Your stay — Sideway Motel
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Penafiel.
The Property — Sideway Motel
The Sideway Motel, a 3-star hotel in Penafiel, Portugal, exudes a relaxed, down-to-earth charm. Its simple, modern design and spacious rooms provide a comfortable retreat from the charming town's cobblestone streets. This motel is an excellent choice for families and couples seeking a peaceful, no-frills stay, within walking distance to the town's historic centre. Its friendly staff and on-site parking make it an attractive option for those exploring the Douro Valley wine region.
Chronicles of Penafiel
Penafiel, founded in the 13th century, has evolved from a medieval town to a thriving commercial centre. Its Romanesque architecture, visible in the 13th-century castle and the Church of São Pedro, showcases the town's rich history. Today, Penafiel is a hub for wine production and tourism, with its picturesque countryside and scenic Douro River views. Visitors can explore the town's historic centre, visit the local museum, and enjoy the surrounding vineyards and natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit
Full Penafiel guide →Best months
The best months to visit Penafiel are June and September. These months offer pleasant temperatures, ranging from 18°C to 25°C, and smaller crowds compared to the peak summer months. Additionally, June marks the start of the grape harvest season, making it an excellent time to explore the local vineyards.
Peak / festival surge
August is the peak month for tourism in Penafiel, driven by its popularity among European families and the annual Festa de São Pedro celebration. Expect higher hotel prices and larger crowds during this time, especially around the festival dates. This period is ideal for those seeking a lively atmosphere and cultural events.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are the best shoulder months to visit Penafiel, offering mild temperatures and lower prices. The town is less crowded, and the Douro Valley's vineyards are in bloom, making it an excellent time for scenic hikes and wine tastings.
Weather & packing
Penafiel's climate is characterized by hot summers and mild winters, with occasional springs showers. Pack light, breathable clothing for the summer months and waterproof gear for potential spring showers.
Live City Briefing — Penafiel
- The town's historic centre has undergone recent renovations, with improved pedestrian access and enhanced street lighting. Visitors can now explore the town's scenic viewpoints, such as the Miradouro do Cabeco do Rua, with ease. The Penafiel Wine Route has also introduced a new wine-tasting program, allowing visitors to discover the region's unique wines and production methods.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Sideway Motel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above 3rd floor) to minimize the potential for noise from the street, as Penafiel's main road can get busy. Additionally, opt for a room facing the inner courtyard or the rear of the hotel to avoid street-facing noise. If you can, ask for a room with a concrete floor, as they tend to be quieter and less prone to creaking than carpeted floors.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, especially those near the service entrance, as you may experience noise from staff and delivery traffic. Rooms on the first floor may also be noisier due to the proximity to the main road.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address does not provide information on the hotel's orientation, but it's likely that rooms on higher floors with a rear-facing orientation might offer a more peaceful view of the surrounding area.
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Be aware that Penafiel's main road can be noisy, especially during peak hours. The hotel's location in the town may also mean some noise from nearby restaurants and bars, but this is typically contained within the evening hours.
Insider tips
Consider requesting a room with a fridge, as this is not a standard amenity but may be available upon request. If you're driving, be aware that parking spaces are limited, so it's a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Sideway Motel
Free Wi-Fi throughout, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on all devices
Check-in: 14:00-22:00, Early bag-drop: 08:00-20:00, Late check-out: EUR 20/hour up to 18:00
Available for a flat fee of EUR 5 per day, limited capacity
Step-free access, wheelchair ramp at main entrance, adapted rooms available upon request
On-site parking available, EUR 15 per night; nearest public car park: Parque de Estacionamento do Centro, EUR 10 per day; EV charging available at EUR 5 per charge
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: EUR 2 per night per person
Deposit & card hold: EUR 50 advance deposit + incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Capela do Divino Salvador (1.4 km · ~18 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Área de proteção da Anta de Santa Marta — 2.0 km · ~25 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Bustelo — 3.2 km · ~40 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro (EUR)
You can change money at a caixa econômica (bank) or a currency exchange office in the town centre. Be aware that rates at the airport or tourist bureaux may be poor.
Most cafes and restaurants accept debit/credit cards, including contactless payments. Mobile payments like MB Way are also widely accepted.
Tipping in Portugal is generally low, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% in restaurants and bars is considered sufficient. For taxi drivers and hotel staff, rounding up the fare or leaving 1-2 euros is acceptable.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a café serving a coffee for around 1-2 euros.
A traditional Portuguese sandwich, a 'pastel de bacalhau', costs around 3-5 euros.
A main course at a local restaurant typically costs between 10-15 euros.
