed the landscape dramatically. It is slow-paced, natural and wild-looking, still booming with crafts and local traditions.

When is the best time to visit Alentejo?

I would say from March to June and then from September to October.