Premium #13731

Cozy apartment near Porto

Apartment • Maia Portugal

4 Guests

1 Bedroom

1 Bed

2 Bathrooms

Primary home

Exchange types accepted

Simultaneous

Non-Simultaneous

Non-Reciprocal & Globe

Statistics

Listed April 2022

General overview

Great location, 5min walk to subway station (30min from Porto downtown).
Supermarket nearby, bakery below the apartment.
Balcony, dishwasher, laundry, WiFi, 1bedroom (plus possibility of one super comfy self inflation air-matress for 2 in the office (former guestroom)).

The space

The apartment has 2 rooms (1 bedroom with a double bed & 1 office with a self-inflation airmatress for 2, it's the former guestroom), a livingroom with dining area for 6, a balcony with small table and chairs). 2 bathrooms with tub each, the kitchen is fully equiped with microwave, oven, dish washer (AEG, Siemens, Liebherr) coffee machine, toaster, espresso machine (De Longhi). There is parking space in front of the building.

Guest access

3rd floor with lift/ elevator

Notes

Porto was nominated Best european destination 4 times in a row! There's a lot to explore!

The apartment is 10km from Porto (northern Portugal, western Europe), the subway is in a 5min walk distance to Porto downtown (35min). The city offers a lot of cultural and 
historical activities, museums, music festivals, classic and jazz concerts, great food and (port) wine, beaches (great for surfing and windsurf/ kite), boutiques, night life.

Porto is a 1h30 driving distance away from the biggest national park (Peneda Gerês), which is great for hiking, mountain biking and/ or horse riding, canoying and swimming in the lakes with waterfalls. 

Porto is also 1h away by car from the second longest suspension bridge in the world (Ponte 516 Arouca) at 516m in length, after the Baglung Parbat suspension bridge in Nepal.

Also the Douro valley is a 1h30 car drive away. In 2001, UNESCO classified 24,600 hectares of the Alto Douro Wine Region as World Heritage. Beautiful at ant time of the year. You should do a wine tasting at the wineries!

Aveiro, 1h by car is known as the portuguese Venice (due to the canals and the typical boats moliceiros) and also as the portuguese Amsterdam, as lot's of people drive bikes (there used to be free bikes too from the city (BUGA), not sure it still exists). As it's very plane/even, comparing to other portuguese regions.

You have Braga and Guimarães, 45min by car with beautiful historical centers and much more!

And there's still a lot more to visit 😅

Features

Show all features including those not in this home

Washer

Dishwasher

Oven

Microwave

Coffee machine

Fridge

Iron

Heating

TV

WiFi

High Speed Internet

Bathtub

First aid kit

Bed sheets

Towels

Workspace

Fireplace

Balcony

Covered porch / verandah

Travel Styles

Weekend

Adventure

Family

Romantic

Sport and leisure

Foodie

Relaxing

Eco

City

Mountains

Beach

Water

Culture

Hiking

Cycling

Good public transport

Golf

Accessibility

Step free access

Elevator

Accessible stairways

Accessible door handles

House rules

Unsuitable for infants under 2

Suitable for children ages 2-12

Pets not allowed

No smoking

Allergens

Smoke free

Dates of Availability

Click on availability periods to see exchange types and descriptions.

Available

Getting to my home

Porto's airpoirt Francisco Sá Carneiro (OPO) is 11km from our home and you should get there in 10 - 15min by Uber or taxi. 
There's also a metro /train, but it's not direct. You would have to switch. 
Metro station is 5min walk from us.

Nearest airport

11km from Porto's airport

Getting around

We have a bakery/ cafe below the apartment, professional laundry, Barber, hair dresser, eyewear shop, 2 banks.

Medical assistance across the street.

2 other bakeries/ cafés 3 min by foot, nail studios, Kiosk, chinese shop with everything you can think of.

3-5min walk: take-away with typical portuguese food, restaurants with grilled chicken, ribbs, etc. 

Supermarket Pingo doce 5min walk, Auchan 5min by car, Decathlon 5min by car, Lidl, Mercadona, Continente, Aldi (5-10min by car)

Beaches: South or northern of Porto (15-20min by car:
Miramar/ Madalena beach
Praia de Matosinhos/ lavra
Vila chã 
Praia dos ingleses / praia do molhe (Porto)

Map of Approximate Location

Feedback

I want to thank Silvana and Vasco for sharing their home with me and making it possible to "drop" my son in Porto before he spends a whole school year there. Lovely apartment, very quiet and calm cats that seemed to be happy to have me and my son around. The house was super clean when we arrived and they had left us plenty of food for our breakfasts and some delicious pastries. Their home is minutes away from the train station to Porto. During my stay I took several ubers, an inexpensive option especially if you travel with more people. Communication was great before and during our stay, this was a Globe non reciprocal exchange, but not different in any way from my other exchanges. Thank you both, I hope we cross paths one day in real life and that I can reciprocate your hospitality. Obrigada!

