We spend more than three weeks in Bruno's appartment as a family of four with two kids <5. We enjoyed our stay in Vila do Conde and would come back.
Some background information:
- the appartment was airy and spacious, the pictures give an accurate impression
- Bruno was a very friendly, helpful and responsive host! He also has some interesting insights into the tourism and housing market in the larger Porto area and we had a long talk about life in Vila do Conde.
- it was clean
- the kitchen was properly equipped with everything we needed
- we had absolutely no problems with mosquitos etc.
- a baby bed and high chair were available, also beach equipment
- there were a lot of toys and puzzles which our kids loved
- the location is very nice if you don't want to hire a car - walking distance to Lidl, a very good pizzeria, washing salon (4eur for a big load), various better restaurants, shops, barber, sports ground, play ground, market (on Friday, and flea market on some Sundays) - all walking distance of max. 7minutes.
- Vila do Conde just seems to be a very relaxed place
- You can stroll to the beach in about 15 minutes (if you walk fast, 10 minutes, with kids not more than 20 minutes).
- The walk to the metro/tram is also about 15 minutes. There are two stations, St Clara is closer, but the Express line departs at Vila do Conde. This will take you 5 minutes longer to walk, but the tram only needs 35-40 minutes to Porto downtown while it's more like 45-50 minutes for the regular one. (The tram has air con, is new and not too crowded).
- One thing you need to know is that you do hear a bit of chairs moving etc from the floor upstairs, but IIndont think this something particular about this accomodation, more about different building styles that we are used to in cold Germany. There is little traffic down the road (it's a small one-way), but since it's cobble stone, you can hear when a car is driving down. So, it's definitely not noisy at all, yet you may find this information helpful if you are super-sensitive.
- The house, the neighborhood and Vila do Conde in general felt incredible safe
Many thanks again, Bruno!