The VALLEY

I stayed at the Valley for 40 days and had a wonderful time. It's peaceful and quiet, with lovely nature and walking trails all around. The coliving is well managed, and Alexandre puts on a varied mix of fun and interesting activities.

We came to the mountains looking for quiet after months in the city, and found the peaceful surroundings we needed to leave the noise behind. At The Valley, Alex and Mimi, Noah the dog, and our fellow colivers made us feel at home. Those months turned into memories we'll carry with us. Our morning walks brought new landscapes, fruit trees, birdsong, friendly greetings from neighbors, and, at times, the folkloric dances at local festivals. All of it became part of a stay we won't forget.

We thought we'd miss the beach, but the clear rivers nearby were lovely for swimming and sunbathing, with calm water and no crowds. The countryside around Roge and Vale de Cambra also gave us quiet trails, fruit trees, local festivals, group outings, and weekly events, including intimate concerts. The people we met came from all over the world, and the community became a big part of the stay. At Coliving The Valley, Alex welcomed us from his very first message, and that warmth continued throughout. The place has excellent reviews on Google and Booking, and in our experience it lived up to its promises. The rooms were very comfortable, the temperature felt right in every season, and there was a pool for summer days. Noah, the house pet, was always nearby with a calm presence. We also loved the nearby bakery’s pão de avó and broa de milho, and Mimi brought local pastries to share every Sunday. Living here changed our routine. Time seemed to slow down, we slept better, started running again, ate more healthily, and felt closer to nature. We started cooking projects, I finished my book, and I finally had time and headspace to read again. It gave us room to live more intentionally and creatively. I’ll make different choices about where to live next, favoring nature and the countryside over crowded cities. Many people seem to arrive planning to stay a few weeks, then extend. I’d suggest booking for more than a month so you can enjoy the lifestyle and the price. For us, this wasn’t just a stay in Europe, it changed how we live.

Alex and Mimi made our month in Portugal feel special from the airport pickup to the drop-off. They also helped with weekly food shopping and personal appointments, surprised us with treats, and took us to local spots, including a beautiful nearby waterfall. Their hospitality and the community they’ve built are what set the place apart. We had great BBQs with other guests in the co-working space and made friendships we expect to last. The property was spotless, with weekly cleaning, and the views were stunning. We enjoyed the walk into the main town, where we could visit local cafes and get a feel for Portuguese culture. The value was remarkable given all the personal touches and experiences. Every day brought warmth and adventure, and we’re already planning to come back.