We are in the heart of Porto’s old town on a cobbled street that runs parallel to the famous Avenida Dos Aliados and is at the same level as the emblematic Porto City Council building. You can walk everywhere,, and we are blessed to be surrounded by great bars, shops, and some of Porto’s best restaurants within a 5-minute walk. The river is a 15-minute stroll down the hill.
We are boutique Maison, and our concept is “Chez Vous a Porto”. Simply put, we want our guests to feel like they are staying with friends in a luxury Maison, a far cry from the chain hotels of yesteryear. Anything we can do to make your stay more pleasurable, you only have to ask. As such, we have no formal check-in / checkout and instead send a link to our online check-in page so you can customise your stay pre-arrival and avoid any formalities on arrival. We are part of the Espais Roca group, which offers similar concepts and luxury vacation rental properties in Lisbon, the United Kingdom, Malta, and Spain. After your departure, we will share a VIP repeater discount code with you so you can sample some of our sister properties or for your next stay with us here in Porto. Find out more at https://www.espaisroca.com
We are a boutique maison with 12 suites, Villas, and Apartments set in our traditional merchant townhouse building on Rua do Almada 539, Porto 4050-039. Our location is perfect for visiting the city and exploring everything you need to see on foot. We can also help arrange bike hire, and there are e-scooters available nearby for rental if you prefer to see the city that way.
We have 3 options when you book directly with us –
Our best prices and widest availability are always available online at https://cantodeluz.com/booking/
Yes, Canto is an eco-building with smart building controls to preserve precious natural resources. We generate nearly 80% of our electricity via solar power, heat the building using biomass technology, and heat the water via solar power. We source our non-consumption water from a natural well that dates back several hundred years.
Originally a merchant townhouse, Canto was repurposed and became the factory and shop of the German stationary / pen manufacturer Pelikan during the middle of the 20th century. It fell in disuse and disrepair in the 80’s and was abandoned. A 5-year renovation program brought the building back to life in 2014 as a Boutique Maison, and in 2020 we renewed and expanded again, this time adding Villa Almada and its private pool and adding brand new windows and doors with silence glass (like that used in airports) to ensure all our guests get a fantastic sleep on our lovely comfy super king wide double beds, as well as introducing smart home technology to create a seamless guest experience. In 2023 we added our Garden Retreat Villas and in 2024 the outdoor heated swimming poo for the enjoyment of all our guests.
Yes – Canto De Luz has its own beautiful heated outdoor pool which is available for all guests to enjoy and is set in the gardens. Its open from 09:30 until 19:30 daily for swimming and guests can also enjoy drinks and tapas by the pool at any time. There are sun loungers and sun umbrellas and a heated shower. Our two bedroom Villa Almada also has its own private pool specifically for guests staying in the villa to enjoy.
We offer guest-led communications, and you can choose to communicate with us by email, web chat, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, SMS or Instagram messaging. We do our best to reply to all enquiries as quickly as possible, usually within 30 minutes between 8am and 11pm Portugal time. You can also reach us by phone, though we are much faster online! Start chatting now!
In total, we have 12 double bedrooms, most of which also have sofa beds to create family configurations.
Yes – We offer exclusive occupancy for groups of friends or colleagues who would like to enjoy the Maison on an exclusive basis. Our team is on hand to provide daily breakfast and all the usual services. Our private chef can provide sumptuous lunch and evening meals on various cuisines to meet the needs of your event or group. We often welcome people who are celebrating intimate weddings, notable birthdays, retirement celebrations, family reunions and more. Let Hotel Maison Canto de Luz be your private hotel experience – contact us for more information.
Villa Almada is our private 2-bedroom villa set on the grounds of the Maison. It’s a luxury escape in the heart of the city and features 2 en suite bedrooms and a large open-plan lounge/dining/kitchen, which is fully equipped. It has its own outdoor dining terrace with a Weber Gas BBQ and, the piece de resistance, its own private 5 x 5 metre salt electrolysis (no chlorine) swimming pool set in the villa’s private garden. The pool can optionally be heated—see below.
