This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Alfeizeirão.
Alfeizeirao is a town in the Leiria district of the Alcobaca municipality in Portugal. It is on the coast of the Oeste region near Sao Martinho de Porto. Buses run between Lisbon and Alfeizeirao, but to get around the region, you may prefer to have your own transport.
Because Alfeizeirao is such a small town, hostels are few and far between. The nearest hostels are found in the larger city of Alcobaca, about 16 km from Alfeizeirao or in the coastal of Nazare. You can also find hostels near the beach at Sao Martinho de Porto (3km away). Hostels here are quiet and family-owned. There are also guesthouses, pensions, and hotels.
Alfeizeirao is known for its medieval castle, the Castle of Alfeizeirao, which was of strategic importance during the founding of the Kingdom of Portugal. It shelters the small port halfway between Nazare and Peniche and was the principal defense along the coast with both the Fort of Sao Miguel in Nazare and the Fortress of Peniche. In nearby Alcobaca, don’t miss the fabulous gothic-style Monastery of Alcobaca, with its 17th/18th century Baroque facade, 12th century arches inside the cloisters, and the intricately carved 14th century tombs of Dom Pedro and his mistress Dona Inês de Castro, Alcobaca’s most famous tragic love story. Fatima, where the vision of the Virgin Mary was spotted by schoolchildren, is nearby, as are several more monasteries with strong ties to the conquest of the Moors in 1147. In addition to the historical and religious attractions, travellers can visit the extensive Grutas de Mira de Aire cave system in the Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros. The beaches along Sao Martinho do Porto are considered some of the best beaches in Portugal and are often full of visitors and local families. There are some beautiful churches in town as well as restaurants and cafes for when you get bored of the beach!
Written by local enthusiast for Alfeizeirão hostels
Jakob Lombardi
