Gratis gids 10 verborgen natuurplekken in Europa
Gratis gids 10 verborgen natuurplekken in Europa. Meld je aan voor onze nieuwsbrief en ontvang inspirerende reistips en routes voor je volgende groene reis.
Madeira
A volcanic island in the Atlantic Ocean, green all year round and with a mild climate. Madeira is known as the “floating garden,” but if you look beyond the flower beds, you’ll find one of the best islands in Europe for hiking.Along ancient waterways, through misty laurel forests, and over mountain ridges that rise above the clouds—in every season.
Everything About Nature in Portugal
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The most beautiful regions for nature lovers
Northern Portugal
Central Portugal
Alentejo
The Azores
Madeira
Algarve
Lisbon Region
Small-scale nature stays in Portugal’s natural surroundings
Choose your favorite region and discover our tips for the best small-scale Nature stays with a sustainable focus. You book directly with the owner, so you are guaranteed the lowest price.
Unique Accommodations in Portugal’s Natural Landscape
Find unique, small-scale nature stays in Portugal here. From Glamping to luxury boutique hotels, and from B&Bs to vacation rentals or agroturismo. They’re all special and different, but they all prioritize sustainability.
Our sustainability criteria for overnight stays
Using these sustainability icons, you can easily see in what area an overnight stay is active with its sustainability policy.
Zero footprint
Architecture
sustainable/local construction
Food
organic/local cuisine
Social
family/local runned/social projects
Wellbeing
Sauna/yoga/wellness/treatments
Surroundings
Environment/recycling
Choose your region
Alentejo
Northern Portugal
Azores
Madeira
Central Portugal
Algarve
Lisbon region
<strong>Nature in Madeira</strong>The heart of the island is covered in laurisilva: an ancient laurel forest that has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1999 and is preserved in such pristine condition nowhere else in Europe. Above it rise the highest peaks, crowned by Pico Ruivo (1,862 m).At the eastern tip lies the barren, dramatic Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula; to the northwest is the fairy-tale-like Fanal Forest, where ancient trees vanish into the mist. Those seeking a more peaceful setting can cross over to the sister island of Porto Santo with its long golden beach.
<strong>Hiking in Madeira</strong>Madeira’s most famous hikes follow the levadas: narrow irrigation channels with a path running alongside them, cutting through mountains and forests. The Levada do Caldeirão Verde and the Levada das 25 Fontes are classics.If you want to go higher, hike along the spectacular ridge from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo, with views over a sea of clouds. Thanks to the mild climate, you can hike here year-round.
<strong>Where to Stay in Madeira</strong>We prefer the parts of Madeira outside Funchal: historic quintas with subtropical gardens, small-scale family-run hotels, and restored cottages in the lush mountain villages, close to the hiking trails.You book direct with the owner, ensuring a warm welcome and first-hand local tips.
“Nature is our greatest ally and inspiration.”
– Sir David Attenborough
Special spots in nature
We select the nicest accommodations with all a focus on sustainability policies. Think luxury Treehouses in the middle of nature or a boutique hotel in the countryside. Sustainability categories range from organic cuisine and mindfull focus to waste separation and zero-waist policy.
Luxury overnight stay in nature
The accommodations all have something unique and of course a location in or near nature. Spending the night in nature does not always mean sleeping in a tent. Find special and luxurious nature stays for your active vacation or just for your slow travel experience.
Comfortable overnight stay in nature
The overnight focus on sustainability policy gives attention to comfort and quality.
They often use their own vegetable garden or local cuisine. Much attention is paid to the quality of the accommodation, the environment and the guest.