Jaca Hostel

19/08/2026

We promise you this hike will not get viral! 🙂‍↕️
…sometimes the best paths are the ones that quietly exist just beyond the obvious…

There is something about stopping with the “highlights hunt”...and the way of noticing the places in between— slower moments and the quieter trails offering the views you didn’t expect. The hikes we enjoy the most aren’t always the ones with the biggest waterfalls —they’re often the ones that let us explore the landscape at our own pace. 🐌🐢🐌🦀

Levada do Castelejo is one of those walks. Starting above Porto da Cruz, the trail step by step leaves the village behind and disappears into fresh Laurissilva forest. Follow the levada through lush greenery until you reach a peaceful riverside with bridge and natural pools—the perfect spot to cool off before heading back.

Route: Out & back
Duration: 4–4.5 h
Distance: 11.8 km

12/08/2026

Sometimes what you need is solitude.
🌀 and sometimes it is someone to help you out of the wetsuit and share a sofa with. 🦀🔮🐢🐌🦥

02/08/2026

Living slow summer in our slightly chaotic 🦀 way.

but! something exciting is coming this August ✨ 🪩
Stay tuned, Jaca friends!

08/07/2026

🫧Romanticizing our summer movie era
& things to do instead of scrolling this summer:

beaching over bitching

summer styling

smelling flowers

water sparks touching

random friending

views collecting

soft sunset surfing

garden shadow daydreaming

footbal freestyling

dramatic cliff staring
by Victoria Nelson

…many of these shots came from her camera 🫶

08/07/2026

28/06/2026

We don’t always explore what’s been right in front of us the whole time. The familiar things, the everyday views — they’re often the ones hiding the biggest surprises. Living on the island teaches you to look for new perspectives and different angles, even in the places you think you already know.

Like that “rock” just outside your door?
That’s Penha de Águia!
A steep hike from Porto da Cruz that takes you up a geological (and maybe a bit mythical — ask the locals) giant. It’s a short but quite steep climb, and the view at the top makes every step worth it.
Start: at hostel or / https://maps.app.goo.gl/EF1xDNu5kZBZpuvr6
Duration: 2–3 h
Altitude: 604 m

Sometimes the best discoveries are the ones you were already looking at.

12/06/2026

A love letter to good food and conversations that last long after the meal is finished 🫶🏡

08/05/2026

👁️Let’s normalise taking a “waves check break” 🌊

checking waves is not procrastinating—don’t get it twisted! It’s a ritual. A highly important, slightly obsessive. Say hi to J***y the cat, grab a bica, stare at the ocean like it owns you an answers. Talk, analyse, overthink, underthink, forget time, forget plans…

28/04/2026

Life in Porto da Cruz may seem to flow a little slower…but hey 🦀We’re very much alive!