Story Studio Sortelha - Merging history with modernity

Sortelha is a must-visit location if you want to take advantage of the best that central Portugal has to offer. The historic village is a great place to spend a night, but I would strongly suggest staying longer because you won't want to leave once you arrive. The beauty of the Sortelha is incomparable to any other, and its identity has been preserved to such an extent that wandering around its narrow alleyways feels like travelling back in time.

Within the secure walls of Sortelha, Story Studio Sortelha provides over a dozen family-friendly lodging alternatives, meaning there are plenty of options to meet a variety of needs. By maintaining the original characteristics and the historic architectural aspects while honouring the unique character of this particular area, Story Studio Sortelha seeks to maintain the village’s authenticity.

Ancient charm

The ancient charm from the village is brought to the interior of ‘Story Studio Sortelha on Rua Direita, nº9, 1st Floor’ accommodation in the smoothest way possible, where some comfort and modern amenities are added to it. The 40 square meter house, with preserved stone walls, gives you the impression that you are still living in the 16th century, but the wood refurbishments and all the contemporary touches perfectly bring you back to the 21st century.

The self-check-in option, which is accessed via a keypad that is available 24 hours, makes the reception process easier and guarantees a stress-free welcome, giving you more time to discover all the hidden locations of the iconic Sortelha. Once you enter the house, you are invited to ascend a set of stairs that leads to the open living area, which is furnished with a sofa-bed, a fully functional kitchenette, a customised wood table and chairs, a contemporary TV, and lovely décor. Everything you could possibly need for a restful stay is there.

However, even with an excellent living area, the room can still make an impression. The large double bed which occupies most of the room is tastefully furnished with lovely blankets and cushions and the lamps on the bedside tables may be adjusted to suit your preferences.

To add a little bit of adventure, in order to close one of the room windows, you are required to climb an incorporated ladder, and there is a hole in the wall behind the bed that makes you wonder “What was it built for?”.

The whole property transports you back in time, which is what makes this experience so special. The greyish-toned walls and floor, along with the dark shower and toilet, give the bathroom, which has a splendid stone washbowl, a serene and contemporary vibe. Basically, because every room in the lodge is so attractive, it can be difficult to decide which one you want to spend the most time in. The living room faces the tiny street, and from the windows, you can spot the Parish House on the other side - one of the most distinctive and historically significant homes, which features a "coat of arms" etched into the granite.

A welcome wicker basket filled with customary delights is waiting for you on the kitchen counter in the morning. The property provides enough food supplies in this beautiful box to allow you to have a nice local meal even though a prepared breakfast is not an option provided by the accommodation – but to be honest, this tasty breakfast basket is more than enough! Feel fortunate if you're famished because you will want to try everything. You’ll be provided with fresh traditional bread, a sweet variety of regional bread, eggs, milk, three adorable containers filled with cherry jam, fig jam, and honey, ‘Serra da Estrela’ cheese, fruit, and water, coffee and tea will also be supplied to accompany your meal.

Now that you have so many alternatives, it's up to you whether you want to eat breakfast at home or go on an adventure and enjoy it at one of the many adorable locations inside Sortelha's gates. There are wood and stone picnic tables spread around the village or perhaps try the castle walls and have breakfast with a view. Either way, it will be a breakfast you won’t easily forget.

Exploring

In addition to exploring the castle and every corner of the streets of Sortelha, you should also pay a visit to the Mother Church, snap some photos of the Clock Tower, and maybe enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the few eateries or bars available in the village. Moreover, accept the challenge and search for the ‘Eternal Kiss’ which are two stones that according to the tales appear to be kissing each other, as well as the ‘Old Woman's Head’, another stone that resembles an elderly woman and is once again fed on legends.

There is a lot to see and do in Sortelha, and Story Studio Sortelha's cosy accommodations will present you with all you need to make your visit there unforgettable. However, if you're still itching to explore a little bit further, don't forget to check out the adjacent villages of Belmonte and Sabugal. You can also take a self-guided tour of the abandoned "Hotel Águas de Radium," which is located a short distance from Sortelha and has a fascinating history behind it.

It doesn’t matter the season, if you’re going alone or with family, for one or more nights, enjoying Sortelha and resting at the Story Studio will be an experience of a lifetime.

After studying Journalism for five years in the UK and Malta, Sara Durães moved back to Portugal to pursue her passion for writing and connecting with people. A ‘wanderluster’, Sara loves the beach, long walks, and sports. 

Sara J. Durães