Street food is available at the local market, especially during peak season.
You can shop at local supermarkets like Continente or Pingo Doce for affordable groceries.
You can find affordable high-street shopping at local shopping centres or markets like the weekly market on Saturdays.
The cheapest way to get around is by bus, with a daily pass costing around 2 euros. From the airport, take the metro (around 2.5 euros) and then a bus (around 1 euro) to reach the town centre.
Buy bottled water from a supermarket instead of a café or restaurant.Eat at local markets or food stalls for cheaper options.Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist bureaux for better rates.
Good to know — Penafiel
Type C/F · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.88 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
PenafielIn Portugal, 112 is the single number for all emergencies. For non-urgent police matters in Penafiel, call the local GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) at +351 255 710 060.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Penafiel, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Sideway Motel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Penafiel Bus Terminal → Quinta Torres de Azevedo
💡 No Google Maps coverage for TUB – check timetable at terminal. Bus 003 goes closest; ask for 'Torres' stop. Cash only, exact change.
Porto São Bento Station → Penafiel Station
💡 Trains stop at Penafiel station, which is 3 km from the hotel. You'll need a taxi (€5-7) or a TUB bus 003 to get to the quinta – avoid walking up the hill.
Porto Airport (OPO) → Quinta Torres de Azevedo
💡 Pre-book with a local company like Taxis Penafiel for a fixed rate; Uber is about €55 but less reliable for early departures.
Porto Campo 24 de Agosto → Penafiel Bus Terminal
💡 Get off at Penafiel centro, then take a 10-min local bus (e.g., TUB line 5) towards Azevedo – ask the driver to drop you near the quinta.
About Penafiel
Wikipedia ↗
Penafiel (Portuguese pronunciation: [pɨnɐfiˈɛl] or Portuguese pronunciation: [ˌpenɐfiˈɛl] ) is a municipality and former bishopric (now a Latin Catholic titular see) in the northern Portuguese district of Porto. Capital of the Tâmega Subregion, the population was 72,265 in 2011, in an area of 212.2...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Sideway Motel?
Request a room on a higher floor (above 3rd floor) to minimize the potential for noise from the street, as Penafiel's main road can get busy. Additionally, opt for a room facing the inner courtyard or the rear of the hotel to avoid street-facing noise. If you can, ask for a room with a concrete floor, as they tend to be quieter and less prone to creaking than carpeted floors.
Which rooms should I avoid at Sideway Motel?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, especially those near the service entrance, as you may experience noise from staff and delivery traffic. Rooms on the first floor may also be noisier due to the proximity to the main road.
Is Sideway Motel noisy?
Be aware that Penafiel's main road can be noisy, especially during peak hours. The hotel's location in the town may also mean some noise from nearby restaurants and bars, but this is typically contained within the evening hours.
Which rooms have the best views at Sideway Motel?
Unfortunately, the address does not provide information on the hotel's orientation, but it's likely that rooms on higher floors with a rear-facing orientation might offer a more peaceful view of the surrounding area.
What are insider tips for staying at Sideway Motel?
Consider requesting a room with a fridge, as this is not a standard amenity but may be available upon request. If you're driving, be aware that parking spaces are limited, so it's a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot.
What time is check-in at Sideway Motel?
Check-in at Sideway Motel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Sideway Motel have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Sideway Motel?
EUR 2 per night per person
Where can I eat cheaply near Sideway Motel?
A traditional Portuguese sandwich, a 'pastel de bacalhau', costs around 3-5 euros.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Sideway Motel?
The cheapest way to get around is by bus, with a daily pass costing around 2 euros. From the airport, take the metro (around 2.5 euros) and then a bus (around 1 euro) to reach the town centre.
When is the best time to visit Penafiel?
The best months to visit Penafiel are June and September. These months offer pleasant temperatures, ranging from 18°C to 25°C, and smaller crowds compared to the peak summer months. Additionally, June marks the start of the grape harvest season, making it an excellent time to explore the local vineyards.
Top Attractions in Penafiel
💡 Best seen at sunset for good light on the carvings. No plaque—use a history app or just admire the craftsmanship. Free to all.
💡 Go on a weekday morning to avoid wedding crowds. The tilework is best seen on the left side of the nave.
💡 Check the garden first—it’s quieter and has a small café. The museum is tiny; 30 minutes is enough unless you’re an art buff.
💡 Ask the staff for the key to the temporary exhibition room—it’s often locked but free. Only a few rooms, so 40 minutes max.
💡 Bring water—no fountains. The path by the river is shadier in the afternoon. Free parking at the entrance.