Forte de São João da Barra

The rooms have plenty of historical charm and the view is stunning at sunset. Breakfast is quite good and the grounds are well kept. There's a cash bar in the afternoon but you have to go elsewhere for food.There's a family living in the premises, which makes it rather odd. But what ruined it for me was Rita. PLEASE FIND SOMEONE ELSE TO GREET, MEET AND CHECK PEOPLE IN. Rita -- the groundskeeper, manager? -- is one of the most unpleasant and off-putting people I've ever met. She single-handedly ruined my whole stay. Me and my partner had the audacity to check-in late (it was 10pm) and Rita went on to berate and vilify us as some sort of intruders (stinking of alcohol). I don't care if your check-in ended at 8. I paid 600 euros for a three-night stay and deserve to be treated with respect. The place has potential but Rita made sure I will never return. Embarrassing.

It’s a beautiful spot. Gorgeous views from the terrace and a lovely pool. Unfortunately Rita was quite rude. There is no food available there apart from breakfast which is adequate.I had been travelling all day and was chastised for consuming cheese and biscuits on the terrace at 9 pm because apparently it is forbidden on the historic flagstones…..The same flagstones that cope with the adequate breakfast. Room small with no windows so I kept the door open all night. There is a fan but it was pretty claustrophobic. 15 minute walk into a very touristy spot for dinner with a lot of average and a couple of good restaurants. Ferry ride to the beach is included ..nice spot for a swim with a good cafe.

Who doesn't love staying in a 17th Century fort? The grounds are stunning and well kept with a unique set of rooms. There are lots of nods to the history of the fort throughout in the way it's decorated, which is a nice touch. Breakfast out on the terrace offers truly unique views in the Algarve, and while the breakfast isn't anything to write home about, it's perfectly good to get you started on your day. The staff are all very friendly and helpful making our stay all the more pleasant.

This B&B surpassed our expectations enormously. It is a wonderful old fort with modern amenities. Our room was a converted gunpowder storeroom with a lovely stone floor and built-in working fireplace - not that we needed it in early June, the weather was beautiful. The bathroom was large, modern and well equipped. We had chairs outside our room where you could sit and observe the dark night sky - the stars, satellites and the ISS were there for all to see.||Cecilia was such a warm and welcoming host. She was so helpful and great fun to be with. We looked forward to our breakfast each morning on the sea facing ramparts - such an uplifting view at the start of every day.||The fort has a private swimming pool and lots of hidden nooks to sit in the shade and read or snooze. We particularly liked the olive trees next to the pool.||It is in a great location just a few minutes walk along the beach to some great restaurants and the local spar supermarket.||Overall this unique and special place gave us a wonderful holiday. It was so relaxing and such a superb area of outstanding natural beauty.

Our experience here was fantastic and so relaxing. The manager (Claudia) was lovely and such a gracious hostess. The room, just off of a breathtaking courtyard, was clean, well-appointed and spacious--especially considering it was one of the smaller rooms. The pool is small but lovely and the views are amazing. Breakfast was delightful with eggs and a continental assortment of cheeses and meats plus fruit and freshly baked breads. The town is a short walk away, as is a 2 minute boat ride to a gorgeous beach. The only downside is that the wifi was available just in the main house, but that's not a huge deal as it truly feels like a remote getaway...in a castle dating back to the 17th century! We'll certainly be back.

Great communication with Rita. Friendly and warm welcome by our host Miguel and very informative. The Forte, grounds and its history were all fantastic. Tranquil and off the beaten track. I liked that there were no children in sight, which would have affected the peaceful surroundings. We enjoyed exploring on foot and cycling (bikes can be hired from A Bicicleteria). The bacon at breakfast is something else (smokey and salty - super tasty) - I'm a coeliac with an allergy to nuts, so really appreciated the bacon and poached egg. The pool and views of the cabanas were stunning. All guests were respectful of one another, apart from our extremely noisy neighbours (in Room 9) for the next two nights of our stay, which deprived us of some needed sleep. This could have been avoided if they didn't open the doors and windows while dragging furniture around, slamming doors and arguing early hours of the morning puffing on their cigarettes (our friends who were also staying in the other building could hear them too)! We will be back, however, we just hope those neighbours aren't there next time! I forgot to write in the guest book but can do so next time we visit. Thank you to all the lovely staff.

I don't even know where to start. I made an appointment months ago to come & view the venue for my wedding. I flew in from London with my fiance to meet my mother who flew in from Zimbabwe to go and see it. We were received by Rita who was extremely rude from the start and asked me if my 'guests' were also coming in (there were 4 of us). She didn't show us around and treated us with total disinterest. We viewed the grounds on our own and were never shown the inside (bedrooms). We were sent on our way with a nod and wave whilst she was on the phone smoking a cigarette. She didn't ask us if we liked it,if we hated it or if we'd like to see inside or if we have any questions. So I'll definitely not be having my wedding of 200 guests here. Rita was very rude, hostile and extremely unenthusiastic. Thanks for nothing.

We stayed in this heaven of peace for three days. Its private, nearly a sense of non commercial, very historic , yet much had been done to this beauty subtly and blending in to provide comfort and warmth. The hostess and staff welcoming and timless in that even they blend in with the setting. If I had been on my own I would have spend majority of time with a good book , a"little" wine on the terrace on top of the Forts 400 year old walls, on what must be a terrace with some of the best sea views in Portugal, with the walls surely protecting any intrusion of any unwanted tourists. Highly recommend the place.