One of the most gracious and kindest hosts we have met, who went out of their way to assist us with things we needed for our Camino. So comfortable and welcoming!

Everything was perfect.

The host is absolutely the highlight of this guest house! Elizabeth takes care of each guest as if they are the most important person in the world. She is an expert on hiking the El Camino and will give you all the help and guidance you need to begin or continue your El Camino. We felt so comfortable and cared about at this guest house. Elizabeth is a very special and loving person that shares her joy for life, travel, the El Camino and adventure with every guest. The care she put I to every detail of her guest house and the meals she prepares for guests is phenomenal. I highly recommend a stay at her lovely guest house!

Fernando and Elisabete have hospitality in their DNA. They were born to do this. From the minute that a hot and weary pilgrim arrives at the door and is greeted with a cold beer until being sent off with a custom-made breakfast the next day, they do everything that is humanly possible to ensure that you are well taken care of. Rooms are spacious and clean. There is a mini-bar with payment on the honour system if you'd like to just stay in and relax with a drink or snack. You have a pool, and spacious common areas. At their suggestion I took what I didn't eat at breakfast and that was lunch sorted for my next stage on the Camino de Santiago. Each guest is given an easy-to-remember code for access at any time. With its close proximity to the beach and good restaurants, Smiling Places is highly recommendable.

I can't think of anything that needs improvement.

Smiling Places truly lives up to its name. You won’t find a kinder or more welcoming host than Elizabet. She greeted us with a warm hug and was incredibly thoughtful throughout our stay. The guesthouse is spotless and clearly designed with care and comfort in mind. There are plenty of cozy seating areas, a pool, and laundry facilities available. The beds were very comfortable, and the bathrooms are modern and pristine. Each morning, we were able to choose from a generous selection of breakfast options, and after breakfast, Elizabet went out of her way to share hidden gems we’d encounter along the Camino. She has a spark to her—an authentic, joyful spirit that made us feel right at home. Meeting her felt like our first encounter with Camino magic.

Nothing. It was perfect.

This was my second time at Smiling Places and my wife’s first. She had the same impression as me, Elizabete and Fernando are simply the most welcoming and delightful people you could hope to meet after a day on the Camino. You feel energised and happy to meet them. The rooms are comfortable with everything you need, the breakfast is excellent, the facilities are great and most importantly the smiles are genuine. Like everyone else it seems we would recommend this place wholeheartedly and what’s more if you would like a nice dinner nearby there’s a lovely restaurant on the beach, less than 5 minutes away.

Nothing

We were walking the Camino and what a treat to stay here! Elizabet and her husband thought of everything. We were greeted with a glass of lemonade upon arrival. Our rooms were so comfy and cozy. We had fresh water and coffee and tea supplies. While dipping our tired feet in the pool. Elizabet surprised with a bowl of fresh watermelon!! In the morning we awoke to a lovely breakfast. Then when we were ready to leave we were sent off with a sandwich and fruit!!! Also loved that we were able to do our land and dry our clothes!!!! It is a very short walk from the Camino trail!

From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed in the warmest possible way. Both our hosts were super gracious, kind, and authentically warm. The location was perfect for the Camino - close to a couple of beach restaurants which served good fare. The breakfast was ample and we were encouraged to make sandwiches for the day - our hostess even supplied bags. I absolutely loved our stay here and enjoyed the biggest hug from our hostess upon departure. Highly recommended.

What a gem this Elizabete has here! Her and her husband are SO wonderful and they run a fabulous guest house. That's extremely clean, comfortable, a great sleep, & with the hugest delicious breakfast. You definitely won't start your day on the Camino starving, or receiving any lack of travel information and advice. 🙏 My room was huge, and had everything I needed, especially for one 💕 Laundry, available downstairs and a pool, but I didn't try either as I didn't quite need laundry done yet, and the weather wasn't pool weather yet. Next time! It had a separate living room with couch and desk, two ocean view balconies, great shower, and hairdryer, kettle for tea, but you can also go downstairs and help yourself to drinks on an honour system. Down the street there are two restaurant options… I went for the one on the ocean, with the freshest fish dinner. YUM.

Nothing!!

We had a wonderful 5-day stay in Smiling Places. The hosts, Elisabete and Fernando, are charming (completely mad, but in a nice way). They have worked so hard to make their house confortable for their guests. If anything is not to your liking, tell them and they will do their best to put it right. Breakfast was delicious and copious. There are several good restaurants nearby.

The location is very close to the beach, but can only be easily reached by car or taxi.

Wonderful hostess and host. You can clearly feel that the guesthouse is their heart and soul. Most welcoming and warm people. The hospitalety was great and the hostess took her time to pull us aside to explain the camino route going forward as there were some changes due to construction. Clean and a comfy room with balcony. Pool was small and refreshing. Breakfast was perfect and the hostess offered us to pack a lunch for the camino walk from the breakfast.

"Double bed" in Portugal seems to be a Queen sized bed, as the small double bed is a reocurring experince in many hotels/guest houses.