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 Viana do Castelo.
Viana do Castelo is the capital of the district with the same name in the northern-most part of Portugal, the region of Minho and Lima. Lima is actually the name of the river that flows across this city and serves as the stage for the yearly pilgrimage of Nossa Senhora da Agonia (Our Lady of Agony).
While in Viana, it's easy to get around the main touristic points of the city by foot or even bus, which can take you up to Santa Luzia, the higher part of the city from, where you will get a beautiful overview. Viana do Castelo is also well connected by bus and train with the rest of Portugal. The closest airport would be Oporto or even Vigo, in Spain. As there are no checkpoints between Portugal and Spain's borders, you can fly to Spain and easily cross to the neighboring country.
Viana do Castelo has a beautifully well preserved historic center, with different squares where, when good weather allows, people tend to concentrate in the coffee shop's outdoors seating. As this is a city by the river and very close to the sea, it has a fairly summery vibe to it during the hot season.
Your options for hostels in Viana do Castelo include one of the most original hostels in the country, which has been set up inside an typical, old Portuguese boat, now docked in the port. Offering dorms on what used to be sleeping areas for sailors, it sure offers a unique lodging experience. Apart from this "floating house," you will be able to find other more traditional accommodation options, mainly concentrated in the city's historical centre.
Written by local enthusiast for Viana do Castelo hostels
zararock
