The hostel is a small little affair built on several open floors flanked to an impressive rock face. There are nine rooms in total, as well as four houses to rent with a shared pool off site.

On site, there are seven private rooms (some with double beds, bunk beds or both) and two dorms. Every room has its own WC, although full bathrooms are shared for the dorm rooms. The private rooms have a separate bathroom. The rooms are all very basic but clean and comfortable. We especially liked the yellow floors!

Aljezur was actually one of the last villages in the Algarve to be conquered by the Arabs over 700 years ago and 'Amazigh', the name of the hostel, actually means 'free people' in Berber. Flanking an impressive rock face that is part of the lounge décor downstairs, the hostel is a small building comprising a reception, dining area that doubles up as a television lounge, a small kitchen and an outdoor lounge. Up the fire escape-style stairs, you will find the rooms. Amazigh was opened in 2009.

The hostel has Wi-Fi throughout and the charge is included in the room rate. There are also two computer terminals wired up to the internet, also free to use. Bikes can also be rented, and during our visit João, was looking at adding a surf school (sponsored by Quiksilver).

As with most hotels, Amazigh is self-catering. It is possible, for three euro, to pre-book a breakfast (24 hours ahead), but for the most-part, guests here opt to make their own food or venture outside the hotel to local beach shacks and restaurants. The kitchen is fully equipped with hob, microwave, refrigerator/freezer, and cooking utensils.

Beaches in Aljezur are not what's missing; you'll have to go hunting for them though as there are no big wide open stretched lining the road like in other more touristy areas of the Algarve. This does mean that every beach is a surprise discovery - for specific surf spots or quiet swimming beaches, ask the guys at the hostel, who will be able to tell you exactly where to go. They recommended Arifana Amoreina about 4 miles away. Wherever you choose to spend your time, the beaches are all beautiful, large expanses of golden sands and transparent waters. Good to keep in mind though, is that the water is deceivingly cold until end of August, when an entire summer has heated the water.

As well as the nine rooms at the hostel, about 10 minutes' drive away, are four villas with a shared pool. They are located a short drive from a spectacular beach lined by an impressively cut cliff and golden sands as far as the eye can see. Clean, spacious and practical (pictured), the houses are a great option if you need accommodation for a large group of family and friends.

Travellers looking to stay at Amazigh must be aware that it is open only from March to December. The houses can be rented throughout the year, although this has to be checked with João, the owner.