Escape to Portugal's Hidden Gem: Stone Farm Hostel Felgueiras!

Stone Farm Hostel Felgueiras Portugal

Escape to Portugal's Hidden Gem: Stone Farm Hostel Felgueiras!

Escape to Portugal's Hidden Gem: Stone Farm Hostel Felgueiras - A Review That's Honestly Honest (And a Little Messy)

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile hotel review. This is the real deal, warts and all, about my stay at Stone Farm Hostel in Felgueiras, Portugal. I'm talking honest-to-goodness, "I wish I'd packed earplugs" kind of honesty. Let's dive in, shall we?

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Keywords: Stone Farm Hostel, Felgueiras, Portugal, Hostel Review, Accessible Hostel, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, Portugal Travel, Northern Portugal, Wellness Retreat, Family-Friendly Hostel, Budget Travel, Portugal Accommodation.
Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Stone Farm Hostel in Felgueiras, Portugal! From accessibility to the spa, food to the free Wi-Fi, discover the good, the bad, and the hilariously awkward moments. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions!
Category: Travel, Accommodation, Hostel Review, Portugal, Northern Portugal.

Accessibility (Let's Start Here, Since, You Know, That's Kinda Important)

Right, first things first. I'm not exactly a mobility expert, so my take here will be what I observed, and what I gathered. Stone Farm tries to be accessible. The elevator is a massive plus, obviously. But… and there’s always a but, isn't there? The pathways to the swimming pool (more on that later) are a little uneven, which might pose a challenge for some. I didn’t get a chance to check the bathrooms thoroughly for accessibility features beyond a door wide enough for an assisted push, but that's a crucial point. They do have facilities for disabled guests, so it's worth calling ahead and asking specific questions. They also have an exterior corridor that could be useful.

On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: Now, this is something I didn't fully check. I'm a solo traveler for this and mostly ate in my room. I did see an open terrace and some seating, I believe that there would be access to seating outside.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi (For the Digital Nomads and Instagram Addicts!)

Okay, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms is a HUGE win. Really. My biggest pet peeve is paying for Wi-Fi, particularly in these modern times. Stone Farm delivers. I got a solid connection in my room, which was fantastic because I’m a laptop worker. They also offer Internet [LAN], but, I'm not living in 1998, I was fine with the Internet access-wireless. And, if you need it, wi-fi in public areas is available. I did not need to use it though.

Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Spa, Pool, and the Pursuit of Bliss)

Alright, picture this: I'm exhausted from travel, and I’m dreaming of a spa day. Did Stone Farm deliver? Well, let's break it down.

Spa/Sauna: They have a great Spa, with a Sauna, and Steamroom. Honestly, the Steamroom was my jam. I basically lived in it.
Swimming pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] is beautiful. It is also a Pool with a view, which is an over-the-top extra touch. It's stunning, I mean, absolutely breathtaking. But here's my confession. The water was slightly chilly, and the poolside chairs were already "claimed" early in the day. I'd hoped for a lazy afternoon of uninterrupted relaxation, but I could only stay for a while – I did find my peace in the end, anyway.
Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage: Yes, they do offer these. I didn't indulge, budget constraints, etc., but the options are there.
Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I went to the fitness center, well-equipped. I think I went two or three times. The staff are very willing to point the way I only had trouble finding it.
Foot bath: I missed the foot bath, unfortunately, and I wish I hadn't, because the spa was the best part.

Cleanliness and Safety (Because, Let's Face It, We Care)

I’m a clean freak. Not in a germaphobe way, but I like my spaces tidy. Stone Farm gets a solid A here.

Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: They seriously take hygiene seriously. A definite plus. Everything smelled fresh, and I felt completely safe.
Cashless payment service, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer: Yep, they’ve got you covered.
Safe dining setup: Every place that I went into had signs in place.
Shared stationery removed: I didn't even notice stationery, and frankly, I was glad not to see any.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Feed Me, Seymour!)

Okay, this is where things get… interesting. The food is pretty good, I must admit.

Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: The variety is impressive. Loved the variety.
Asian breakfast, Alternative meal arrangement, Happy hour, Room service [24-hour], Snack bar: I missed the happy hour, dangit! The 24-hour room service is a bonus.
Breakfast takeaway service, Kids meal: I don't have kids myself, but they have the facilities for them.

Let’s talk about the Breakfast [buffet]: It’s what you’d expect, but with a few Portuguese twists. The pastries were divine. Seriously, I think I gained five pounds in three days from those damn pastries. The coffee was good, too. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was also helpful in the mornings.

Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)

Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning, Luggage storage, Concierge, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Safety deposit boxes, Terrace: Plenty of conveniences.
Cash withdrawal, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Essential condiments, Invoice provided, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Outdoor venue for special events, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: Some business features which I did not use.
Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Indoor venue for special events, On-site event hosting, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Shrine: Honestly, the indoor venue for special events made me think of a wedding, and that made me happy.

For the Kids (Because, Let's Be Honest, I Saw Some)

Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: They seem well-equipped for families. I saw a few kids running around, and they seemed to be having a blast.

Access (Getting In and Out)

Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour], Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking
The Airport transfer is convenient. Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: There is plenty of parking. Stone Farm felt very safe.

Available in all rooms

Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.

The Rooms (My Personal Fortress)

My room was comfortable, but

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Stone Farm Hostel Felgueiras Portugal

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my chaotic, slightly-too-ambitious, and probably-going-to-leave-me-broke Stone Farm Hostel Felgueiras adventure. You know, the kind of trip you plan with rose-tinted glasses and a naive heart, and then reality hits you in the face like a wet codfish. Here we go…

Stone Farm Hostel - Felgueiras, Portugal: A Week of Glorious Mess

Day 1: Arrival & "Finding My Feet" (Translation: Tripping Over Things)

Afternoon: Arrive at Porto Airport (OPO). The flight was… well, let's just say the woman next to me spent the entire time complaining about the peanuts, and I spent the entire time trying not to spill my tiny plastic cup of wine. Success! Sort of. Grab the train to Felgueiras - which, I have to admit, is already a scenic little ride! The Portuguese countryside is genuinely gorgeous. (Okay, maybe I still am wearing the damn rose-tinted glasses).
Late Afternoon: Check into Stone Farm Hostel. OH. MY. GOD. It's rustic. Like, really rustic. Think exposed stone walls, a cozy fireplace… and a distinct lack of a fully-functional shower. The receptionist (a lovely, slightly-dishevelled girl named Sofia, who looks like she hasn't slept in days, but in a good way) shows me to my dorm. It's… well, it's a dorm. Four beds, a collection of backpacks that look like they've seen more adventures than I have, and the lingering scent of… something. I'm going to blame it on the wet dog I saw sniffing around earlier.
Evening: Wander around Felgueiras. Get hopelessly lost. Discover a tiny, family-run restaurant that smells of garlic and happiness. Order something that looks suspiciously like "mystery meat" (turns out it's amazing chorizo). Attempt to speak Portuguese and butchering it so badly I think I might have accidentally insulted the waiter. Apologize profusely. Leave a ridiculously-large tip out of pure embarrassment. Think: "This is going to be a fun week" (with a healthy dose of dread).

Day 2: Wine Tasting & Existential Dread at a Vineyard

Morning: Wake up to the sounds of rooster battle. (Apparently, there are chickens everywhere! I miss my alarm clock. The rooster wins battle). After a breakfast of soggy toast and questionable coffee (seriously, what is it with hostel coffee?), I decide to embrace the local culture. Book a wine-tasting tour at Casa da Viña.
Afternoon: Wine tasting! Amazing wines! Overindulge slightly. The guide (a charming old guy with a twinkle in his eye and more life stories than I've read books) poured a generous amount that seems to never stop. I start to ponder the meaning of life while sampling a particularly potent red. I start to realise I'm terrible at identifying the subtle undertones of "leather and oak" everyone else is talking about. They all say it out loud though! Then, I feel great! And then, the existential dread kicks in! And I start thinking about all the bad decisions I've made in my life while simultaneously worrying about running out of toilet paper. Then, I drink more wine. It's a vicious cycle. I'm pretty sure I accidentally proposed to the vineyard owner's dog. Or maybe it was the cat? I can't quite remember.
Evening: Stumble, slightly tipsy, back to the hostel. Manage to navigate the stairs without falling. Just. Binge-watch Netflix. (There is a reason I booked a private room with a TV).

