B&B / Hostals in Portugal

[bikes4two]

> Two of us are cycling Faro northwards (ultimately to Santiago de Compostela) near to the Spanish border (i.e. away from major towns), In September.
> We've both done Spain before and found the availability of hostals good, but have no idea as to the availability of such places in Portugal - any views on this please?
> What is a good word to use for Google searching i.e. Albergue, pensionato, pensao?
> Any useful websites?

Thanks

[ConRAD]

.. Two of us are cycling Faro northwards (ultimately to Santiago de Compostela) near to the Spanish border (i.e. away from major towns), In September...

September in Portugal is still high season along the coast, a little bit less along the border with Spain.
October would be definitely better, even for temperatures.
Parque de campismo, Hotel, Hosteleria, Hostel, Hostal, Pensão, B&B … eveything works fine, don't worry !!
Thru booking.com you can easily find accomodation for any pocket, otherwise all towns along the border offer a multiple choice.
The best would be to have a local SIM and so far apply for local mobile fees and call a couple of hours prior to your arrival.
In Mertola, Baixo Alentejo, I’ve been sleeping totally alone in a big fantastic structure, called Clube Nautico de Mertola, just facing the river Guadiana at 16 Euro/night.
If you want I can send you the complete list of my overnights, with precise prices indication and gps coordinates, from Faro to the North along the border with Spain and then Southwards along the coast back to Lisbon.

[borisface]

I live in rural central Portugal. You shouldn't have any trouble finding accommodation in Sept. The only exception would be in somewhere was having their Feira. Your best bet would be to make for towns that have a population of at least 5,000-10,000 people. Lots of good places near the Spanish border through the Alentejo , ie Elvas, Castelo de Vide, Marvao, Castelo Branco, Fundao/Covilha, Guarda, Braganca. One word of warning it does get very mountainous as you go north. They are not massive climbs like the alps but they are relentless and in parts very steep. You could easily (?) take in the highest point in Portugal at Torre in the Serra Estrella at 1980m. Lots of villages with hotels round there. Portugal is very cheap - think 7-9 euros for 3 courses incl wine and coffee. Beers 80cents, coffees 60. Rural shops quite often have little stock so but supplies when you see it.

[ConRAD]

... Portugal is very cheap - think 7-9 euros for 3 courses incl wine and coffee ...

... 7 - 9 euros for 3 courses ?? I've never spent less than 15 euros for 2 courses, wine and porto included of course

[Huwt]

Hi
Well, I lived in Portugal for three years and also did a tandem trip from the Algarve to Santiago. Yes, you can spend as much as you like on a 3-course meal but it's also possible to pay as little as 5 Euros! We lived in Viseu in the north and had a local cafe that did soup, main, dessert, drink (wine, beer etc) and coffee for 5 Euros. Nothing fancy but did the job.
Having said that, you'll probably pay more like 6-9 Euros in most places. These kind of deals are nearly always lunch deals too, not evening. Anywhere touristy will also generally be more expensive so just avoid the main drag and look for backstreet places where the locals eat. The decor will be functional at best but the food is generally fine.
It's also true that September - particularly starting in the south will be hot. Probably 30C+ in the daytime.
You should also have no problem finding accommodation - probably 30-40 Euros for a double room if you don't want anything fancy.

Cheers. Huw

[ Huw, your website is overtly offering advertising possibilities, so I cannot permit you to link here. Graham ]