Stay at an ecovillage just outside Lisbon

WHAT: A stay at Biovilla, in a sustainable ecovillage

WHERE: Some 50 km outside Lisbon, right in the middle of Parque Natural da Arrábida

HOW LONG: That depends on how long you need to take a break! 

HOW MUCH: Rooms from €35,- and up

It may happen that while you’re in Lisbon, you just have to make a break to escape the heat and the crowded streets of the Portuguese capital. Luckily for you, you’ll find the awesome sustainable ecovillage of Biovilla just 50 km outside of the city, right in the middle of Parque Natural da Arrábida.

Biovilla a wonderful and peaceful place in the countryside, perfect if you want to surround yourself with nature and fresh air.  Because it’s so different from other lodges, it’s really worth a mention if you’re into ecological initiatives. 

We stumbled upon this gem while finding a place in Setúbal and I’m very glad we did. The place is a small drive out of town and be aware that you do really need a car to get there.

Biovilla is a non-profit cooperative that aims at promoting social, economic and environmental development through sustainability. The unit features vast green areas and guests can help out with the day-today activities like gardening if they wish. Trainings and workshops related to permaculture, sustainability and arts are held the whole year too, in case you’re interested in gaining some extra knowledge.  

At the time of our stay, Biovilla had just opened its doors to visitors and we were their first visitors. So that was a bit exiting for both, but the hosts made us feel very welcome instantly. The place itself is very simply designed, yet with all the comfort you need. Everything is very clean as well and all toiletries are ecological. A delicious breakfast with homemade products is served to you, and if you get out of bed early you can a sunrise during that moment as well. 

Apart from the activities at the place itself (and playing with the dogs!) there are some great things to do around too. You can rent a bike at Biovilla to tour around the Parque Natural da Arrábida. Another possibility is to hike the 1 hour trail behind the villa that goes all the way to a viewpoint. From over here you have a beautiful vista on the bay in front of you and if you come around sunset the scenery is even more spectacular. 

The beach bums are in luck too! If you descent the rocky dark green mountains, or drive around again back to the main road, you’ll be able to reach Praia da Figueirinha. It’s one of the most gorgeous beaches I’ve seen in the north of Portugal. The sea over here is calm and during low tide, it’s possible to walk quite far into the sea since a large portion of sand becomes uncovered. If you go there you have a beautiful view on the mountains, yet again. But this time it’s from down up! 

Whatever you do, make it a relaxed stay at this calm and ecological place!