We greatly enjoyed our 5 nights in. Cristina's apartment. It is very well situated on the river. Very scenic, though admittedly there is a public car park across the road. Also a bus stop for both the yellow hop on hop off bus as well as the number 500 which goes to the beach and fishmarket for a fare of 1.90. Although it is only a 10 minute walk up to the Luis Bridge and all the tourist action, the apartment is in a very traditional residential area, settled by the Armenians, we were told. Hence the name of the street. The area is slightly rundown perhaps but it gives a fascinating insight into Portuguese working life. The little square at the base of the apartment was quite a gathering point for locals, with a cafe, a bar, a restaurant and a bakery - as well as bike hire! We always felt quite safe. The communal fountain was often used by the local women who were forever sloshing buckets of water around the cobblestones. We had the added joy of being there on June 23rd for the Festival of San Juan (eve) when the plaza is turned with military precision the day before, into a party site complete with smoky charcoal barbecues for sardine grilling, gas cookers for traditional soup and boiled potatoes beer on tap for one euro. Trestle tables and chairs are set up, with lighting, decorations and music. Great fun. And by morning, everything was packed away.
The apartment itself was spacious and extremely well appointed, with wonderful homely touches. Cristina grows magnificent orchids which have pride of place on the coffee table. We were there during a heatwave and appreciated the pedestal fan which we used in the bedroom. The shutters can be pulled down to keep out the afternoon heat. But the massive stone walls meant it didn't become too hot.
Cristina was by far the best host that we encountered. She met us at the apartment and gave us maps , lots of information and recommendations for restaurants. We tried 2 of them just 5 minutes walk along the river and they were great. She very thoughtfully provided all sorts of toiletries, including toothpaste! Wifi was great and the TV had many channels including BBC and Sky News. The cold water, milk and juice in the fridge, as well as the Port wine and glasses were another nice touch.
We slept with the windows open and found it to be very quiet. The traffic is busy in the afternoon rush hour but between 10pm and 8 am there is virtually nothing.
When we left the apartment Cristina had offered to call a taxi for us, but there is a taxi rank less than 400 metres up the road back towards the bridge. Taxi to the airport was about 25 euros, including tip.
Highly recommended for couples.