The pool can optionally be heated for a daily fee to cover power costs. We send a link to opt in to the heating a few days before arrival once you can check the weather and see if you need it or not. When heated, the pool temperature is between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius, which is 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Pool heating is available for the whole of your stay only. We need to know 24-36 hours before arrival as the water takes time to heat up.
Out of respect for guests who suffer from allergies, we sadly can’t allow pets to stay at the Maison, other than guide dogs for the blind. For those who enjoy animal company, Cantina, a rescue cat who adopted the Maison as a kitten, lives in the garden and is in charge of a daily seagull patrol.
Yes, we feature enterprise-grade fibre internet with a 1GB connection to the internet and strong unlimited free Wi-Fi throughout. Main suites feature a workspace / desk / table, and you can also work in our Orangerie, where there are power sockets for your devices, or our workspace on the 3rd floor is available on a first come, first serve basis.
Yes, we have secure off-street private parking just three doors up from the Maison. You can book a space here. You can add and pay for parking using the link we send with your booking confirmation or at any time up to your arrival, subject to availability.
Most of the major travel booking platforms do not charge or collect the City Tax of the City of Porto so we need your card details to charge this small daily fee. We also use your card details to pre-authorise your card the day before arrival for any in-stay consumption of wine, tapas or additional services during your stay. This not a charge just a reservation of credit like when you rent a car or even fill up at the fuel pump these days. It’s automatically released after departure if not used. Doing this online facilitates a contact-free check-in experience and friction-free arrival so you can get straight on with enjoying your time in Porto when you arrive. Please note that since COVID, the Maison is cash-free.
We offer a transfer service where our chauffeur will meet you upon arrival with a sign with your name and bring you straight to the Maison. The same is true on departure – you can book this via our team at the time of booking online at www.cantodeluz.com/Booking or via our online checkin page at anytime up to 24 hours before your check-in. Other options are Uber / Bolt, which takes about 25 minutes, or there is a train / metro service from the airport to Trinidad station, followed by a 10-minute walk.
Yes – we are a 10-minute walk to both Hertz and Europcar offices in Rua Santa Catarina.
We recommend the Train from Porto Campanha station to Lisbon Apollonia. The 3.5-hour journey is visually really interesting as you pass by Aveiro and the beach, across the bridge and through the countryside before arriving in Lisbon and a great way to experience the countryside. We can arrange a transfer to the station or to collect you from it on arrival, or you can use Uber / Bolt apps. A bus service is also available to Lisbon, which takes about the same time, but it’s a freeway / motorway the whole way and is less interesting.
Porto offers a comfortably warm climate with typically sunny weather from late spring until early autumn with peak season for visits being from Easter through the first weeks of November. In winter, temperatures rarely dip below 10 degrees celsius / 50 Farenheight, and weather can be Sunny, or because we are close to the Atlantic Ocean, you can have showers and some winter storms passing through. Boutique Maison Canto De Luz is open all early to guests and we provide large golf umbrellas for those coming during the months when there can be rain showers so you can still enjoy exploring the city. Peak summer temperatures can be 30 degrees and with comfortable evenings for alfresco dining with average temperatures hovering around 23-27 degrees during the peak period above. Many guests aim to enjoy the city in May and June or September and October, but equally, it’s super popular with families and visitors in July and August when the local beaches also beckon.
Yes – We are, too -so every suite and room in the Maison offers blackout blinds or shutters to ensure you / your family get a good night’s sleep.
When you book directly with us, you can select the specific suite and floor you would like to stay in. Our building has the ground floor (we call this floor 0, which is street level) and then a first, second, and third floor in European terminology. Some guests would call that top floor the fourth floor, depending up where they come from!
Of course – we have pictures on the home page for each room type, as well as room-specific pictures on the booking page once you select your preferred room. If you would have booked and would like to see your room photos, you can see them at the online check-in page link we sent you.
