Cookie
policy.

1. What cookies are

Cookies are small text files placed on your device by a website. Similar technologies, such as session storage, can remember information inside your browser without using a traditional cookie. Some are necessary for a website to function or remain secure; others can measure audiences, remember preferences or support advertising.

2. What this website currently uses

Google Analytics loads automatically and can use first-party analytics cookies to measure page views, sessions and returning browsers. No accept/reject banner is displayed. Advertising storage and advertising personalization remain disabled. A separate server-side daily page counter also remains active.

No acceptance button is needed to use this website. The aggregate counter does not create cookies or read browser storage.

3. Aggregate traffic measurement

We store one daily total for page requests and a separate total for recognised bots, using the Azores timezone. This counter stores no IP addresses, visitor identifiers, browser strings, referral URLs or individual browsing histories.

These figures measure page requests reaching our server, not unique visitors or booking conversions. Repeat page loads are counted again. Cached views may not reach the server, and automated traffic cannot always be identified. Hosting providers may separately process technical logs for delivery and security.

Google Analytics

Google Analytics uses _ga and _ga_* cookies to distinguish browsers and maintain session information. These cookies are configured for up to one year without automatic expiry renewal. Counts describe browsers and sessions, not verified people; browser restrictions and blockers can prevent measurement. Google Signals and advertising personalization are disabled.

4. Links to third-party services

This site contains links to external services. When you follow one of these links, you leave the Aires Hostel website, and the destination may use its own cookies or similar technologies under its own privacy and cookie notices.

These services are not embedded as tracking tools on the current website. Their technologies become relevant after you choose to visit or use them.

5. How to control cookies and browser storage

This website currently starts analytics cookies without an accept/reject banner. You can delete or block them through your browser settings or use Google’s Analytics opt-out browser add-on. Deleting cookies may cause a later visit to be counted as a new browser.

You can delete or block cookies through your browser settings. You can also clear site data, including session storage. Blocking strictly necessary technologies may prevent parts of a website from working correctly.

Browser help pages usually explain these controls under “Privacy”, “Cookies” or “Site data”. Because settings vary by browser and device, follow the instructions provided by the browser you use.

6. Legal basis and privacy

Under Portuguese electronic communications rules, storing or accessing information on a user’s device generally requires prior consent unless it is technically necessary to transmit a communication or provide a service expressly requested by the user. Any personal data connected with these technologies is also handled in accordance with applicable data-protection law, including the GDPR.

7. Changes and contact

We may update this policy if the website, its providers or applicable rules change. The date at the top shows the latest review.

Questions about this policy can be sent to welcome@aireshostel.com or to Aires Hostel, Rua de Baixo, 4, 9940-238 São Roque do Pico, Azores, Portugal.