10 Amazing Eco-Stays in Portugal
Taking eco-friendly actions and decisions has become a really important task for all of us.
Small steps definitely make a difference and will have an impact in our lives and the life of our planet. For this same reason, it is important to look for greener alternatives when we can!
Portugal is a country that we visit every year, mainly because of our family, and we thought that we should explore and find more about the eco-alternatives that are available all over the country.
We have selected some the best and most wonderful eco-hotels, resorts and stays that will hopefully inspire you to choose a greener option on your trips to Portugal!
Feel free to use this map as a reference, and check out all the eco-stays we list in this Blog post:
Bukubaki Eco Surf Resort
© Booking.com
Bukubaki is an ecologic Glamping accommodation with really clear sustainability goals.
This surf resort is built with locally sourced natural materials and uses renewable energy all around its property!
During your stay you can opt to sleep in a Canadian tent surrounded by pine trees, or stay higher up in a Tree House! Either way, you can expect comfort and quiet nights.
This accommodation is ideal for active families, with or without kids. It is also a relaxing place to stay if you are looking for adventure and love being in contact with nature and the ocean!
You might also enjoy our article: “7 Amazing Surfing Spots in Portugal”
Gavião Nature Village
© Gavião Nature Village
Also a Glamping accommodation, Gavião Nature Village is located in a very special region in Portugal: Alentejo.
The food here is particularly amazing and you can enjoy the Cadafaz Restaurant & Sky Lounge located inside the property, where you can really dive into the most pure Portuguese cuisine!
In this property you can opt to sleep in a Bungalow, built with local materials such as cork, or a Glamping tent where you can enjoy the comfort of a hotel stay. The furniture in this accommodation is eco-friendly and sustainably made.
Along with solar panels and other sustainable practices, if you have an electric car you will have access to charging stations.
Because of its location in the centre of the country, you can expect a really relaxing stay in contact with nature, along with quiet and peaceful nights.
Montimerso SkyScape Countryhouse
© Montimerso
Located in the beautiful protected area of the Alqueva Lake in Alentejo, Montimerso is a remote and intimate eco-friendly stay, perfect for fully immersing yourself in nature.
It is one of the prime locations in the country for stargazing, and the first UNESCO certified Starlight Tourism Destination!
With more than 20 different eco-practices, Montimerso integrates perfectly into the surrounding countryside. 100% of the property’s electric output is renewable, and they have taken steps to reduce their energy consumption via LED and motion activated lights. Additionally, most of the food is sourced from the area, and Montimerso invests part of their revenue back into the local community.
Keep in mind that the property is rather isolated, so having a car is not a must but will definitely allow you more freedom of movement. If you wish to further explore the region, Montimerso offers a huge variety of tours and activities that will really allow you to make the best out of your stay!
This is the ultimate destination for those looking to isolate themselves from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, as well as providing both cultural and adventurous experiences for the more restless among you!
Areias do Seixo
© Booking.com
Areias do Seixo is a 5 star hotel located in Santa Cruz.
Along with having numerous sustainable policies, this accommodation can also be used as a venue for weddings and other celebrations.
The property was built while maintaining harmony with the local wildlife and nature, so you can expect to spot a few animals around the hotel, such as birds and frogs.
Breakfast and meals will be as fresh as can be, as they own an organic farm that guests are invited to visit during their stay.
Located just 1km away from the nearest beach, it is an ideal location for a family or couple beach vacation if you are looking for a relaxing setting in harmony with nature.
Eco Soul Ericeira Guest House
© Booking.com
This ecological Guest House is a 4 star hotel that has won a Green Key Certificate in 2018, that continues being renewed every year.
This award is the leading standard to environmental responsibility and actions within the tourism industry.
Renewable energy from the wind, Sun and rain made the achievement of natural energy efficiency possible. The area of the hotel is 80% green, taken care manually and without the use of armful chemicals, including a mini farm with fruits and vegetables
Located 600 meters from the beach, this guest house offers one of the best locations on this list! Just 25 minutes away from Sintra and 50 minutes away from Lisbon, it can be a good base to explore the tourist sights around, while enjoying the calming sounds of the ocean nearby.
Impact House
© Rita Marques
This Eco Hostel, located just outside of Lisbon, is the perfect stay if you are looking for a sustainable accommodation near the capital and want to explore the amazing “City of Light” and the surrounding area of Belém.
In this hostel, you will have access to a large outdoor area, as well as a colourful swimming pool, surrounded by a beautiful garden and activity rooms where you can participate in free yoga classes every Friday!
The list of sustainable practices in this establishment is long, from recycling and upcycling policies and the use of renewable sources, to hosting sustainability events!
Cocoon Eco Design Lodges
© Booking.com
This 4 star hotel is located inside a beautiful forest area.
It is the most “raw” establishment on this list because of its wild landscape, with rural cabins and a big natural lake.
Part of its sustainability policies is the use of solar energy all around the property, replanting of local trees and the use of sustainably resourced wood in their cabins.
The area of Comporta is one of our favourites, with long and wide beaches, both crowded and deserted, and for all kinds of travellers.
If you are looking for a beach holiday, where the waters are not too cold and the seafood is amazing, this location is for you!
Zmar Eco Experience
© Booking.com
This 4 star hotel was the first Eco Resort to open in the country, and a first step to ecological tourism in Portugal.
It is located in Zambujeira do Mar, by the famous Vicentina Coast, where you can enjoy beautiful walks and its breathtaking landscape.
In this accommodation, the installation of thermal and solar panels, as well as the use of recycled plastic to build outdoor furniture and signs, are just some of the numerous sustainable practices adopted!
If you love nature, as well as you love going to the beach, this eco resort is for you! The location, in a natural protected area, is just a short distance away from some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
Casa Vale da Lama Eco Resort
© Booking.com
This beautiful Eco Resort is located in a permaculture farm in the Algarve region.
Unlike all the resorts and expensive hotels that are usually associated with this touristy region of Portugal, Casa Vale da Lama is unique and perfect if you are looking for a calmer stay while being close to all the amazing beaches in the area.
The food in this property is directly sourced from their own farm, so you can expect home grown food being served to your table! Even if you decide to opt for another stay in the Algarve, you can always enjoy their restaurant even if you aren’t a guest.
This stay is ideal if you are looking for a retreat in nature or a romantic stay in a quieter side of the Algarve, while supporting the local farming community and small businesses in the area!
Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort
© Booking.com
This 5 star hotel was founded by the entrepreneur and surfer enthusiast João Reis, and is located in the beautiful island of São Miguel in the Azores.
Santa Barbara Resort is fully integrated with the environment and relies primarily on solar panels and other energy efficient measures, such as low consumption lighting.
Keeping its modern but rustic looks, this accommodation is built entirely from either locally or nationally sourced materials. Even the decorations are made of repurposed objects and materials, such as lamps made of oil containers!
You can expect farm to table food and local products from the nearby islands. The cuisine is mainly asian inspired and includes meat, fish, fresh vegetables and fruit.
If you are looking for a luxurious but sustainable way to experience the Azores, while enjoying fine dining and relaxing wellness therapies, then Santa Barbara is the place for you!
The importance of reducing the impact that our journeys have on the places we visit, and on the environment, is growing every year.
By choosing these stays, you are contributing to reducing the toll that travelling has on their communities.
We hope that you will enjoy the properties on our list and that they will enhance your enjoyment of Portugal. It is a small but special country that deserves to be fully explored!
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