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.
Portugal
Portugal ends where Europe ends. A sense of space, of the edge, of silence clings to the country. Not only to the cliffs of the west coast, but also to the cork oak forests of the Alentejo, the granite mountain valleys of the north, and the volcanic crater lakes of the Azores.
Portugal is smaller than Italy and less visited than Spain, but in terms of scenic diversity, it’s on par with both countries. The country has more than 300 sunny days a year, but the best reason to visit isn’t the weather.
It’s the unpaved trails through the Serra da Estrela, the quiet quintas in the Douro Valley, and the falconry perches above Faia Brava. Portugal is for those who look beyond the coast.
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
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>NATURE IN PORTUGAL</strong></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Portugal has one of the highest percentages of protected nature reserves in Europe. The only national park on the mainland, Peneda-Gerês in the north, is home to wolves, otters, and a granite landscape unlike any other—but also vast cork oak valleys in the Alentejo, which turn orange in winter and reveal one of Europe’s darkest starry skies at night. </p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">In between: the Serra da Estrela, home to Portugal’s largest protected mountain area and a UNESCO Geopark; the Côa Valley, with its prehistoric rock art and vultures circling low over the gorge valleys; and, far out in the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores and Madeira: these islands are so unique botanically and geologically that they are destinations in their own right. Portugal is one of Europe’s most species-rich countries for birdwatchers, and you’ll notice that as soon as you drive inland. </p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>HIKING IN PORTUGAL</strong></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Portugal offers an incredible variety of hiking options, ranging from easy coastal trails to multi-day mountain treks. The most famous route is, of course, the Rota Vicentina: a network of coastal and fishing trails along Europe’s wildest coastline, in the southwest of the country. The Fisherman’s Trail winds past cliffs, beaches, and small fishing harbors; the Historical Trail cuts through the Alentejo countryside, filled with cork oaks and rockroses. </p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">In the north, the Peneda-Gerês National Park offers multi-day routes through granite valleys. The Douro Valley is ideal for hiking and biking along the vineyards. And for those who want to walk or bike the pilgrimage route: the Camino Portugués runs from Porto along the Costa Verde toward Santiago de Compostela—one of the most beautiful and least crowded routes of the Camino. </p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">On Madeira, the levada trails wind their way along irrigation canals right through the tropical mountain forest. In the Azores, you hike past volcanic craters and through fog that lifts like a curtain in the afternoon. Hiking in Portugal is different from other countries: more peaceful, more carefree, with locals who pour you a glass of local wine after your hike. </p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>STAYING OVERNIGHT IN PORTUGAL</strong></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Portugal has a rich tradition of small-scale accommodations: the quinta (the Portuguese equivalent of an agriturismo), the pousada (a historic monument converted into a hotel), and numerous charming country houses and boutique accommodations nestled in the heart of nature. Nature Travel Lab selects only accommodations that you book direct with the owner; no OTAs, no middlemen. </p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Most NTL partners in Portugal are located inland: in the Serra da Estrela, the Alentejo, the Côa Valley, and the Douro Valley. Accommodations with a story: renovated quintas with their own olive groves, designer country houses in dark sky reserves, and simple yet thoughtfully chosen guesthouses within walking distance of the most beautiful hiking trails. This is the Portugal you won’t find anywhere else. </p>
“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.