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.

I love everything about this guesthouse, from Elizabeth’s warm hug hello after my first day hiking my first Camino, very tired and sore, I knew I was in the right place! The room was comfortable, clean and had all the small touches that make your stay very special, eg an Australian power plug already in place for me. The pool was an unexpected and welcome surprise, as well as the beverage on arrival and fresh fruit cut for afternoon snack. Elizabeth is amazing, leaving no detail or instruction out. Nothing was too much trouble. The other guests were also wonderful embellishing the experience even more! I can’t recommend staying here enough, especially for pilgrims!

Absolutely nothing

My boyfriend and I had the most wonderful stay at this charming guest house in Labruge. Elisabete and Fernando are truly exceptional hosts – their warmth, kindness, and genuine care are unlike anything we have experienced before. The property is beautifully maintained, and the rooms are a real gem: spotless, comfortable, and tastefully decorated. Every morning, Elisabete prepared a breakfast that was an absolute delight – generous, varied, and delicious. She made sure we had everything we could wish for, even offering us to take with us on the Caminho whatever we couldn’t finish at the table. If you want to feel at home, pampered, and always smiling, this is the place to be.

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Best stay on the Camino Portugués. Smiling Places is exactly that — a genuinely welcoming, peaceful stop that feels like a little haven. The host is incredibly kind, thoughtful, and helpful. You can tell the place was built and run with care. Everything is super clean, comfortable, and just works — from the quiet rooms to the little details. There’s even a small garden and a pool, which was perfect after a long day walking. Breakfast was great too — simple, tasty, and enough. Out of all the places I stayed along the Camino, this was the one I’d come back to without thinking twice. Highly recommend.

My host Elisabete was incredible. Her energy, passion for what she does, and knowledge of the area and the experiences Portugal offers were phenomenal. My short day was filled with relaxation and thankfulness. The property itself is very comfortable and welcoming. A perfect place rest up after a long day on the Camino, or use as a homebase to explore the area. The little touches like laundry detergent in the bedroom , assigned seating table, and guest introductions, an offering help a situation occurred where all steps above and beyond great service.

There was nothing I did not like

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!