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

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.

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 salt water 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.

Each of the eight suites in this candy-striped building dating from 1890 is named for a different palace (you might spot photos of your room's namesake on the walls). All have wrought-iron beds, polished tile floors, and have grand views of the countryside. The downstairs breakfast room opens onto a terrace. It's a little out of town, but you can pour yourself a drink from the honor bar and soak up the peaceful ambience.

Located between Estoril and Cascais, this smart hotel offers comfortable rooms and pleasant outdoor areas. All rooms are reasonably sized and have balconies where you can enjoy the breeze. Front rooms have coastal views. It's a popular choice for families because there are two pools. a decent on-site restaurant, and a tennis court.  

Perfectly integrated into the landscape, this luxurious hotel is built in steps up the side of the hill above the sea. Each floor has different designer furnishings and a different color scheme in which reds, oranges, and yellows predominate. View sailboats on the bay from one of the many panoramic windows or from your own balcony. There's an outdoor infinity pool as well as an indoor "water lounge" with several pools, a sauna circuit, biothermic showers, and other treats.

The name of this sparkling boutique hotel reflects the long-standing English love affair with the Estoril Coast, 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.

Set in expansive grounds on the edge of town, Martinhal Cascais is an elegant, upscale resort aimed squarely at families. The well-maintained facilities include indoor and outdoor pools with shallow areas for toddlers; multiple playgrounds; a staffed kids' club; cinema sessions; poolside cafe-bars, and a kids’ play area in the light and airy breakfast room. Rooms are modern and spacious, with large balconies overlooking the leafy, bird-filled gardens. Child-free guests are very welcome, but it's family travelers who will really appreciate the resort's kid-friendly ethos. 

This secluded country estate in the small village of Aldeia do Meco—12 km (7 miles) northwest of Sesimbra—is perfect for a romantic getaway. It's a favorite with visiting celebrities, who appreciate the privacy and stylish accommodations. Chic apartment-style lodgings all have kitchenettes and open onto terraces that face pines, palms, and fragrant fruit trees. There are sleek studios, spacious villas, and one beautifully appointed loft apartment. The extensive grounds flower gardens and a mineral-rich black infinity pool surrounded by colorful plants and birdlife, and everything is lit with twinkling fairy lights after dark. Breakfast (extra charge) can be made to order and delivered to your room, and rooms have kitchenettes. If you don't feel like cooking, staff can advise on the best local seafood restaurants nearby.

This modern hotel sits directly across from the beach and very close to excellent seafood restaurants, lively bars, and the town's major sights. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with nice touches like flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Those at the front have balconies with sea views.

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.