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 Guarda.
The memorable destination of Guarda, Portugal takes travelers on a journey through the country’s earliest days – down cobbled streets filled with little squares and remnants of ancient castle walls. Historians and explorers will love staying in a hotel or hostel here, with plenty of time to spend taking in every bit of this city’s rich heritage.
The old cathedral remains the heart of the town, with a spectacular façade covered with flying buttresses, pinnacles, and even carefully carved gargoyles that grimace down at passersby. The interior of the cathedral showcases an impressively lofty, Gothic and Manueline-style space with twisting pillars and a large carved stone retable.
The community’s military history can be seen in the monumental structures of the Castle of Sabugal and the Castle of Sortelha – memories of the colossal fortresses that protected the town during the Middle Ages. A trip through these ruins is like traveling back in time.
Visitors can check out displays of archaeology, art, and sculpture at the Museu de Guarda located nearby, or venture to the area between the Porta da Estrela and Porta do Rei, where little has changed over nearly 400 years. These charming streets are home to a number of hostels and hotels, as well as bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals for tourists looking for spend a few days exploring everything Guarda has to offer.
The mountainous landscape around Guarda provides plenty of opportunities for visitors staying in a local hostel or hotel, with hiking, skiing, snowboarding, or just sightseeing among some of the highest peaks in mainland Portugal. Nearby, tourists can explore the quaint villages of Seia and Manteigas, tucked into the mountaintops of the Serra de Estrela.
You can get to your hotel or hostel in Guarda from the airports in Porto or Lisbon via bus or taxi, but Guarda is also serviced by a rail station that offers both international and domestic trips – perfect for backpackers.
Written by local enthusiast for Guarda hostels
Jakob Lombardi
