HI Viana Castelo - Pousada de Juventude - Hostel

The reception clerks were lovely and accommodating, and the spot is convenient, right by the river and 1km from the center. The rooms are pretty worn, though. The beds creak if you so much as blink, and there are only small lamps, no ceiling lights. Bring mosquito repellent or an electric insecticide device, or they’ll suck you dry. The rest was OK, good enough.

The rooms were clean and had great views, and the bathrooms were clean too, with decent showers. Beds were really noisy. Staff were helpful when I asked about beaches to the north. It’s a solid hostel with a decent kitchen and the sort of breakfast you’d expect for the price. It’s massive, so it feels a bit anonymous. I was there in mid-Feb, and the quiet made that empty feeling stronger.

The staff were great, but I’d booked because I thought there were washing and drying facilities. I was told on arrival there weren’t, so I had to set off again in smelly, damp clothes. I was walking in October through a never-ending storm, with no chance to dry things outside. There weren’t many pilgrims around, so not much craic. The beds, kitchen and living space were functional. Breakfast was included in the 14e, so I can’t complain about that.

Cristela and Vitor were welcoming and helpful, and I’d stay here again. Breakfast is included and served buffet-style, and there’s a basic kitchen if you’d rather cook. It’s by the river, about 200m to the right of the Camino after crossing the bridge. It isn’t in the historical center, so the 4pm check-in and breakfast starting at 8am are worth bearing in mind if you’re short on time. I’d recommend it.