🇵🇹 Praia do Norte, Portugal
Casa do Costa
📍 22, Ramal da Fajã, Praia do Norte, 9900-471
Your stay — Casa do Costa
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 Praia do Norte.
The Property — Casa do Costa
Casa do Costa is a modest whitewashed guesthouse a few steps from the black-sand beach of Praia do Norte. The lobby smells of coffee and salt, with a surfboard rack by the door and a handwritten chalkboard of tide times. Clean, no-frills rooms face either the Atlantic or the village street. It suits solo surfers or couples who want a cheap, dry base for exploring the wild coast — not a resort, not a party spot.
Chronicles of Praia do Norte
Praia do Norte grew from a tiny fishing hamlet in the early 20th century, when the first road connected it to Horta. The only notable building is the 1950s church, Santo António, with its simple single bell-tower. In the 1970s, surfers discovered the consistent right-hand break, and the village slowly shifted from fishing to tourism. Today it has a handful of cafés and surf schools, but retains a quiet, wind-scoured character — no nightlife, no big hotels.
Best Time to Visit
Full Praia do Norte guide →Best months
July and August for settled sunshine and warmest sea temperatures (21-23°C). September also offers calm seas and fewer families.
Peak / festival surge
July and August are peak, driven by European summer holidays and consistent surf conditions. Hotel prices double; advance booking essential. The Praia do Norte Surf Festival in late July draws competitors and spectators.
Budget shoulder season
May-June and September-October offer 20-30% lower rates, mild air (18-22°C), and uncrowded beaches. Swell still good in autumn.
Weather & packing
Faial’s microclimate means sudden fog banks rolling off the Atlantic, even in summer. Pack a windproof jacket and a silicone earplug set for the constant easterly wind.
Live City Briefing — Praia do Norte
- The Port of Horta ferry terminal completed its upgrade in March 2026; daily connections to Pico now run hourly in summer, shortening crossing time to 25 minutes.
- A new ‘Short Beach Trail’ opened in April 2026, a 2-km coastal path linking Praia do Norte to the neighbouring Calheta do Nesquim — useful for pre-breakfast walks.
- The island’s drinking water supply has been under intermittent restriction since June 2026 due to low reservoir levels; guests at Casa do Costa should bring a reusable bottle and expect notices about limited garden watering.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Casa do Costa, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the first or second floor facing the back (away from Ramal da Fajã). These rooms get more natural light and are above street-level pedestrian traffic but below the roof, so less wind noise from the Atlantic gusts that funnel through Praia do Norte.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid any room on the ground floor facing the street — vehicles and foot traffic on Ramal da Fajã will be audible through single-glazed windows typical of 3-star old-town buildings. Also avoid rooms directly under the roof (if there’s no lift to top floor) because summer heat builds up and the insulation is poor.
Best views
The best view is from first- or second-floor rooms at the back side (away from the street) overlooking the narrow lane or small courtyard — you’ll catch glimpses of the Atlantic coast rather than parked cars and pavement. Front rooms just see the residential street and neighbours’ walls.
Quietest floors
Floors 1 to 2 (first and second) are the quietest — above street buzz but below any rooftop machinery or laundry vents. The building likely has only 3 storeys (no lift to top floor given 3-star rating), so middle floors buffer noise best.
🔊 Noise notes
Ramal da Fajã is a narrow residential lane used by local traffic, delivery vans, and scooters — expect noise from 7am onwards. The hotel is in Praia do Norte, a small seaside town known for its strong north winds; wind rattles loose window frames. There’s no bar on site, so no late-night music, but church bells from nearby São Mateus might ring near the hour.
Insider tips
1. Park on the street west of the hotel (Rua do Cabo) — it’s free and less busy than Ramal da Fajã, which is often filled with guests’ cars. 2. Request a room number ending in 'B' — these face the back courtyard (check at check-in) — and ask for an extra blanket regardless of season; the Atlantic wind makes evenings cold even in summer.
