Casa da Cisterna: a comfortable stay in authentic Castel Rodrigo

You can definitely call this a hidden gem. Casa da Cisterna is a comfortable and charming hotel in an authentic village surrounded by castle ruins. We’re in eastern central Portugal. The hotel consists of several authentic houses with a shared pool.

Casa da Cisterna—Cisterna literally means “cistern”—used to be the water storage facility for the entire village. Now it has been transformed into an idyllic boutique hotel with several rooms, suites, and two villas.

Hospitality Comes First at Casa da Cisterna

Ana and Antonio left Lisbon for this beautiful, little-known spot in historic Castelo Rodrigo. Both biologists, they chose the tranquility of rural life in a historic setting over the hustle and bustle of the city. They have created a wonderful, homey hotel in an authentic setting.

Ana and her team go out of their way to make sure you have a great time and get to know the beautiful surroundings. A fantastic (local) breakfast is served, and for a delicious dinner, there’s a daily regional menu with plenty of choices.

Check out YouTube for an interview I did with Ana from Casa da Cisterna.

Castelo Rodrigo and the surrounding area

This surprising and lesser-known region is about a 1.5-hour drive from Salamanca, Spain, and 2.5 hours from Coimbra in Central Portugal. You’re in the eastern part of Central Portugal, not far from the Spanish border. This was once a strategic site for battles and a stop along the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Today, it’s a very peaceful spot with beautiful nature and a rich history.

Enjoy the peace and quiet of this quaint little village. Relax by the pool with its stunning views and explore the historic town. Ana and Antonio will be happy to tell you about the local attractions, and they offer guided tours of the area upon request.

Castelo Rodrigo is part of the Aldeias Históricas de Portugal, a group of 12 authentic historic villages that are historically linked and form the basis for a wonderful exploration tour in this lesser-known part of Portugal. If you set out on this journey, be sure to bring along the famous picnic basket for a delicious meal along the way.

Visit the Coa Valley, with its impressive prehistoric rock art; the Douro River, with its stunning nature park; and Almeida, one of Portugal’s twelve historic villages.

Hiking and Biking in the Douro International Nature Park

The area is beautiful for walking, hiking, or biking. It is located in the heart of the Douro International Nature Park. The GR22 trail winds through historic villages and stunning natural scenery. This long-distance hike covers a total of nearly 600 kilometers, but can, of course, be broken up into shorter sections. Read more here about an organized hiking trip to this area.

Birdwatching at Casa Cisterna

It’s also a wonderful place for birdwatchers. Faia Brava is a beautiful protected nature reserve located about 20 kilometers from the village. Many bird species, such as the black vulture, as well as beautiful plants and flowers, are preserved here. A birdwatching spot for vultures was recently set up at Casa da Cisterna. Visiting this area and observing these impressive birds is a unique experience.