The Best Hostels to Book in Arraial do Cabo

Just a 15-minute walk from Praia Grande – Arraial do Cabo’s biggest beach and a popular surf destination – this affordable hostel is easily spotted thanks to the colorfully painted VW campervan out front. The comfortable bunk rooms are air conditioned and have shared bathrooms with walk-in showers. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool, lush garden with barbecue facilities, a bohemian-style lounge, bar and chilled-out television area. Looking for somewhere to eat nearby? Head to local bakery Padaria Belezinha do Canaa or restaurant La Fenix, both nearby. The friendly hosts can also advise on diving, fishing and hiking in the local area.

If you’re looking for a hostel that caters more to families than backpackers looking to party, head to Enseada Hostel. Overlooking the pretty bay of Praia dos Anjos, the quiet hostel features three different room types – private rooms, female dorms and mixed dorms – all with air conditioning. The private rooms boast their own bathroom, smart TV, minibar and a balcony with a hammock and partial sea view. The best views in the house are found in the mixed dorms, while the female dorms are a good choice for solo travelers.

This centrally located, adults-only hostel has plenty of personality – think rustic-chic timber walls, a shared garden with a pool and barbecue for socializing, hammocks, and walls adorned with surf-themed posters and artwork. There are shared dorm rooms for up to nine guests, or if you want to enjoy the shared common spaces with a bit more privacy at bedtime book one of the suites, which range from doubles to quad rooms. Hostel a Coroa also offers yoga classes, surfboard and snorkel rental, and can arrange for ATV tours, boat trips and surf lessons.

Get a taste of local life at the Queen Hostel, which is in the historic centre of Arraial do Cabo – just two blocks from the main square. You can’t miss the bright red house with vibrant blue timber shutters – and the interior is just as colorful as the exterior. There’s a mix of private and dorm rooms, and the shared living room features enormous murals on the walls, colorful cushions, artwork, surfboards and even a hammock. Breakfast is a selection of pastries, fresh fruits, meats and cheese, and is included in the price. The friendly owners can also help guests organize boat trips and guided diving tours.

Hostel Vila Praiana takes its mission to cater to travelers looking to enjoy the hiking, surfing and beaches of Arraial do Cabo seriously. It’s ideally located in the centre of town, next to the new Cacau Show chocolate shop and just 600m (1,968ft) from the main beaches – Prainha, Praia dos Anjos and Praia Grande. Choose from six- or eight-bed mixed dorms, five-bed women’s dorms or private rooms for both couples and families. There’s also a shared kitchen with a sandwich maker, blender and coffee maker. Want to explore the area? The team can help book boat trips and organize guided tours.

This beachfront hostel is the perfect spot to meet like-minded travelers looking for a good time – there’s an on-site bar, a shared lounge area and kitchen, and even karaoke. The shared lounge is filled with lush plants, soft seating and bean bags, making it a relaxing place to hang out after a day at the beach. The simple-yet-comfortable rooms range from mixed dorms with timber-frame bunk beds and secure lockers, to private rooms with ensuites. Guests can also choose from either a continental or a buffet breakfast with fresh fruit, cheese and ham, and cake.

The sunset mural and hanging surfboard over the entrance sets the scene for this laid-back surf hostel. The pretty yellow house is just across the road from Praia Grande, and features no-fuss interiors that offer a convenient spot to rest your head after a day spent catching waves or exploring the local area. Unlike most hostels, the focus here is on private rooms rather than dorms. There’s a selection of comfy double rooms, featuring large beds, pot plants, air conditioning and TVs – plus a buffet breakfast is included in the price. There’s also a garden where you can hang out and get to know other guests.

The best part of staying in a hostel is the opportunity to make new connections and create shared experiences – and Hostel Villas Boas has everything you need to create the perfect communal atmosphere. There’s a swimming pool surrounded by a lush garden and hammocks, piano, guitar and shared living space and kitchen. There are private double and triple rooms for couples and families, or shared dorms, all with air conditioning. The hostel can also help guests to organize boat trips to Gruta Azul, Farol Island and Prainhas, or guided city tours, hiking, fishing and diving. From July to September, they can help book whale watching trips.

This centrally located, adults-only hostel – easily found thanks to an enormous sea-themed mural and bright blue walls – goes above and beyond the basic decor often associated with hostels. The rooms feature fun wallpaper and an eclectic mix of furniture, while the shared spaces include a comfy lounge with skateboard decks adorning the walls and hammocks, a ping pong table in front of a vibrant sunset mural, plus a well-equipped communal kitchen. There’s also free wifi, and the option of a buffet breakfast. Want to explore? It’s just a short walk to the turquoise waters of Gracinha Beach and Independence Square.