Quinta da Quinhas

It takes a bit of a climb to get there, but the dorm was a lovely place to recover after a day walking my Camino. Breakfast was fresh and delicious, and the scenery was lovely. I did get cold overnight, though: the dorm only had a thin blanket, with no duvet.

The grounds were beautiful, and seeing the animals nearby was a real bonus. We had a restful evening at this albergue, with homemade food available whenever it suited us. We slept in the loft, where the beds were clean and two separate showers made getting ready in the afternoon much easier.

Annabel at the front was so helpful and showed us around this peaceful mountain farmhouse. The place is sweetly decorated, with a warm, friendly feel. We could use the kitchen to cook, and breakfast was included: eggs to cook ourselves, with pots and pans available, plus cheeses, meats, fruit and bread. It's a little outside the main city, but worth the stay for something different.

After a stop at the Mercado, we made a satisfying meal in the well-equipped kitchen and had a bottle of wine by the pool while soaking our feet. You can buy meals, beer and wine there too. This working farm was a calm place to recharge as we began the Portuguese Coastal Camino and got used to living from our backpacks. We met lovely pilgrims, and the machine laundry was free. Everything was very clean, including the bathroom, which had a fabulous shower. A peaceful break from the trail. Highly recommend.