Day 3: Hiking (Attempted) & Emotional Breakdown in Nature

Morning: Vow to be healthy and do something I've thought about forever. Hike the local trail! Pack a backpack with water, snacks, a map (which I immediately lose), and an overwhelming sense of optimism. This is it! I'm going to conquer nature! I'm going to be one with the trees!
Afternoon: After an hour and a half of sweating, swearing, and battling an army of mosquitos, I realize "the local trail" is actually a steep, winding, and deceptively challenging hike. Turns out, I am NOT one with the trees. The trees are judging me. I get lost. Almost step on a snake. Have a full-blown emotional breakdown involving tears, existential questioning, and the consumption of all the snacks I packed. Give up on my quest for "nature" and collapse on a rock, defeated.
Evening: Return to the hostel, utterly bruised, defeated, and covered in mosquito bites. Order a mountain of pizza. Watch a terrible movie on TV, which is exactly what I wanted when I got here.

Day 4: Day Trip to Guimarães & The Ghosts of the Past

Morning: Decide I need some culture (and a break from my own pathetic existence). Take a train to Guimarães, a charming medieval town.
Afternoon: Wander through the cobblestone streets of Guimarães. Visit the castle (impressive!). Get lost in the history. Try to imagine what it was like to live in those times. Realize that I am, in fact, utterly incapable of imagining anything beyond the next episode of whatever I was watching before. Order "Pastel de Nata" (custard tarts). Eat at least three which is a decent contribution.
Evening: Return to Felgueiras. Write some postcards for the people I love. Realize I'm too tired and fall asleep mid-sentence.

Day 5: Repeat Wine Tasting & Finding Myself (Again, Maybe Not)

Morning: I swore I wouldn't do it again, but the wine tasting calls my name! It's a siren song of deliciousness.
Afternoon: Back at Casa da Viña. This time armed with a slightly improved grasp of Portuguese. Get to know some of the other people there and have a funny time. My memory is fuzzy.
Evening: End up at a small bar. Dance with the other guests (possibly badly).

Day 6: Trying to leave

Morning: I pack my bag. I can just about handle that.
Afternoon: The train has a mechanical failure. (What are the chances?) I panic.
Evening: After an unexpected extra day the train finally arrives. I leave.

Day 7: Departure & The Aftermath (The Real Reality Check)

Morning: Sober, finally. Wake up and prepare to leave.
Afternoon: Fly home, filled with a mix of exhaustion and joy. Realizing I've mostly just wandered around, confused, and possibly slightly tipsy for the majority of the week. But I made it! I survived an adventure. All in all, a truly messy, glorious, and utterly unforgettable trip. And yes, I'll be back. Maybe with a slightly better map, and a whole lot more toilet paper.

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Stone Farm Hostel Felgueiras: The Unfiltered Truth (and Lots of Wine)

Is Stone Farm Hostel actually a "hidden gem"? I see that phrase everywhere...

Okay, look, "hidden gem" is a travel cliché, right? But THIS PLACE… I reckon it kinda *is*. I mean, Felgueiras isn't exactly on the tourist trail, you know? First time I heard about it, I was like, "Fel-what-now?" But then... BAM. Stone Farm. It's like stumbling upon a secret, especially after a long train ride from Porto. Sure, the journey might feel like you're chasing the horizon, but trust me, when you get there, the effort pays off. Plus, less crowds equals more space for me to hog the hammock, which, let's be honest, is a win-win situation.

What's the vibe like there? Is it all yoga and kale smoothies?

