Hostels in Ponte da Barca

When I think "youth hostel" I'm prepared for a dark building with smelly, decrepit bunk beds, especially for only 13€ (dorm bed, early November, breakfast included). The Pousada de Juventude Gerês is absolutely the opposite. Located inside Penedas-Gerês National Park, it is modern, clean, and very friendly. I reserved a dorm bed but because I was the only one, they voluntarily upgraded me to a standard double room that was very comfortable. Evenings downstairs, they light a nice fire -- real wood, not gas fake -- and you can enjoy it in comfortable chairs. The staff speaks English so while I was struggling with my Portuguese during my first hours in the country at checkin, Katia was kind enough to deal with me in English. Breakfast, in an adjacent building, was all-you-can-eat, with a very good selection, and again a very helpful and friendly staffer. About the staff -- they are the best and saved my skin. After checking in, I went for a late day, rainy, trailless hike up the rocky hill behind the pousada. Coming back, I stupidly let my phone slip to the ground from layers of clothing. On arrival in my room, I discovered the loss. On my computer, I could see exactly where it was but without another GPS-equipped phone I couldn't navigate precisely back to it -- and it was now dark. In the morning, I rehearsed ideas for convincing someone to rent me their phone so I could go back out and try to recover mine. When I explained my situation to Maria at the front desk, she simply handed me her phone and said, "Go". I used it to find the lost phone and saved a lot of money and grief replacing and restoring everything. Could you ask more of any hotel staff?

The girl at the reception (unfortunately, I didn't ask her name) is extremely friendly and hospitable. The hostel is a 10-minute walk from the historic centre, the beds and mattresses are very comfortable, the bathroom has a hairdryer, which was very useful. The bathrobe is amazing, I felt almost like home. Breakfast is served from 7 a.m., so you can boost your energy level to start your pilgrim's journey.

Pool and laundry available and nice and quiet

Attention from the people in front desk.