The bed configurations at Canto De Luz are as follows :
Main Maison:
City Retreat Studio Apartment
Urban Retreat
Villa Almada:
Garden Duplex Villas (2 in total) each has
All our suites except City Retreat and our Garden Retreat Villas can be split to offer two single beds instead of a super king-wide 180cm double bed. Just request this on our online check-in form, and it will be waiting for you when you arrive.
Yes – the main building is served by a lift/elevator to all floors. Our Urban Retreat 1 and 2 City suites are also wheelchair friendly. The only accommodation options which require stairs to access are our Villa Almada, Garden Retreat Villas and Urban Retreat 2 suites.
We offer laundry service. Rather than charging a fortune for this, we provide laundry bags and charge by the bag so you can refresh your wardrobe when you arrive or before departure. Optionally, we can also iron your clothes for you. These suites have their own washers and dryers with washing detergents provided: Villa Almada, Garden Duplex Villas, Urban Retreat 1, and Urban Retreat 2-bedroom apartments.
We offer irons and ironing boards for your convenience during your stay. If you are staying in the main Maison building, you will find them in the yellow lockers with an Iron icon on the ground and second floors. Villa Almada and our 2 Garden Duplex Retreat Villas each have their own iron and ironing board in the accommodation.
Yes—Our Villas and Apartments ALL feature fully equipped kitchens with Ovens, Microwaves, Dishwashers, Washers/Dryers, Fridges, and Dining areas. These include Villa Almada, Garden Duplex Villas, Urban Retreat 1, and Urban Retreat 2 bedroom apartments.
Yes. All our rooms and suites feature Samsung Frame Art TV with Free Netflix, Disney Plus and streaming channels. All have HDMI and USB connectors so you can connect your own devices.
All our suites feature Amazon Echo devices, which offer Unlimited Music streaming of more than 70 million songs and unlimited internet radio.
Of course – All our suites, apartments and villas feature Air Conditioning / Central Heating.
We always offer free early check-in whenever we can, though we usually don’t know for sure until the day before arrival. Regardless, your building code is active from 9 a.m. on the day of arrival, so you can drop your bags, join us for a coffee and orientation, and then start to explore the city or grab lunch while our team does their magic to prepare your suite. If you are arriving off an overnight flight and would like a guaranteed early checkin, we can do this by blocking the night before your arrival for you subject to availability – you can add this service from our online checkin page.
Yes, we can do this in the same manner as an early arrival, subject to availability. You can also block the night after your checkout at a discount if you would like to guarantee late check out . Your code is valid until 7pm on the day of departure so you can store your luggage and make the most of your last day in the city or real in our Orangerie or Garden before heading to the airport.
Yes – we will store your luggage for free on arrival or departure.
All our suites feature Nespresso Coffee machines and kettles with English and herbal teas. You can expect a litre of fresh filtered water in your suite, which we refresh every day and which you can also refill from our 7-stage Osmosis system in the Cuisine on floor 1. We provide Rituals bathroom products, including hand soap, hand lotion, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner for your stay. All our bathrooms feature heated towel rails, Air Conditioning and Central heating. All suites have international plug adaptors (220v) 7 USB charge sockets to keep your devices juiced during your stay. All suites feature a powerful hairdryer and a code lock safe for your valuables which is large enough for iPads / laptops etc.
We are a keyless property in order to facilitate a seamless stay. Codes are unique to your suite and stay for ultimate security and are the only guest codes active on your suite during your stay. Housekeeping staff use individual codes, and any access is logged for ultimate security and peace of mind. Your code is also used to unlock the street door. We send the code via email 7 days before arrival and again as a reminder via WhatsApp or SMS a day before arrival. If you booked parking then your code will also provide access to our garage.
Of course. Our Welcome team is available from 7:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. every day of the year. If you arrive outside these hours, we offer a 24-hour self-check and will meet you after breakfast the following morning to welcome you when you are refreshed and ready to hit the city.
