All the addresses of eco-responsible hotels in Portugal
All the addresses of eco-friendly hotels in Portugal
In the west of the Iberian Peninsula, along the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is ideally situated for tourism. Beautiful scenery, rich culture and mouth-watering culinary specialities await travellers. But beyond the hustle and bustle of Lisbon and the large resorts of the southern Algarve, is ecotourism in Portugal possible? Discover through our selection of eco-friendly hotels in Portugal how to organise an ecological and authentic stay in the preserved areas of this beautiful country.
Sustainable tourism in Portugal
The capital Lisbon and the Algarve coastline are beginning to suffer seriously from mass tourism. Faced with the increased demand for tourist services such as hotels and restaurants, the south of the country is seeing its coastline become excessively concrete.
The capital is also suffering from the influx of tourists. The growing number of accommodations for travellers is prompting residents of the city on the Tagus River to protest against the rising prices of the property market. As well as making it more difficult to find accommodation, Lisboners are seeing huge cruise ships dock opposite the historic city centre, increasing both the number of visitors and the pollution in the city.
So why not take the opposite approach and visit Portugal in a different way by exploring the inland areas of the Algarve and the rest of the country?
Outside the continent, destinations such as Madeira and the Azores are still popular but still manage to do well in terms of ecotourism. With a favourable climate, hotels on a human scale and highly developed local agriculture, sustainable tourism is developing well.
The must-sees of ecological tourism in Portugal
The Algarve
The Algarve is definitely one of the most popular regions in Portugal. But beyond the seaside resorts or the Benagil cave, crowded in high season, the region is home to a beautiful array of colors, atmospheres and landscapes. Dare to go off the beaten track and discover, ideally in the off season, the richness of the region. Take the time to go inland, where the mountains offer a vast playground for hikers. Discover charming little villages like Tavira, Silvès or Querença.
Lisbon
The capital deserves a longer stop during your stay in Portugal. Choose the low season (winter) for an authentic experience without participating in the overtourism in the region. Built on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River, the city is full of culinary, architectural and cultural treasures. St. George's Castle, Belem Tower, Hieronymites Monastery: those who love architectural curiosities will be delighted by some of Lisbon's monuments. As for gastronomy, don't miss the local liqueur Ginginha do Carmo or the famous pastéis de nata.
Unknown spots in Portugal
Madeira
A hiker's paradise, Madeira Island will delight those who love walking, beautiful landscapes and lush nature. With a mild weather all year round, the richness of the volcanic island can be discovered in any season. Among the iconic hikes, don't miss the ascent of Pico Ruivo, the island's peak, which reaches 1860 meters above sea level and offers a breathtaking view. The hike to the tip of São Lourenço, to be done at sunset to enjoy the beautiful colors, offers sumptuous views of the ocean. For a swimming session, head for the black sand beach of Seixal or the natural pools made of rock and lava in Porto Moniz.
2 eco-responsible accommodations, 2 atmospheres: this is what Ethik&Trips' favorites have in store for you during your stay in Madeira:
- Quinta da Serra. This 5-star hotel set in a splendid lush garden promises you an unforgettable ecapade. Comfortable and spacious rooms, heated indoor pool, sauna and delicious organic cuisine await you in this exceptional ecological hotel;
- La Maison ZiaZen. For an authentic getaway, far from the island's tourist areas and in harmony with nature, La Maison ZiaZen is a dream address. Yoga classes, meals prepared with ingredients from the garden and beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean await you.
The Douro region
This magnificent valley that delimits Portugal and Spain before heading towards the city of Porto and the ocean is worth a visit. Far from mass tourism, treat yourself to an escapade in rural and authentic Portugal. Discover the Douro Natural Park, a rich natural area that stretches around the river of the same name. Kayaking, hiking and mountain biking await you. Mirando do Douro, a town with a charming historical center, will allow you to discover the local cuisine and Mirandese, the official language of the region, spoken by 15,000 people in Portugal!
For your getaway in the region, treat yourself to a great agritourism experience at Casa d'Augusta. Stay in one of the 8 charming suites and discover permaculture through the vegetable garden, orchards and small farm, before relaxing and cooling off in the outdoor pool.
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Eco-friendly hotels in Portugal
Discover our selection of eco-friendly accommodation in Portugal. Their hosts will be happy to help you discover the unexplored and preserved areas of this beautiful country. From the calm of the Obidos region, to the surfing beaches along the coast between the capital and Nazaré, to the hilly landscapes in the heart of the country: dare to get off the beaten track.
Even in popular areas, our eco-responsible hotels in Portugal have opted for peace and quiet and, above all, for the transmission of an ecological way of life. So, if you want to discover the Benagil cave in the Algarve or the Belém tower in Lisbon, you can choose to stay in a permaculture farm or in a city hotel committed to an ecological approach. Try to go outside the high season. This way, you'll be doing your bit to combat mass tourism.
Fancy a trip to Madeira or the Azores archipelago? Let yourself be tempted by our many addresses and discover the rich green nature of these small Portuguese islands, a real paradise for hikers.
Discover our selection of eco-friendly hotels in Portugal and start planning your itinerary in the Iberian Peninsula.