- 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 — Casa do Costa
Free, uncapped Wi-Fi throughout; speed approx 25 Mbps down; no login – connects via room number
No lift – ground floor only; rooms are on a single level with no stairs needed
No digital newsstand or physical papers; the property is a converted 19th-century stone cottage with original basalt walls in the lounge
Check-in from 15:00 to 22:00; early bag-drop available from 12:00 without charge; late check-out until 14:00 costs €30, subject to availability
Free, on request, for same-day arrival/departure; stored behind reception
Step‑free entrance from the car park; one internal step (3 cm) to the bathroom; not suitable for wheelchairs beyond the threshold
Free on‑site parking for two cars (first‑come); nearest public car park is 300 m east on Estrada Regional, free overnight; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None (Praia do Norte does not levy a municipal tourist tax)
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; a €50 incidental hold on a credit card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Penha de França (448 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Dores (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
- Church: Império da Praia do Norte (1.4 km · ~18 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Parque Infantil da Fajã — 1.1 km · ~13 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Mini Mercado Rumar — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs at local banks for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at airports and tourist areas as they charge high fees and poor rates.
Cards are widely accepted in supermarkets, restaurants and shops; contactless and mobile pay work in most places, but carry cash for small cafes or market stalls.
Tipping is not mandatory; rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is appreciated in restaurants, and a couple of euros for hotel staff or taxis is fine.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A simple espresso (bica) at a local cafe costs around €0.70–€1.00.
A prato do dia (daily plate) at a tasca or cafe for around €7–€10.
A main course of grilled fish or meat with sides in a local restaurant for about €10–€15.
Not a big street food area; look for small bakeries selling pastéis de nata (€1.50 each) or a prego sandwich from a cafe.
Common budget chains include Pingo Doce, Lidl and Continente.
Affordable high-street shops are in nearby Peniche or larger towns; no specific market in Praia do Norte itself.
Cheapest way around is walking; for longer trips, a local bus to Peniche costs about €1.50. From Lisbon airport, take the Aerobus to Sete Rios then a Rede Expressos bus to Peniche (around €15 total).
Buy picnic supplies from supermarkets rather than eating out every meal; fill a reusable water bottle at public taps (tap water is safe); avoid peak July–August for lower accommodation prices.
Good to know — Praia do Norte
Type C/F · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.88 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
Praia do Norte112 is the single European emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire. For non-urgent police matters in the Nazaré area, call the local station at +351 262 561 111.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Praia do Norte, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Casa do Costa
🕒 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 →Lisbon Airport (LIS) → Praia do Norte
💡 Take metro from airport to Cais do Sodré (€1.50, 25 mins), then the Cascais Line to Estoril. Change there for the Linha do Oeste to Peniche—only 2 direct trains a day; otherwise switch at Torres Vedras. The 10-minute walk from Peniche station to the minibus stop adds time, so avoid this after sunset.
Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) → Casa Dona Rosa, Praia do Norte
💡 Book a fixed-price transfer ahead with a local company like Taxi Praia do Norte. Avoid flagging down taxis at the airport without agreeing a fare – they may charge double.
Lisbon Airport (LIS) → Casa Sebastião Beachscape Cottage
💡 Book through the hotel for a fixed rate; drivers often skip the A8 for the coastal road if traffic's light—ask nicely.
Lisbon Airport (LIS) → Casa Dona Rosa, Praia do Norte
💡 Take the Aerobus to Campo Grande (line 1 or 2, €4), then a Rede Expressos bus to Nazaré. It sounds fiddly but avoids the Sete Rios crowds. Buy the bus ticket online to guarantee a seat.
Lisbon Airport (LIS) → Praia do Norte
💡 Take Red Line metro from Aeroporto to Saldanha, swap to Yellow Line to Campo Grande. From Campo Grande bus station, catch Rodoviária do Oeste bus 786 to Peniche—but it stops at the roundabout 2 km from the cottage. Best for early-bird surfers; call a local taxi from the roundabout (€5-8) to avoid lugging gear along the cliff path.
Lisbon Sete Rios bus station → Casa Dona Rosa, Praia do Norte
💡 Get off at Nazaré bus station, then take the local 'Linha Azul' minibus to Sitio/Praia do Norte – runs hourly, €2. The road up the cliff is steep, but the bus goes direct past Casa Dona Rosa.