Our Magical Wine Machine showcases a selection of amazing Douro valley wines. We provide you a QR code prior to arrival so that you can select wines and Ports by the glass and sample tasting, small or large glasses. We invite each adult over the age of 18 to try a complimentary tasting glass (excludes 20-year-old Tawny Port) any time until midnight on the day of arrival as our guest. Consumption after this is automatically billed to your account.
Yes – our amazing daily changing homemade breakfast is included in your room rate during your stay. Our team sources the best fruits, freshly squeezed juice, and pastries from one of Porto’s oldest and most respected bakeries, a charcuterie and cheese option, and offers a daily changing hot plate (eggs, omelettes, waffles etc), alongside Bean to Cup Coffee, Cappuccino, Cortado, Latte and English and Herbal Teas, all served at your table in our Orangerie or our lovely garden. We offer a range of different kinds of milk, including Lactose-free, plant milk and, of course, traditional cow!
We serve breakfast from 08:30 until 10:30 daily. If you are leaving early for a flight or a day trip and would like a complimentary takeout breakfast, please let us know the day before, and we will be happy to prepare it for you to collect from the kitchen before you leave. We are also happy to deliver breakfast to any of our Apartments or Villas with a full kitchen and dining area—just request this the day before and let us know what time to deliver.
We cater to all sorts of different culinary needs—just set yours on our online check-in form so that the kitchen team can source appropriately for your stay. By default, we offer various alternate milks, including Oat, Soy, Coconut, and Lactose-Free, with our bean-to-cup barista coffee options.
We don’t have a full-service restaurant, as we are served by many of Porto’s best eateries within a 5-minute walk, but we do great tapas / light dining menu from early afternoon until 10pm each day, including cheese and presunto (cured ham) plates, as well as Portuguese pates and more. These are paired with the various wines that we offer from the wine machine. We also serve soft drinks, Local Gin, and other tipples to be enjoyed in the Orangerie or our garden. These can be delivered to your room/ villa as well.
Yes – Our Canto Cooking team offer a fun 90-minute wine tasting for in-house and external guests – it runs every day starting on the hour at 3pm until 6pm and includes 5 amazing Douro Valley table wines and 1 Port. It can be expanded to also include 2 reserva Ports to take your tasting to a new level, including a 20 year Tawny Port and a Reserva Ruby port. You can book your place online when you reserve or add the tasting via our online check-in page.
Yes – The Canto Cooking team offer a daily (except Sundays) Chef Led Market Tour of the Bolhao Market, which then returns for a cooking demo and hands-on class where guests learn to make typical Portuguese Dishes and Tapas. Afterwards, they enjoy the fruits of their labours over lunch in our Orangerie with a crisp glass of Douro wine. We meet at 10:15 in Canto and the course runs for around 4 hours and 15 minutes. You can book your place online via our online check-in page.
Of course. We are happy to help you book tables at your preferred dining options during your stay and also offer our own list of great places to consider. Here is the current list below:
Of course, our therapists can provide a range of massage therapies as well as facials and manicures/pedicures in your suite during your stay. You can book them with your stay when you book or via the online check-in page (the link is sent to your WhatsApp or SMS when you book). Once you are booked, we will contact you to arrange a suitable time based on your and the therapists’ availability.
They are both great options, both around 10-15 minute walk from Canto de Luz.
We offer both shared and private day tours of the Douro Valley for wine tasting, as well as a walking tour of Porto and a Food Tour of Porto. You can book these via our website when you book your room or add them any time before arrival using our online checkin page, subject to availability.
Douro Valley tour starts at 8:00 am and finishes around 17:30 hs
We offer it in two flavours – one is a shared tour with a max of 8 people which includes
Or you can have the same tour but as a private tour with premium wineries—minimum 2 pax. This option includes a private tour guide and private car.
You will be arriving in Porto again around 18.30, so you will still have some time to have dinner and walk the city. Maybe you can catch the sunset from Dom Luis bridge.
