Portugal is most commonly associated with golfing and beautiful beaches along the Algarve. Green travel is not necessarily the first thing that springs to mind! Eco friendly travel often goes hand in hand with a relaxing retreat style getaway, truly escaping it all. Taking a break from technology is something that we should all do once in a while.
Photo by: gustavofrazao/Fotolia
Responsible travel may not conjure images of five star hotels and luxury accommodation. You can make what you want of it. Hiring a car may seem counterintuitive. As long as you rent the most suitable sized car and drive economically, you should minimise your carbon footprint. The remote nature of these retreats makes a hire car useful when getting to and from the airport.
Let us inspire you to travel to the firm holiday favourite of Portugal, but in a completely different way. I promise you’ll have your bags packed by the end of this!
What does it mean to be eco friendly?
This can relate to many things, but here are some starting points to consider.
- Where the water is sourced and how it is heated. Solar heating may be used.
- Using organic, local produce.
- Use of cleaning products being environmentally friendly.
- Recycling facilities for staff and guests.
- Supporting local communities in eco-projects.
What can you do to be eco-friendly on holiday?
- Consider trips which directly benefit sustainable development and do not have a negative impact on the local environment.
- Are you frugal at home? Try to avoid wasting energy and water.
- Recycle, just like you would at home.
Eco Friendly Yurts
To the uninitiated, a yurt is a round tent. They are usually well kitted out. You don’t have to take the kitchen sink with you.
Photo by: lecedre/Fotolia
The facilities in a yurt will vary. Things to consider include:
- Location – how remote do you want to be? Some yurts are in a beautiful location but only a short walk from civilisation. Some are located a little further afield.
- Food – some yurts offer cooking facilities, some provide organic food which is locally sourced. You should find an option to suit you.
- Size – There is usually something to suit all, from couples to families to smaller groups. If there is a larger number
A good starting point can be found at Yurt Holiday Portugal. It depends if you have a preference for location.
If you are keen to set your own itinerary, then this may be more suitable for you.
Eco-retreats in Portugal
If you are looking for an ethical getaway with more facilities than a yurt, an eco-retreat may be just what you’re looking for.
The amenities on offer differ, depending on where you stay. Examples can include;
- Eco outdoor swimming pool.
- Spa treatments.
- Surfing lessons.
- Yoga.
- Beaches.
- Cycling (bike rental.)
- Farming.
Some eco-retreats are more child friendly that others. Our favourite is Muxima in the Algarve. The hosts have a huge amount of local knowledge that they are happy to share.
Consider what catering options are available. Muxima only supplies breakfast, so alternative arrangements must be made for other meals.
If you’re fan of the great outdoors, the proximity to the countryside means that you can hire a car or simply explore on foot really easily. This will provide a gateway to tranquillity with the ability to venture somewhere busier if you feel it necessary.
Photo by: Anobis/Fotolia
Eco-projects in Portugal
Head over to ethicalescape.com and you’ll find an array of different options for responsible travel.
Eco-projects aim to capitalise on a sense of community. Ideas are shared. These can be in any area, from creative to cultural to environmental.
This sort of holiday is best tried by those who feel comfortable in groups and are keen to discover more about the country that they are visiting, in our case Portugal. On-site accommodation is available in some cases.
Eco-friendly luxury
As promised, if you crave some extravagance on your holiday’s eco-style, here are some options:
Inspira Santa Marta Hotel in Lisbon
The people responsible for running these establishments have sustainable tourism at the heart of their hotels. Stay here and enjoy luxury without being wasteful.
Would you consider it now?
Whilst many of us feel that eco-friendly breaks may only suit an exclusive few, travelling in a responsible manner is a choice that can provide much needed tranquillity and respite.
Whether you just want to escape from the hustle and bustle of day to day life or wish to give something back, maybe an eco-holiday is what you have been looking for all along?
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