Haha! Okay, thankfully, no. (Though they *do* have incredible fresh produce from their garden... which might make you reconsider the kale smoothies, just saying.) The vibe is *relaxed*. Like, seriously, *chill*. It's more about sharing stories, maybe a bottle (or three) of vinho verde, and just... *being*. I met a guy there who was backpacking across Europe, and he'd literally been on the road for six months. His eyes crinkled up when he smiled... I swear, he looked like he'd discovered the meaning of life in that hostel's kitchen. (Spoiler alert: it might have been the homemade bread.) It's a place to unwind, recharge, and maybe even question your life choices (in a good way!).

The photos look gorgeous. Is it really that pretty?

Okay, the pictures are pretty, *gorgeous* even. But the reality? Somehow... it's even *more* beautiful. I mean, the stone buildings are just stunning, the gardens are lush, and the views… oh, the views! I woke up one morning, stumbled outside still half-asleep, and just stood there for a good five minutes, jaw completely dropped. The air smelled like sunshine and earth. And (another spoiler alert), I almost *actually* cried. (Don't judge me, okay? I’d been drinking wine the night before.) It's a photographer's dream, that's for sure. But more than that, it's a place that *feels* good.

What about the accommodation? Dorms? Private rooms? Are the beds comfy?

They've got both! I stayed in a private room. (I need my beauty sleep, and I snore… loud. My apologies to anyone who’s ever had to share a dorm with me.) My room was simple, charming, and the bed... the bed was *heavenly*. And the shower! Let me tell you about the shower... Oh, it's *good*. Hot water, good pressure, and a little window that looked out onto the garden. After a day of hiking? Pure bliss. But I peeped at the dorms while I was doing laundry (essential backpacking skill), and looked comfy as well.

What is there to do in Felgueiras and around Stone Farm?

Okay, here's the thing. Felgueiras isn't exactly bursting with "must-see" attractions, like, you know, the Colosseum. It's more about... *being*. But! There *are* things to do. Hiking is huge. The surrounding countryside is gorgeous, with trails winding through vineyards and forests. The hostel itself organizes walks; they even had a map with some suggested routes (I got lost on one, but hey, it was an adventure!). You can visit local wineries (yes, please!), and explore the town itself. The local market (usually on Saturdays) is a must. The food is incredible, and it's a great chance to see the real Portugal, not the touristy kind. And you could wander around, discover a hidden cafe, where you sit for hours (which, by the way, is what I did).

What are the best things about Stone Farm?

Okay, this is where I get all gushy again. Seriously, the people. The staff are incredible. They're friendly, welcoming, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They made *everyone* feel like family. There was one lady, I think her name was Maria, who showed me how to make proper Portuguese coffee. It was… divine. And then the food! Oh my god, the food. I swear, I gained five pounds in three days. All because you can dine together with other guests. Then the location - it felt truly remote, it was so peaceful. The gardens were just the best place to chill, maybe with a book. And also, you should try the wine...

And the worst things? Is it all perfect?

Nothing is perfect and that's part of the charm, isn't it? Here are the few drawbacks: It's a bit out of the way. It can take a bit of effort to get there. But hey, that's part of its charm, right? And if you're a city person who needs constant stimulation, this might not be your jam. You might get bored. (I didn't, by the way. I was perfectly happy to spend hours reading in the hammock.) And the WiFi could be a little spotty from time to time. (First World Problems, I know.) But honestly, those are minor quibbles. Those are *nothing* compared to the good stuff. Maybe I wish there were more showers, and maybe I would add a tiny bit more variety in the breakfast.

Is it good for solo travelers?

Absolutely! It's *perfect* for solo travelers. It's one of those places where it's super easy to strike up conversations. You'll find yourself chatting with people in the kitchen, sharing a bottle of wine in the garden, or going on hikes with other guests. The staff are brilliant at fostering a sense of community. I arrived there alone, and I left with a whole bunch of new friends. Seriously, go. You won't regret it.

I'm a foodie. Is the food there as good as everyone says?

OH. MY. GOD. The food. Okay, listen up, because this is important. The food at Stone Farm is *amazing*. It's simple, honest, homemade Portuguese cuisine, and it's cooked with love. I remember one night, they served this *incredibleLuxury 14-Night Quarantine Stay in Chilgok, South Korea: Pristine & Fully Equipped!