Why we picked this hotel
The five-house layout preserves the feeling of staying on a private old Algarve estate rather than checking into a conventional hotel.
Hotel description
Quinta do Pinheiro is a restored late-19th-century farmhouse estate near Luz de Tavira, surrounded by gardens, vineyard, avocado orchards and the protected landscape of the Ria Formosa. The original buildings date from around 1870 to 1875 and were carefully restored by Portuguese architect Frederico Valsassina, preserving traditional red-painted windows, local stone, old agricultural structures and much of the estate's original character. There are just five independent houses, each with its own kitchen and private outdoor space, while guests share two historic reservoir pools, a yoga pavilion, exercise room and treatment rooms. Paddleboarding, cycling and walking begin almost from the doorstep, and the quinta can take guests across the lagoon by small private boat to a secluded Atlantic beach when tides allow.
Hotel location
This is great
A farmhouse dating to the 1870s
The original estate was built between 1870 and 1875, with historic wine-making buildings and agricultural details still woven through the property.
The restoration kept its Algarve character
Frederico Valsassina’s practice preserved red-framed windows, local stone floors, original structures and regional architectural details rather than rebuilding the quinta anew.
Old reservoirs became swimming pools
Two former agricultural water tanks now serve as pools, including a circular 1910 reservoir reserved exclusively for adults.
Every stay is its own house
Five separate two- or three-bedroom houses come with kitchens, living spaces and private outdoor areas rather than conventional hotel bedrooms.
Wellness is small but thoughtful
Two treatment rooms, a dedicated yoga pavilion and an exercise room support massages, yoga, Pilates and light strength training.
Summer dinners overlook the vineyard
An on-site chef prepares a fixed daily menu throughout July and August, while visiting chefs can cook at the quinta during the rest of the year.
Our take on the stay
The Ria Formosa is genuinely part of the stay here. Walk to the lagoon, then paddle, kayak or let the quinta take you across by private boat.
Curated by
Eliza
What guests loved
The exceptionally peaceful setting
The thoughtful architectural restoration
The beautifully landscaped grounds
The pools and outdoor spaces
The spacious, well-equipped houses
Best for
Ria Formosa edge • Couples • Architecture • Slow travel • Vineyard estate • Protected lagoon landscape • Birdwatching
Good to know
5 individual houses with 12 bedrooms
Check-in 16:00
Check-out by 12:00
Houses have 2–3 bedrooms
One shared pool is adults-only
Casa da Avó has a private mini pool
Cots available up to age 4
Pets are not allowed
Free private parking
Ria Formosa piers a short walk
Faro Airport around 40 minutes by car
Amenities
Yoga
Gym
Great for families
Free parking
About the destination
Luz de Tavira, Algarve
Luz de Tavira sits in the quieter eastern Algarve, surrounded by orchards, salt marshes, and the protected landscapes of the Ria Formosa. Nearby, Tavira’s historic streets and the long sandy beaches of Tavira Island offer plenty to explore without the crowds of the western Algarve. Quinta Pinheiro is tucked into the countryside nearby, offering a peaceful base for discovering this slower side of southern Portugal.