Home Feedback: Carmen stayed with Si 3 months ago

We had a fabulous stay at Silvana and Vasco's apartment. It is located a short train ride from the centre of town, and is an ideal location, not only to explore Porto, but also the surrounding areas. The apartment is well appointed with a very comfortable bed, and quality linen and fittings. Silvana and Vasco were great hosts and went the extra mle to ensure we enjoyed our stay. Getting to look after Toby and Anais was a bonus! Hopefully we can repay their kindness if they get a chance to visit us in Australia.

Home Feedback: Dave and Sheree stayed with Si 8 months ago

We had an incredible time at Silvana and Vascos' place. We were greeted warmly with New Year treats and a big hello from the gorgeous cats Toby and Anais! The apartment is beautiful and had everything we needed for our 3 night stay. Silvana was so helpful when it came to questions about Porto and the neighbourhood. Porto is a beautiful city with so much to explore and do. Big thanks to Silvana and Vasco for making our New Year truly memorable.

Home Feedback: Emer stayed with Si 11 months ago

Member elected not to leave feedback for this exchange.

Home Feedback: jamie stayed with Si 1 year ago

We are very grateful to Silvana and Vasco for having accepted our request of staying in their apartment. Porto is a hard destination to find an exchange and we were very lucky at the end. Communication with them was very easy from the beginning and we met through a video call. They also gave us good tips Their apartment is very nice, bright and was spotless. We were received by Sara, their nice neighbor. We took care of their 2 cats, that was very easy The metro station is very close and in 35 minutes we were in the center of Porto Porto is an exciting and alive city and we felt in love with it. We totally recommend exchanging with Silvana and Vasco!

Home Feedback: Ainhoa stayed with Si 2 years ago

This exchange came about as a response to my FB last-minute post, looking for a swap for our summer holidays, to which Katrina very friendly responded, thus hopefully solving our problem of not having a destination yet. Katrina's apartment gave us the opportunity to live like true locals, being central, super close to the airport and geographically well located to reach the most popular beaches in Fuerteventura. Katrina welcomed us and gave us information about the apartment personally. It has all the amenities and utensils necessary for a stay. She left us things in the fridge and left us free to use whatever we wanted/needed. The neighborhood is calm, with a supermarket right next door and a cafe and pastry shop across the street. She also gave us very useful tips, such as two restaurants that we went to and really liked! She also said we wouldn't need to clean, which was very kind of her. We were Katrina's first exchange (hosting) and it couldn't have gone better! We hope to welcome Katrina soon to Portugal, Silvana and Vasco

Home Feedback: Si stayed with Katrina 3 months ago

It was a pleasure to welcome Carmen into our home and to be able to contribute, so that she could leave her son at college for his first year in Porto. Communication with us and later on with our friend, who delivered the keys and welcomed them, was easy and clear. She gave us also useful tips for future hosts. Carmen even kept us updated with pictures of her and our cats! Which we would trust her again any time! The apartment was perfectly clean and tidy upon our arrival and we were even treated to a bottle of wine! I wish them all the best and especially her son an amazing time in Porto. If he should need anything, we are very happy to help out. We hope we meet one day in person.

Guest Feedback: Carmen stayed with Si 3 months ago

Alexandra and her husband welcomed us at the apartment. They were very kind in briefing us shortly about it, as they were worried about us being tired from the trip. They had some treats prepared, which we really enjoyed. We had the chance to be with Alexandra later on, which was super fun (she's hilarious) and she gave us lot's of tips, as she know the island very well. The apartment has a beautiful view, all the utensils you need, is near the beach Amadores) and has a supermarket across the street and other services. We recommend staying ar their place and are looking forward to host them in February. Silvana & Vasco

Home Feedback: Si stayed with Alexandra 3 months ago

We had the best time in Michele and Larry's home! OMG the view! It's stunning! The apartment is great for families, where you can have nice barbecues and sunbath at the terrace. You can also enjoy the pool and it's in front of the beach. Their home has all the equipment and appliances that you need. Beds are super comfortable and it's a really quiet neighbourhood. They are also very generous in letting us use anything from the fridge, spices, etc . The locations is great! For walks along the beach and really near Estepona's city center. There are several supermarkets in the area. Everything was clean and tidy! Communication was great! They sent very detailed information about accessing the home, suggestions what to do, instructions how to get there. We really recommend staying ar their home and are looking forward to host them in Porto.