Yes of course – Our food tour is a :
Of course. We are happy to help arrange flowers, champagne / chocolates etc to be waiting in your suite for your special person on arrival. Just let us know what you have in mind. If you have a birthday and would like a cake, we work with a local artisan cake maker who can provide a range of styles and decorations to suite your needs. Just message us after booking and we will take care of everything.
Porto is a great city to explore by food and running or jogging lets to really get in to the fabric of the city – many guests run down to the river or across the famous Don Luis I bridge to Gaia and then back. There are routes from 2 – 20 km. We can also link you up with a cool team who do running tours of Porto which is a great way to stay fit, explore the city and learn its history at your preferred pace.
Explore the city’s historic centre on foot –
On a slightly longer trip –
Porto, Portugal, is known for its vibrant and lively festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the best fiestas in Porto:
São João Festival: This is the most famous and beloved festival in Porto, celebrated on the night of June 23rd. The city comes alive with music, dancing, fireworks, and street parties. People hit each other on the head with plastic hammers and release illuminated balloons into the sky. It’s a unique and festive experience.
Festa de São Bento da Vitória: Held in late July, this festival celebrates the patron saint of Porto, São Bento. The streets are filled with processions, traditional music, and dancing. It’s a religious and cultural celebration that showcases Porto’s rich heritage.
Festival of the River Douro: This festival takes place in September and celebrates Porto’s connection to the Douro River. The waterfront comes alive with concerts, street performances, and art exhibitions. The highlight is the grand firework display over the river, creating a stunning spectacle.
NOS Primavera Sound: Although not a traditional fiesta, this music festival held in June attracts music lovers from around the world. It features an impressive lineup of national and international artists across various genres. The festival takes place in the Parque da Cidade, offering a unique outdoor music experience.
Festas de São João de Lordelo do Ouro: This festival takes place in the neighborhood of Lordelo do Ouro, during the month of June. It features traditional processions, music, and street parties. One of the highlights is the “Cortejo da Ribeira,” a parade of colorful floats that winds through the streets.
Families visiting Porto will also enjoy FantasPorto the film festival held in February which has FantasMini with activities and screenings especially for children. Another good option is Card World Festival and of course the Range of Christmas markets, ice skating and live performances you will find around the city. Finally Children’s day on the 1st June each year has various events across the city including games, workshops and performances.
These are just a few of the best fiestas in Porto. The city has a rich cultural calendar, so it’s worth checking the local events and festivals happening during your visit to experience the vibrant atmosphere and traditions of Porto.
We have baby cots (Hauck Dream and Play accommodating to 15kg), High Chairs, Baby Baths, and Baby listening sets, and we offer the daily rental of a stroller during your stay to save you from having to travel with yours. Just let us know what you need via our check-in link when you are customising your stay. [MORE INFO]
Yes ! We love families – All our suites offer one or two single sofa beds if you would like to create a family configuration, and we have two two-bedroom options – Villa Almada with a private pool and our 2 bedroom Urban Retreat Apartment. We have scooters that kids are welcome to borrow during their stay in the city and some toys for smaller children. For larger kids and the young at heart, our 2 bedroom Villa and Apartment feature X Box Game Consoles with 2 controllers and a range of age-appropriate games. All suites have smart TV with streaming from Disney+ and Netflix as well as free strong internet for iPads etc. At breakfast, we offer little ones hot chocolate alongside freshly squeezed orange juice, and they will happily make pancakes or waffles to help them get their day started nicely! We can also offer babysitting service so adults can enjoy a meal out in the evening or perhaps when you go wine tasting – this is based upon an hourly rate subject to a minimum of 3 hours and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. [READ MORE]
Upon arrival at Boutique Hotel Canto de Luz, drop off your luggage and immerse yourself in the charm of Porto’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start your day by visiting the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, an architectural marvel that offers breathtaking views of the Douro River and the cityscape. Cross the bridge and explore the picturesque neighborhood of Ribeira, known for its colorful houses, narrow streets, and vibrant atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverside promenade and indulge in a delicious lunch at one of the many waterfront restaurants.
Afterward, head to the Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores and if legend is to be believed the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Hogwarts. Marvel at its neo-Gothic architecture and immerse yourself in the literary ambiance. Don’t miss the chance to savor a cup of coffee at the charming Café Majestic, a historic café dating back to 1921. In the evening, experience the vibrant nightlife of Porto by visiting Galerias de Paris, a lively street filled with bars, clubs, and live music venues.
No visit to Porto is complete without exploring the famous Douro Valley, renowned for its stunning vineyards and world-class wines. Full day tours are avaialble to book via the hotel, which take you along a scenic drive through the Douro Valley’s terraced hills and picturesque landscapes. You will visit two of the many wineries in the region and indulge in a memorable wine tasting experience, sampling the finest port wines that made Porto famous worldwide, as well as enjoying lunch and a Dour River boat trip.
If you fancy taking things a little easier and staying within the city, perhaps a visit to the Casa da Música, an architectural masterpiece and a hub for music enthusiasts, and if time allows, explore the contemporary art exhibitions at the Serralves Museum or take a relaxing walk through the serene gardens of the Serralves Park. Then, you can still sample the Douro Valley’s best vintages enjoying the Wine Tasting activity offered daily at Canto De Luz by the Canto Cooking team, which is served with some delicious homemade Portuguese Tapas.
On your final day in Porto, delve deeper into the city’s cultural offerings and culinary delights. Start your morning with a visit to the iconic Porto Cathedral, an architectural gem with a rich history. From there, wander through the narrow streets of the vibrant Bolhão Market, where you can sample local produce, cheeses, and pastries. Our gastronmic team offer a guided tour of the market followed by a cooking class back at the hotel, as well as a guided food tour of the city if you want to go deeper on learning the art of Portuguese cuisine and our gastronomic history.
On a sunny day, what better than to explore the charming neighborhood of Foz do Douro, known for its beautiful beaches, upscale restaurants, and stunning seaside promenade. Take a leisurely walk along the coastline, breathe in the fresh sea air, and stop for a delightful seafood lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants.
In the afternoon, visit the contemporary art museum, Museu Serralves, and appreciate its impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Before bidding farewell to Porto, indulge in a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, savoring mouthwatering dishes such as bacalhau à brás (Portuguese-style codfish) or francesinha (a hearty sandwich with layers of meat, cheese, and sauce). Our concierge team know all the in spots and hot openings and keep their ear tuned to Porto’s constantly evolving restaurant scene, so ask for tips and they will happily help you make a booking.
Escaping for a long weekend in Porto while staying at Boutique Hotel Canto de Luz promises a remarkable journey filled with history, culture, culinary delights, and stunning landscapes. From exploring the historic center to immersing yourself in the world of Douro valley and our eponymous Port wine whilst experiencing the vibrant local culture, Porto offers an unforgettable vacation experience. So, pack your bags, book your stay at Boutique Hotel Canto de Luz, and get ready to create lasting memories in this captivating city.
Breakfast is included in our nightly rates for all guests staying at the hotel for the morning after each night of their stay. If you are a non-resident, you are welcome to join us for a fixed cost of €18.50 per person, as of the time of writing. Hotel guests arriving on early flights on their arrival day are also very welcome to join us for breakfast at the same cost. If you would like to join us for breakfast, please message us in advance to confirm your reservation, as the Chef buys all the ingredients fresh from the market each day, so we need the correct numbers to prepare accordingly.
You can see the individual room sizes on our booking pages and on the floor plans. Our suites and villas are extremely generously sized for city centre hotels in Portugal.
Our City View and Garden View suites in the Maison range from 25-30m2.
Our City Retreat Studio Apartment, Urban Retreat Studio Apartment and Urban Retreat Suite are 35-40m2.
Our Duplex Garden Retreat Villas are 45-50m2
Our 2-bedroom Urban Retreat Apartment is 75m2
Our 2-bedroom Villa Almada with private pool is 92m2 NOT including the private dining terrace, private garden and pool.
All our suites are air-conditioned and centrally heated.
