Hostels in Almada, Portugal

Almada is a city in Portugal, across the Tagus River from Lisbon and accessible by the 25 de Abril Bridge. Settlement at Almada dates to the Neolithic period but became a permanent city around the time of the Islamic civilisation. It remained a Moorish stronghold until the late 12th century, when it was conquered by the Christian army. Almadians were forced into hiding after the invasion of Moors in the early 1170s and not restored to Portuguese control until the late 1180s.

The easiest way to get to Almada is to fly to Lisbon’s Portela Airport. There are direct flights here from most cities in Europe, the US, and Canada. To get to Almada from Lisbon, all you have to do it catch a bus or a ferry across the Tagus River. Almada is a transport hub; getting in and around the city is easily done by rail, tram, or bus.

Almada’s city centre is on the north end of the city, nearest to the bridge. Look for hostels in this area, as this is also where most of the nightlife, restaurants, and cafes are. There are a few hostels near the Atlantic coast as well; look in the Costa da Caparica area or Paira del Sol neighbourhood. Alternately, you can stay in a hostel in Lisbon and cross the bridge into Almada.

All of the back and forth between civilisations and cultures means that Almada is home to some incredible Moorish, Christian, and Portuguese architecture. For example, the Convento dos Capuchos in the Sintra neighbourhood and the Solar dos Zagallos, a palace of King Seculo in the Sobreda neighbourhood, are both exciting historical sites. It is also highly reliant on the sea, being a coastal port city. There are plenty of water-based activities in the area. Most locals participate in kite-surfing or deep-sea fishing; you can charter a boat or join a tour to explore the vast river mouth. History and culture collide in the Lisbon-Almada region, and the city is a vibrant reminder of old Portuguese culture.