Situated on the beatiful island of Terceira de Jesus Cristo, Quinta dos Figos is one of the most outstanding examples of a true rural hotel. Offering quality lodging, with all of todays modern conveniences combined with the old world charm of a time past.
We invite you to immerse yourself in the luxuary and atmosphere of Quinta dos Figos.
Once experienced you will never want to leave.
The portuguese word Quinta has many meanings. Primarily defined as a simple farm; estate or land property, but it also extends to include a more noble definition of a country seat or homestead (the latter being more indicative of this property today).
Built in the 19th century, Quinta dos Figos has served many purposes. From a small store to a barracks to an elementary school, and now a rural hotel. The upper building still can still be recognised as once being a stables, showing quite clearly its roots.
Primarily it was a small self sustaining farm, where corn was grown, milkproduced and pigs raised for the slaughter.
Even today while rural tourism the main purpose of this Quinta, we are still very careful to preserve some of the origins of this beatiful and charming place. Maintaining the character of old by continuing the traditions of times past by raisin chickens, ducks and geese. Growing fruits such as figs, oranges, lemons, melons, olives and chestnuts, or "castanheiros" wich are a regular favourite with the locals during the autumn and winter months. Vegetables such as potatoes, favas, beans, cabbages, onions, garlic, carrots, turnips and lettuce to name few.
The three main buildings were in an appauling state of disrepair and it was a considerable undertaking to restore these back to their original condition.
Only local craftsmanship and materials were used during the restoration process. In keeping with the original arquitectural plans, the main building was restored to its former glory, while the upper building was carefully remodeled into individual "apartments" again using the highest standards in materials and workmanship to provide an unparrallelled feeling of equality with the main hotel.
Furniture was made using local wood and hand crafted by local artisans. Linens were hand made and even small details like lampshades were not missed. Quilting is a very traditional art especially in Terceira and this can be seen in the bedrooms.
An "eira", translated to english is a threshing floor. This is a 10 metre (33 feet) circle surrounded by a stone wall. It has been carefully reconstructed from local stone and as it sounds., a threshing floor was originally used for cleaning cereals and vegetables. Although today it is not used for its original purpose.
A "torreão" or "miradouro" is a lookout point to view the beauty that surronds Quinta dos Figos, allowing you to see the ports of Praia and Porto Martins. This was constructer using local red volcanic rock and in itself is a unusual eye catching part of the landscape.