Solar Egas Moniz
Warmly personal rural manor — part country house rental, part hosted retreat. Colorful, thematic rooms inspired by Portuguese folk art and history. Slow-living philosophy. Family- and group-friendly over romantic couple getaways.
Book the Cook at Home service (requires 7-day advance notice) for a proper sit-down dinner of rojões, baked fish, or bacalhau espiritual in the dining room — reviewers say evenings in are the highlight
Why It Matters
One of the very few properties in northern Portugal that combines a genuine manor-house-rental format with concierge-level hospitality from the owning family. Sits 200 meters from the Monastery of Salvador de Paço de Sousa, an anchor monument on the Romanesque Route. Named as a tribute to medieval nobleman Egas Moniz, tutor to Portugal's first king. Listed in both Michelin Guide and Tablet Hotels.
Solar Egas Moniz is a 19th-century manor house in the village of Paço de Sousa, about 30 minutes from Porto — and it operates entirely differently from a normal hotel. The Vinha family rents the whole property on an exclusive basis (minimum 4 rooms), so whoever books gets the run of the place: 10 en-suite rooms, a library with a wood-burning stove, a fully equipped kitchen, a fireplace lounge with an enoteca, an outdoor saltwater pool, a games room, a BBQ, and a children's playground. But the real draw is the hosts — guests consistently rave about the warmth of the team led by Iva and family, who deliver fresh bread every morning, hand you a welcome basket on arrival, and can arrange everything from private cook dinners to Douro Valley day trips.
Where You'll Stay
4 room types available
Double Room – Popular Art
From EUR140 / nightLocated in the newer wing of the property, connected to the original manor house by a fully glazed modern corridor. Each room takes its theme from northern Portuguese folk culture — think folk dance ('o vira'), olive oil, and the region's famous embroidered 'lenços dos namorados' (lovers' handkerchiefs). All rooms look out onto an interior courtyard with south-facing verandas.
Twin or DoubleFamily Room
From EUR140 / nightSituated in the historical wing, this is the largest room in the house. Big original windows — restored from the building's ancient frames — let in plenty of light. A sofa makes it more practical for families than the standard doubles. Views to the exterior patio of the house.
Double bed + sofa
Junior Suite
From EUR140 / nightThe flagship room of the property. Flooded with natural light, it has a small private veranda, a lounge area, and a view of the stained glass window of the manor house. Notably more spacious and appointed than the standard rooms, it's described as a 'retreat for meditation and relaxation.' Can accommodate 2 adults plus 1 child (up to 12 years old) in an extra bed.
Double
Superior Room – Historical
From EUR140 / nightThese rooms are in the original 19th-century manor house, reached via an ancient staircase or the elevator. They sit on the first floor with direct views over the pool and the green valley of Paço de Sousa below. Each room is named after a virtue of Egas Moniz — courage, loyalty, altruism — and the decor reflects the historical character of the original building.
Twin or DoubleThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
On-site children's area with swings, slides, a wooden playhouse, and a dedicated shallow corner of the pool. Organic garden where children can interact with crops.
Bicycle and picnic arrangement in the surrounding countryside, available on request.
Full day tour of the Douro Valley including wine estates and a river cruise to observe vineyards from the water.
Workshop introduction to the traditional northern Portuguese 'lenços dos namorados' (embroidered lovers' handkerchiefs), a folk art that also inspires the Popular Art wing rooms.
Golf at Amarante course, arrangeable through the property.
Golf at a nearby course in Paredes, arrangeable through the property.
Guided or self-guided mountain bike routes following the Romanesque Route. Bicycle hire available at the property.
Horseback riding through the Serras do Porto countryside. Equestrian facilities approximately 20 km from the property.
One of Portugal's most celebrated boardwalk hikes along the Paiva river gorge. Arranable as a day trip from the property.
Visit to the famous Vinho Verde estate Quinta da Aveleda, approximately 8 km from the property. Wine tasting included.
White-water rafting on the Paiva River, arrangeable through the property.
Surf lesson or session at Matosinhos beach near Porto, with return to Solar Egas Moniz as a rural base.
The Rota do Românico is a tourist-cultural route with over 50 Romanesque monuments built since the 10th century. Five monuments are within 5 km of the property, including the Monastery of Salvador de Paço de Sousa just 200 meters away. Bikes and binoculars available on request.
Stand-up paddleboarding activity arrangeable through the property.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Elevator providing access to first-floor rooms as an alternative to the ancient staircase.
WorkEnd program offering day-pass work-from-the-manor option (DAYPASS) or a combined work-and-stay format (WORK & LEISURE), with all services and facilities included.
A reception-area library at the entrance of the house, fitted with a salamander (wood-burning stove), sofas, bookshelves, a desk, and a corner selling local products.
Wireless internet throughout the entire property, including the gardens.
Babysitting service available on request at additional cost.
Grocery shopping service available on request for guests who wish to self-cater.
Laundry service available on request at additional cost.
Complimentary welcome basket upon arrival including port wine, water, fruit, homemade cake, bread, cheese, ham, milk, coffee, and tea. Fresh bread also left at the main door every morning.
Vodafone TV available in rooms and common areas.
On-site biological/organic garden where guests and children can interact with crops.
Outdoor BBQ in the garden for guest use.
Seasonal outdoor pool open May to October. Includes sun loungers, umbrellas, and towels. Has a dedicated shallow children's corner. Exclusively for the use of guests during their stay.
On-site games room for guest use.
A complete kitchen available for guests with all utensils, oven, stovetop, coffee and tea facilities, microwave, and mini-bar self-service corner in the corridor of the Popular Art wing.
Private transfer service to/from Porto Airport available on request at additional cost.
Free parking available on site.
Bicycles available for rent on site for exploring the surrounding countryside and Romanesque Route.
BUILD YOUR SOLAR EGAS MONIZ PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning