Dona Emília Guesthouse

The location makes it easy to sightsee, shop, and even do laundry. The rooms are spacious, the hot showers are lovely, and the owner/manager is great. There’s a roomy, well-stocked kitchen and hangout area, plus breakfast and snacks for each guest. I highly recommend staying here when visiting Viana do Costello, Portugal.

Sofia and rami are absolute sweethearts. They’ve made a calm, welcoming space in the middle of a busy town, and I really hope we cross paths again. The building has a peaceful feel, the decor is lovely, the room was super comfortable and felt safe and secure. We were welcomed warmly, and breakfast was delicious. I really want to come back!

Coming back to Dona Emília this year to start the next part of our walk felt like coming home. We stayed there at the end of the first part of our Camino de Santiago last year, and it was just as good on our return. It’s very comfortable and such a calm, relaxing place, with great facilities in a wonderful town location. I can’t imagine staying anywhere else in Viana do Castelo. Last year, we spent four lovely nights at Dona Emília Guesthouse in Viana do Castelo. The hosts were friendly and welcoming, and the building’s location, comfortable bedrooms, useful shared kitchen, and stylish, functional common areas all stood out. We really hope to return.

For a solo overnight stop on the Camino, the Zen Single was just right: compact but quiet, with tea and coffee. It’s in the Guest House, a three minute walk from the main hotel. There’s no staff at the Guest House, but someone from the hotel personally brought me a breakfast box, which was really helpful. Booking on their website directly saves a bit of money. I’d give it four stars because the bathroom is especially small, and water from the tiny sink and shower ends up all over the floor.