My Experience with HI Connect at Hostel Areia Branca

HI Connect experience

When I arrived at the hostel, I was immediately impressed by its location right by the Atlantic Ocean. Together with my mentor, I learned about the history of the hostel and how the Movijovem organisation works. The massive building where the hostel is located is about 100 years old and has a rich history. It was originally built as a luxury resort for the rich, then during the war, it was used as a military base. Later, the government converted it into a youth hostel. Because of its history and the changes in rules regarding the protection of the nearby nature and surroundings over the years, the building is also very difficult to renovate.

The Movijovem organisation is in charge of running all the youth hostels in Portugal. The hostel in Area Branca is home not only to regular tourists, but also to organized groups such as children with special needs or fewer opportunities, the elderly and Erasmus groups. During my stay, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the hostel was almost fully booked, even though it was already past the main tourist season. The hostel definitely makes an effort to keep up the sustainable practices they've put in place. Inside the building, there are signs for recycling, and in the room, there's a note reminding guests to be mindful of natural resources (like water) and to use the refillable shampoo bottles.

I learned how the hostel operates, what kind of administration and organisation is needed, and what the main duties of the receptionists are. During my stay at the hostel, I had plenty of time to explore the area and take trips to the nearby towns. When I wasn't out exploring, I enjoyed relaxing on the sandy beach and soaking up the atmosphere, along with the local food at the beach bars. There are lots of surf schools nearby, and the weather in September was still quite summer-like.

What the area has to offer

The nearest larger town next to the beach is called Lourinhã. It's mainly known for the dinosaur fossils that you can see at the Dino Park and museum for kids. My favourite beach was Praia Vale dos Frades, which really takes your breath away at golden hour during sunset. As well as enjoying the beautiful sandy beaches, the hostel is also a great base for trips to the surrounding places. The nearby major coastal town is Peniche. Besides the big fish industry, the town is also known for its huge seaside fortress. Inside the building, there's a former prison for political prisoners and a museum dedicated to Portugal's more recent war and post-war history. The fortress also offers a stunning view of the sea, while the other side of the town is marked by beaches with long sandy dunes.

A larger nearby town, though not by the coast, is the ancient Óbidos. It's a really well-preserved medieval town with a wall you can walk along all the way, no fence, and at your own risk, so I thought it felt like a bit of an adrenaline rush. While walking around the wall, you can see the surrounding nature, as well as the buildings inside the town. Walking through the narrow, busy streets, you can pop into cute shops with local products and tastings. A bit further north is the bigger town of Caldas da Rainha, where you can take a walk through a nice park.

My experience with the HI Connect programme and staying at the Areia Branca hostel was truly something special. Not only did I learn a lot about sustainability practices and how hostels work, but I also had the chance to experience rich Portuguese culture and history up close. The surroundings are simply beautiful, from the long sandy beaches to the relaxing atmosphere that just pulls you in. I took part in various activities, like surfing, and enjoyed all the natural beauty that Portugal has to offer. I would be happy to recommend this experience to anyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and experience something unique.