Green Travel Feature: Off-the-Grid in Portugal

Portugal offers a myriad of green travel lodging options, ranging from minimalist to luxurious. Here are a few to whet your eco appetite. And, yes, the picture is of the Praia de Marinha, near Lagoa city, in Algarve, the southwest region of Portugal.

Alentejo Adventures is located in the so-called "Secret Portugal" region, consisting of open countryside and local culture.  Adventurous types can stay in eco bell tents and listen to the sounds of the secluded mountain valley.  Each cotton canvas tent has adjustable walls that can be rolled up during hot days, as well as a futon bed, rustic (but stylish) furniture and solar lighting. You can eat breakfast al fresco on your door step, and spend the day hiking, swimming in the small lake on the property, or visiting the nearby Portalegre. The Serra da Sao de Mamede Natural Park is also nearby, and ideal for biking, walking, kayaking, paragliding and so forth. To please green travel enthusiasts, Alentejo Adventures plants a tree to offset the carbon impact of each of their guests' cars. They plant an indigenous tree, of course, such as cork, oak, chestnut or arbutus (also known as a "strawberry tree").

The Awakened Life Project is a Mongolian yurt in the Serra d´Açor, a natural park and a fine place for green travel junkies. The yurt is surrounded by walking trails, and there are waterfalls and swimming holes nearby. The oak forest, Mata da Magaraça, is also within walking distance, as well as local villages with colorful culture. The yurt can be equipped with a double bed or two singles, and it has a gas stove for cooking. The owners kindly request that guests eat only vegetarian during their stay. There is a solar shower and a compost toilet. Due to limited parking, green travel enthusiasts will have to leave the car on the mountainside and hike up the trail ten minutes to get to the yurt.

Lugar Varzeas is also a Mongolian yurt, but it is fully solar powered so you can plug in a laptop. The yurt includes a private bathroom with an "eco loo". A nearby chestnut tree provides shade, and olives, vines and fruit trees surround the yurt. Another feature to satisfy green travel gurus: water comes from the fresh spring. Arganila and Gois are the closest towns (about 20 minutes by car), though you can walk to the closest village in about ten minutes. Breakfast, consisting of local produce whenever possible, is included with your stay, as well as a welcoming bottle of wine.

Quinta do Ruporto is an eco house in Olhao, Eastern Algarve, located on a quiet, sandy lane. Along with a lovely herb garden, olive, almond and carob trees, there is an orchard on the ground. A large (chemical free) pool and nearby beaches offer excellent lounging and swimming potential. Hot water is provided by solar panels. The owners are happy to recommend local organic produce and restaurants to green travel devotees, though the house itself is self catering.

photo credit: Had01