Peggada has made a selection of some of the most amazing and sustainable housing in Alentejo. Now, all you have to do is book and enjoy this very special region of our country.
Before you plan your vacation abroad – and we all know there is nothing better than being a citizen of the world – have you ever thought about the corners of Portugal that you have not yet explored?
The Alentejo is already known to everyone, or at least it should be. Even more so now, at a time when the energy transition and accelerated decarbonization of the region is being debated, this is definitely a national area to watch out for.
So we bring you some suggestions so that you can explore our Alentejo, always opting for sustainable lodging.
But what is this sustainable housing? Here at Peggada, sustainability ranges from recycling bins to breakfast being made with local produce. We value support for the local community and a circular economy.
Take a look at these dreamy accommodations that have already went through Peggada’s green filter:
Located in Gavião, in the district of Portalegre, we can find this tourist complex in eco-glamping mode. The idea was born from four friends (two couples) who saw in the Alentejo the potential to provide guests with a unique and different experience.
The whole space is designed to make the most of the contact with nature, either by making the most of the endogenous resources present in the complex (such as cork and schist), or by activities such as yoga, hiking, enjoying a corner of animals and biological gardens, hot air balloon rides, or diving in the river beach.
Both the Animal Corner and the Organic Garden provide the produce for the restaurant while serving an educational purpose for the guests. The stay is also complemented by a Clubhouse with an events room, lounge and social areas, and a small wellness center.
In addition to a free camping area, the space has glamping tents – 6 family tents, 6 friendship tents, and 1 romantic tent – and 10 cork shelter (bungalows) for two, four, or eight people.
Born from a family project, a father and three sons, who, when visiting the São Brás do Regedouro Village, came up with the idea of changing their lifestyle and launching a project to develop the village.
In this accommodation we can choose among the 15 houses available, a 1-bedroom house, a 2-bedroom house, a 2-bedroom superior house or a studio. The rural tourism offers activities such as bicycle rides, regional wine tasting, massages, hot air balloon rides, sunset picnics, bird watching, and water sports, among others.
Regarding the commitment to sustainability, as described on the website, the project argues that “there needs to be a balance that contemplates a genuine connection not only with people but also with the peace of nature. Among other measures, and seeking to contribute to the social and economic development of the Village, the choice of products and services of local origin support the community where it is located, while reducing the energy costs and expenses inherent in transport and manufacturing.
From a family for families, this accommodation is perfect for vacations with the younger ones, in a cozy environment that fosters contact with nature and people.
Good Muda was started by Miguel, an adventurer in search of a simpler lifestyle, which has been materialized in this special lodging.
From rooms, to a private house to a tipi tent or a yurt, the options are many and equally private. Whether it’s for a family vacation, a getaway among friends, or a romantic weekend, there are options for all tastes.
What is transversal to everyone is the contact with nature, the incredible landscapes characteristic of the region, the proximity to the Alentejo coast, and the vegetables and fruit from the organic garden, with the possibility of buying baskets of local products.
Even with all the wonderful things we have already described, it is really the friendliness and availability of the owner of the house that is most praised by the guests in the testimonials left on the site.
What started out as a vacation home has now turned into a heavenly guest house. The property is located on top of a hill with an enviable view of the Alentejo landscape, perfect for watching a beautiful sunset.
With a field of 8 acres, the property has 5 rooms in the main house, plus 5 rooms outside the building, including 2 wooden bungalows. Each room has its own theme and decoration to provide different experiences for its guests. In addition to a 10-meter pool and a small spa, the guest house has an organic vegetable garden and a yoga and wellness studio that sits at the highest point of the property.
The commitment to sustainability ranges from water heated by solar energy, irrigation of the organic garden using stored rainwater, use of organic enzymes to break down food and human waste in the septic tanks, second-hand and recycled furniture and decoration, among other aspects shown on the site.
Near places with names like Barranco do Inferno (Hell’s Gully) and Purgatório (Purgatory), there is little doubt that the name “Paraíso Escondido” (Hidden Paradise) is ironically right.
We couldn’t stop thinking about our pawsome friends and had to bring in an accommodation with a pet friendly concept. Quinta Camarena was born from a dream of an adventurous couple, she Portuguese and he American, who, in between trips, found peace in the Alentejo region.
In addition to the variety of houses and rooms on offer, there is the possibility of renting the entire property for small events or group vacations for up to 16 people. In order to add value to the stay, the activities in contact with nature range from walks in the forest, proximity to the beach with boat rides, kayak or surfing, hiking or biking trails, partnership with horseback riding, stargazing, among many others.
Not only the concern with the environment, guaranteed through solar panels that provide electricity and hot water to the lodging, organic agriculture, protection of wildlife and regenerative forest, composting habits and privilege of the vegetarian diet, among others, the care also goes a lot through the social responsibility with the region. Starting with celebrating and encouraging cultural heritage on the farm, they have volunteer programs, support community agriculture, local artisans and small businesses in the region, donate to local organizations, and strive for inclusion and non-discrimination.
As the couple makes a point of emphasizing on their website, “Sustainability is a way of life at Quinta Camarena. Are you surrendered?
Fortunately, sustainable tourism has been growing, especially in areas like the Alentejo where contact with nature seems like something from another world, but it’s not, it’s ours.
We hope we have caught you with with the curiosity to explore more of our country responsibly this summer.
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