Home Feedback: Si stayed with Michele and Larry 3 months ago

We were the first PLU guests and PLU exchange Elisa had, and what and honor!! Her apartment is in a typical, beautiful and calm village, where we were able to watch life happening. Children playing at the piazza, old ladies sitting on the bench having a chat, families going to sunday church. It's really nice after spending a day in crowded cities, full of tourists (like us 😅). Bussolengo is a very strategic point, if you want to visit nearby cities, like we did: Parma, Lake Garda, Verona, Venice, Bologna and Bérgamo. We quitted the idea of visiting Lake Como and did Bergamo instead, which was quiet a positive surprise! The apartment was clean, bright, comfortable, had anything one needs and is in the very center of Bussolengo. Elisa gave us the tip of a free parking next to her flat. Communication with Elisa was very easy from the beginning, she gave suggestions about what go visit, even a local festival where we met and had a drink together. She and her little daughter Bianca showed us around Venice and we had a delicious lunch together. On the last day "unfortunately" we had to meet again, as the door closed with the keys inside (and some of our stuff) and she came in 20min to rescue us! Big appologies and thanks for that again (never happened to us before). We really recommend staying at Elisa's and look forward to her stay in Porto. Before that, we wish her and amazing trip to NY next month!!!

Home Feedback: Si stayed with Elisa 6 months ago

Silvana and Vasco are two lovely people. We understood each other straight away and they gave me a lot of good new advice. I'm happy to have met you. See you in Porto!

Dave and Sheree are excellent guests. Communication was easy from the beginning. They were helpfull and "uncomplicated" with the cats. They invited us for dinner, were very open and curious about local food and wanted to try codfish!! We had such a nice and funny evening. Our home was spotless when we arrived and we had a bonus of australian gifts!! We totally recommend hosting David and Sheree. Your home (and pets) Will be in good hands. We too hope to meet again one day in Australia and wish them all the best till then.

Guest Feedback: Dave and Sheree stayed with Si 8 months ago

At first I wrote Emer for a sim-exchange, but then changed it to a non-sim and I'm glad I contacted her, because I'll be able to visit beautiful Edinburgh and gave the opportunity of visiting Porto and having a different NYE to someone. Communication with Emer was always easy and clear. They took good care of our home and cats! It was nice to arrive late in the evening and having the apartment warm and cozy with changed sheets (specially considering that I got sick on our trip). We totally recommend having Emer as a guest and are looking forward to our trip to Edinburgh one day!

Guest Feedback: Emer stayed with Si 11 months ago

Clotilde and Irinee are such a sweet couple. We were their 1st (non-sim) exchange. We had a quick call before we went to Strasbourg, so they could give us some guidelines about the apartment, tips about the city and mostly to know each other. We wanted to make them feel comfortable with having "strangers" at their home. The house is in a great location, very in the center, you won't need a car, as everything is in a walkable distance and the public transport is also good. You have a supermarket, pharmacy and restaurants nearby. Their house is very traditional (so we loved it!!), has everything you need in daily life, but is not ideal for someone who has issues with stairs, due to some kind of physical limitations or very small children. It's perfect for 3, as it has a doublebed plus a inflatable matress for one. We had a white wine of the region and leaflets waiting for us ❤️ Which was really nice and thoughtful. Clotilde had also send me a file with lot's of information. Communication was always clear and easy. We totally recommend staying at their place and hope it's their beginning of a big PLU adventure!

Home Feedback: Si stayed with Clotilde 11 months ago

Well... where to start?! Liz was our first Hospitality host in PLU and we were her first hospitality guests. It couldn't have been more perfect and rewarding! We had really interesting conversations about life in the US versus Europe, about travel experiences, wine, food, everything! Liz has so much knowledge about San Francisco (and likes to share it passionately), it's people and gave us great advises. And she has a great sense of humor! Her home, a truly beautiful Victorian house, is in a privileged location, next to the Seven Painted Ladies and Alamo Square. Liz's attic is so clean and comfy!! We were really fortunate we had the chance to stay at Liz and to be able to meet her in person. Actually, we had planned 3 days/ 2 nights and when she suggested we could stay one more night, we were super happy to accept it. Don't miss the chance to stay at Liz's and most of all, don't miss the opportunity to meet someone that generous, authentic and funny like she is. PS: we had the BEST wine, when we were welcomed by her in the evening. Really special. I hope we are able to meet, when she travels to Europe next year. Liz really represents what this community is about ❤️

Home Feedback: Si stayed with Liz 1 year ago

Thank you Silvana and Vasco for the lovely review! As you noted, you were my first hospitality guests and I really enjoyed being able to meet you, have our interesting conversations, and share my love of San Francisco. You are also what truly represents the PLU community and I will definitely reach out once I have next year's plans in place.