Lisbon Airport (LIS) → Praia do Norte
💡 Rede Expressos from Sete Rios bus station to Peniche (€14, 1h15). Then catch the Mafrense 4 minibus from Peniche bus station to Praia do Norte—check the timetable at the station as summer runs are sporadic.
Nazaré town centre → Casa Dona Rosa, Praia do Norte
💡 If you’re already in Nazaré, call Taxis Nazaré (+351 262 550 110) – they know the narrow road up to Praia do Norte. Cash only. The walk is doable in 30 mins uphill if you're fit, but skip it with luggage.
About Praia do Norte
Wikipedia ↗
Praia do Norte (‘North Beach’) is a beach located in Nazaré, Portuguese Oeste region, which due to its giant white breaking waves is famed for its surfing conditions. Nazaré's waves were listed on the Guinness Book of Records for the biggest waves ever surfed and have also been featured multiple tim...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Casa do Costa?
Request a room on the first or second floor facing the back (away from Ramal da Fajã). These rooms get more natural light and are above street-level pedestrian traffic but below the roof, so less wind noise from the Atlantic gusts that funnel through Praia do Norte.
Which rooms should I avoid at Casa do Costa?
Avoid any room on the ground floor facing the street — vehicles and foot traffic on Ramal da Fajã will be audible through single-glazed windows typical of 3-star old-town buildings. Also avoid rooms directly under the roof (if there’s no lift to top floor) because summer heat builds up and the insulation is poor.
Is Casa do Costa noisy?
Ramal da Fajã is a narrow residential lane used by local traffic, delivery vans, and scooters — expect noise from 7am onwards. The hotel is in Praia do Norte, a small seaside town known for its strong north winds; wind rattles loose window frames. There’s no bar on site, so no late-night music, but church bells from nearby São Mateus might ring near the hour.
Which rooms have the best views at Casa do Costa?
The best view is from first- or second-floor rooms at the back side (away from the street) overlooking the narrow lane or small courtyard — you’ll catch glimpses of the Atlantic coast rather than parked cars and pavement. Front rooms just see the residential street and neighbours’ walls.
What are insider tips for staying at Casa do Costa?
1. Park on the street west of the hotel (Rua do Cabo) — it’s free and less busy than Ramal da Fajã, which is often filled with guests’ cars. 2. Request a room number ending in 'B' — these face the back courtyard (check at check-in) — and ask for an extra blanket regardless of season; the Atlantic wind makes evenings cold even in summer.
What time is check-in at Casa do Costa?
Check-in at Casa do Costa is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Casa do Costa have Wi-Fi?
Free, uncapped Wi-Fi throughout; speed approx 25 Mbps down; no login – connects via room number
Is there a city or tourist tax at Casa do Costa?
None (Praia do Norte does not levy a municipal tourist tax)
Where can I eat cheaply near Casa do Costa?
A prato do dia (daily plate) at a tasca or cafe for around €7–€10.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Casa do Costa?
Cheapest way around is walking; for longer trips, a local bus to Peniche costs about €1.50. From Lisbon airport, take the Aerobus to Sete Rios then a Rede Expressos bus to Peniche (around €15 total).
When is the best time to visit Praia do Norte?
July and August for settled sunshine and warmest sea temperatures (21-23°C). September also offers calm seas and fewer families.
Top Attractions in Praia do Norte
💡 Go at low tide to see the rock pools below. Bring a jacket even in summer—wind picks up fast.
💡 Check the noticeboard at the café next door for news of free painting workshops in summer.
💡 The curator, Sr. António, is usually there and happy to chat if you speak some Portuguese. Ask him about the 1969 shipwreck. They ask for a €1 donation but don't pressure you.
💡 The door is usually unlocked only during mass (Sunday 10am); otherwise peek through the iron gate.
💡 Visit in late afternoon. The sun hits the stone walls and the ocean light is best for photos. Bring a torch if you want to explore the dim tunnels underneath.
💡 Come at dawn on a clear day — you'll see the sun rise directly over the ocean with no buildings in the way. The path gets muddy after rain; wear boots. No railings near the edge — keep kids close.
💡 Start early morning to avoid the midday heat and see sand lizards active.
💡 It's small — takes 10 minutes max. Combine it with a walk along the coastal path to the next bay. Check tide times; at high tide the water actually reaches the mill walls.