Aldeia da Mata Pequena

Top choice in Portugal


Located 9km south of Mafra, this unique rural tourism option is the forward-thinking vision of lisboêta Diogo Batalha, who managed to buy and restore 18 ruined structures of a 300-year-old village, 14 of which so far have been turned into fabulous, historically accurate stone cottages, each with a kitchen, living room and sleeping area.

The details are extraordinary: all of the houses contain original salgadeiras (meat-salting boxes) while others – formerly wineries, barns or bakeries – retain original elements such as stables-turned-living-rooms and a massive wine press as a design centrepiece. There's ginjinha (cherry liqueur) in the room, piping hot Mafra bread at your doorstep in the morning and a tiny, independently operated petiscos restaurant on premises. You'll share the tiny village with cats, a pig, rabbits, peacocks, goats and a donkey. It sits in an extraordinary countryside location and is best reached by private car. There is a two-day minimum (or 50% surcharge for one night when reserved less than five days in advance), but you'll want to stay forever.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Portugal attractions

1. Palácio Nacional de Mafra

2.88 MILES

Wild-spending Dom João V poured pots of Brazilian gold into this baroque palace, covering a mind-boggling 4 sq km and comprising a monastery and basilica…

2. Aldeia Típica José Franco

4.8 MILES

At the village of Sobreiro, 4km northwest of Mafra (take any Ericeira-bound bus), sculptor José Franco has created an enchanting miniature, vaguely…

3. Tapada Nacional de Mafra

4.86 MILES

The 819-hectare Tapada Nacional de Mafra is where Dom João V used to go a-hunting. Enclosed by an original 21km wall, the grounds are now an…

5. Museu das Artes de Sintra

7.18 MILES

This museum features a small and manageable collection of contemporary and modern art, around 80% of which is dedicated to local works. The permanent…

6. Museu Anjos Teixeira

7.7 MILES

Set in a former watermill, this small museum displays works by the father-and-son duo of Anjos Teixeira – two of Portugal’s greatest sculptors. Most of…

7. Palácio Nacional de Sintra

7.76 MILES

The star of Sintra-Vila is this palace, with its iconic twin conical chimneys and lavish, whimsical interior, which is a mix of Moorish and Manueline…

8. Quinta da Regaleira

8.04 MILES

This magical villa and gardens is a neo-Manueline extravaganza, dreamed up by Italian opera-set designer, Luigi Manini, under the orders of Brazilian…