Pauline was such a great host, tireless from day one! Communication was always clear and easy. Everything about the condo and what to do in Los Angeles (restaurants, Malibu Chili Cook-Off Fair, tickets to America's Got Talent and more). She informed us about the Hurricane as soon as she found out, the day before the trip. She did a lot of groceries shopping, so we would have something to eat and drink upon our arrival. She stocked us up with several bottles of delicious Californian wine. She was always super concerned about our stay and well-being! She even suggested that we contact two neighbors if we needed to. In the end, everything went really well about the storm. The location of the condo is simply excellent, super close to the Santa Monica Pier, the beach, supermarkets (she left her customer card (Pavilions) which gave us several discounts. How thoughtful was that?!). The apartament has good access to other parts of the city. There is a garage to leave your car, which is super safe and the condo has all the utensils you need for everyday life. It was super clean and had fast internet. We definitely recommend staying at Pauline's house. Her home was spotless and she's an excellent person. We would go back any time.

Home Feedback: Si stayed with Pauline 1 year ago

I'm so happy you chose me! I loved sharing my little slice of California sunshine sprinkled with a first ever hurricane and topped off with an earthquake. At least you got all the natural disasters out of the way while sleeping off jet lag. You're always welcome back anytime! Maybe next time you can make a Burning Man trip. Thank You:) Pauline

We are looking forward to have Jamie at our place!

Guest Feedback: jamie stayed with Si 1 year ago

Jamie's place is awesome! Super great location in the center, near to subways and RER. The apartment is really nice decorated with an exquisit taste . There were fresh flowers in all rooms for our arrival and it was very tidy and clean. Communication was always clear and easy. We totally recommend staying at Jamie's and look forward to have her in Porto.

Home Feedback: Si stayed with jamie 1 year ago

Claudine and Olta were great guests. Communication was always clear and easy. The appartment is exactly as shown in the pictures. It's super cozy, clean and has all the things you need in daily life. Perfect for two people. The welcoming was super warm and kind, with scented candles, chocolates and an Apple drink. The location is great! Near to train, tram and bus stations to Antwerp city center, with Supermarkets and restaurants nearby. They also gave us tons of useful local tips. We definitely recommend staying at their home. We had a lovely time.

Home Feedback: Si stayed with Claudine cochez and Paul de Punt 1 year ago

Ainhoa and her husband were our first PLU guests, while we were having also our first globe exchange in Mexico. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. After some messages we had a videocall with Ainhoa, which was really nice and the rest of the communication was also smooth and easy! They offered to take care of our two cats, brought us gifts from the basque region and left our home spotless. Everything was just perfect when we arrived!! They also had send us pictures when they arrived at our place and with our cat. Also they asked about watering our plants!! They cared our home as it was theirs ❤️ We definitely recommend them as guests. It was a pitty we didn't meet in person... Maybe next time 😊

Guest Feedback: Ainhoa stayed with Si 2 years ago

Sheila and James were our first PLU experience as guests. We had the privilege of staying in their amazing house as well as meeting them in person in Tulum. They were very flexible, as we had to change slightly the initial dates (of the sent proposal), they were always in touch and Sheila even helped out, when we were having some issues at the airport car Rental. They gave us so maaaany tips, what to visit (ruins, cenotes, nearby regions, restaurants, activities (sailing contact in Bacalar) and even cultural details (like tipping), via WhatsApp, but also with a selfmade book at the house. She asked what kind of groceries we would need and arranged everything for our arrival!! When arriving we had a little house tour and kept the communication since then. The house has literally everything you need!!! We even were invited for a barbecue with their friends at their place (same condo), which was awesome! Such an overall great experience! We were really lucky and definetly recommend staying at Sheila's and James', who will certainly receive you in a very welcoming and warm way. When we left it felt almost like family or friends. We hope to welcome them in Porto one day!

Home Feedback: Si stayed with Sheila 2 years ago

Premium

Si

We are a couple in our early 40's with 2 cats and a dog (last one stays with friends or family during the exchange). I am a senior account manager at a luxury online platform and Vasco is a traffic manager in his transport company. We are fluent in german and french and speak obviously portuguese and english. Vasco speaks very good spanish too. We love to spend time in nature (beach or country side), go for a ride with the motorcycle, love music (concerts, festivals, ballet, you name it!), going to the movies... We are definetly foodaholics and love to try and be surprised by new flavours and enjoy also a nice glass of wine. And of course we love to travel!

You might wanna contact us for (long) weekend swaps, even non-sim as we spend a lot of weekends with family at the countryside.

Travelling group

Desired Destinations

Open to any destination

New York, NY, USA

Dec 26, 2024 - Jan 6, 2025 (Flexible)

"Prefer between Christmas and shortly after NYE, but spring or fall would be fine too!"

Japan

Apr 27, 2025 - May 11, 2025

"We have and exchange within these dates in Osaka, but would like to include some days in Tokyo and other cities."

Australia

Dates flexible

"Due to high airfares, not in a near future unfortunately."

New Zealand

Dates flexible

"Due to high airfares, not in a near future unfortunately."

Bali, Indonesia

Dates flexible

Philippines

Dates flexible

Vietnam

Dates flexible

Cambodia

Dates flexible

Singapore

Dates flexible

South Africa

Dates flexible

Kenya

Dates flexible

Europe

Dates flexible

"Long weekends, city breaks but also by the beach or countryside. Surprise us! ☺️"

São Tomé and Príncipe

Dates flexible

Maldive Islands, Maldives

Dates flexible

Fiji Islands, Fiji

Dates flexible

Hawaii, USA

Dates flexible

Lake Garda, Italy

Dates flexible

Lake Como, Italy

Dates flexible

80076 Capri, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy

Dates flexible

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Dates flexible

Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy

Dates flexible

Argentina

Dates flexible

Mauritius

Dates flexible

Martinique

Dates flexible

Réunion

Dates flexible

07800 Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain

Dates flexible

"We have been in Ibiza before, but would love to return in the future."

Palma de Mallorca, Llevant, Palma, Illes Balears, Spain

Dates flexible

Ciutadella de Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

Dates flexible

Corsica, France

Dates flexible

London, UK

Dates flexible

Oslo, Norway

Dates flexible

Stockholm, Sweden

Dates flexible

Copenhagen, Denmark

Dates flexible

Helsinki, Finland

Dates flexible

Lapland, Finland

Dates flexible

Warsaw, Poland

Dates flexible

Dublin, Ireland

Dates flexible

Iceland

Dates flexible

Apulia, Italy

Dates flexible

Tanzania

Dates flexible

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Dates flexible

Madagascar

Dates flexible

Miami Beach, FL, USA

Dates flexible

Black Forest, Germany

Dates flexible

Vienna, Austria

Dates flexible

Prague, Czechia

Dates flexible

Budapest, Hungary

Dates flexible

Alps

Dates flexible

"Prefer between Christmas (after) and NYE or early January, but open to other suggestions."

Chile

Dates flexible

"We plan to do the Che Guevara route some day (summer months)."

Colombia

Dates flexible

"We plan to do the Che Guevara route some day (summer months)"

Peru

Dates flexible

"We plan to do the Che Guevara route some day (summer months)"

Venezuela

Dates flexible

"We plan to do the Che Guevara route some day (summer months)"

Salzburg, Austria

Dates flexible

U.S. Rt. 66, Albuquerque, NM, USA

Dates flexible

"Route 66 is on our list!"

Azores, Portugal

Dates flexible

Madeira, Portugal

Dates flexible

Seychelles

Dates flexible

"Prefer late August/ early September"

Cuba

Dates flexible

"Late August/ early September"

Chicago, IL, USA

Dates flexible

Sri Lanka

Dates flexible

Malaysia

Dates flexible

Premium #13731

Cozy apartment near Porto

Apartment • Maia Portugal

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Exchange types accepted

Statistics

General overview

The space

Guest access

Notes

Features

Washer

Dishwasher

Clothes dryer

Oven

Microwave

Coffee machine

Fridge

Iron

Hair dryer

Heating

Air conditioning

TV

WiFi

High Speed Internet

Bathtub

First aid kit

Wheelchair accessible

Smoke alarms

Fire extinguisher

Bed sheets

Towels

Workspace

Fireplace

Home cinema

Toys

Gym

Sauna

BBQ

Pool

Hot tub

Balcony

Garden / yard

Deck / patio / courtyard / terrace

Covered porch / verandah

Kosher home

Meat-free kitchen

Gated community

EV Home Charger

Bikes

Camping gear

Kayak

Tennis court

Standup paddleboard

Travel Styles

Accessibility

House rules

Allergens

Dates of Availability

Available

Getting to my home

Nearest airport

Getting around

Map of Approximate Location

Feedback

Premium

Si

Travelling group

Desired Destinations

Links

Locations

Contact