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From the beaches of Faro to the cork plantations of Alentejo, Portugal is filled with endless natural wonders. For travelers looking for more nature-focused and sustainable accommodation, eco hotels in Portugal are the way to go.
I love travel that can have a more positive effect on our beautiful planet. So eco-friendly accommodation is a way I can run with two of my biggest passions: travel and sustainability.
And, damn it, I love Portugal! This country is something special.
These eco-lodges are going in the right direction, with more of them than ever using eco-friendly practices such as solar energy or building from recycled materials. While eco hotels preserve all the comfort and luxury you could hope for in a vacation home.
If you’re interested in finding great unique accommodation, then you’ve come to the right place. In this list, I’ll go over my picks for the top eco hotels in Portugal, and how to pick the right spot for you to enjoy your travels.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Quick Answer: The Best Eco Hotels in Portugal
- Best Portugal Eco Resort – Cocoon Eco Design Lodges
- Best Budget Eco Hotel in Portugal – São Roque do Faial Guest House
- Most Luxurious Eco Resort in Portugal – Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa
- Best Eco Lodge for Couples – Pestana Troia Eco Resort
- Best Eco Hotel for Digital Nomads – Areias do Seixo Villas
Cocoon Eco Design Lodges
- > $$$
- > 4 guests
- > Swimming pond
- > Free bikes
São Roque do Faial Guest House
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Breakfast included
- > Nearby nature walks
Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa
- > $$$$
- > 2 guests
- > Private balcony
- > 10 restaurants onsite
Pestana Troia Eco Resort
- > $$$
- > 2 guests
- > Indoor and outdoor pools
- > 5 minutes to the beach
Areias do Seixo Villas
- > $$$$
- > Up to 6 Guests
- > Perfect escape
- > Beautiful landscape
Staying at an Eco Hotel in Portugal
Accommodation in Portugal is known for its high-standards, and eco hotels are no exception. Most sustainable hotels tend to have a secluded atmosphere and won’t be in central downtown areas. However, if you do prefer to stay closer to the action, I have a couple of properties lined up.
Some people visit Portugal for the incredible cities and other people just want to kick back near the beach. Nature lovers will find that it’s definitely worth visiting Portugal’s islands too.
Photo: @amandaadraper
Let me tell you, none of these are bad options. Thankfully there are a tonne of sustainable eco-resorts right across the country.
Sometimes, eco features aren’t readily noticeable (and these can be the best ones), such as using solar panels or sourcing with local materials. Other places incorporate sustainable measures such as locally sourced food, an organic vegetable garden, and making use of natural light for reduced energy consumption.
Eco hotels range from simple and basic to high-end luxury resorts. Whatever your travel style, you can contribute to the local community with a sustainable lifestyle.
There’s also a lot of variety in the style of eco accommodation options offering a different kind of sustainable tourism. So you don’t have to adjust who you are or what kind of vacation you want to have.
The 5 Best Eco Hotels in Portugal
Choosing where to stay in Portugal can be tricky: there are so many good options. So I’ve narrowed it down but kept a good variety of eco-friendly hotels, resorts, and hostels that suit all kinds of travellers.
Here are Portugal’s best eco resorts!
1. Cocoon Eco Design Lodges | Best Portugal Eco Resort
- Price: $252 (2 night-stay)
- Address: Herdade da Comporta, parcela 105, 7580-610 Comporta, Portugal
Cocoon is one of those special places in the world whose sustainable practices are setting an example for the rest to follow. Located on a private 30 acres of land outside of Carvalhal, this rural guesthouse in the from of fun and unique eco-lodges is like your own private nature retreat. Each unit has its own kitchen, porch, and large windows so you can enjoy the surroundings.
Take a dip in the biological pool or grab one of the free bicycles to head out and explore the well-preserved flora like pine trees. The eco-retreat feels entirely secluded, but beaches, restaurants, and town amenities are just a 15-minute drive away.
2. São Roque do Faial Guest House | Best Budget Eco Hotel in Portugal
- Price: $96 (2 night-stay)
- Address: Santana, Madeira, Portugal
Located on the beautiful island of Madeira, this budget-friendly eco-hotel is perfect for travelers looking for a place to stay after a day of hiking and exploring Madeira’s famous coastal treks.
Breakfast is included in the room price, and other meals are also available at the restaurant onsite. Although the accommodation is basic, the views are incredible and the price is right if you’re traveling Portugal on a budget.
If you’re staying in Madeira, you can’t look past this gorgeous eco-hotel.
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View on Osprey3. Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa | Most Luxurious Eco Resort in Portugal
- Price: $452
- Address: Alporchinhos, 8400-450 Armação de Pêra, Portugal
It’s hard to beat the luxury and style of the Vila Vita Parc Resort. Located in Armacão de Pera just west of Albufeira, this ultimate vacation resort features a huge infinity pool, landscaped gardens, and numerous bars and restaurants serving both local specialities and international cuisine.
Top beaches like Tremocos and Beijinhos are within easy walking distance, so you can spend as much time as you want to relax on the sand. When you’re done at the beach, book a session at the onsite spa heading to your private balcony to enjoy watching the sunset. It’s not a specific yoga retreat in Portugal but you can take yoga classes in a beautiful setting!
4. Pestana Troia Eco Resort | Best Eco Lodge for Couples
- Price: $540 (2 night-stay)
- Address: Estrada Nacional 253-1, Tróia, 7570-789 Troia, Portugal
Make a romantic vacation to the beautiful beaches of Portugal a bit more special by staying at the Pestana Troia Eco Resort. Each private villa has its own outdoor seating area, equipped kitchen, plus access to the swimming pools and communal terraces.
It’s only a five-minute walk to the beach, and there are numerous coastal hikes in the region where you can enjoy the spectacular scenery. After a day of exploring or swimming at the beach, you can enjoy a fresh and traditional Portuguese meal at the restaurant onsite.
5. Areias do Seixo Villas | Best Eco Hotel for Digital Nomads
- Price: $884 (2 night-stay)
- Address: Praceta do Atlântico, Mexilhoeira, Póvoa de Penafirme, 2560-046 Santa Cruz, Portugal
The Areias do Seixo Villas have got to be one of the most beautiful properties in Portugal. The architecture is second to none, and the outdoor swimming pool is just as gorgeous as the home itself. The minimalist design even features a spa, which is absolutely worth the splurge.
And why is the best Portugal eco hotel for digital nomads you may ask?
Because it’s filled with self-care opportunities that nomads NEED while living on the road. It’s a place that’s all about sustainable travel in the ideal location. Oh and the Wifi is great too!
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Eco Hotels in Portugal
Here are a few more incredible options to check out in Portugal:
Nômade Melides Eco Lodge
- Price: $218 (2 night-stay)
- Address: Cerca do Barranco s/n, 7570-512 Melides, Portugal
As far as sustainable practices go, Nômade Melides Eco Lodge really set the standard. They take sustainable tourism very seriously here so you can wind down your mind and your carbon footprint while you’re travelling through Europe.
Enjoy their beautiful garden and surrounding nature trails and cool off on those hot days in the large bio pool. Vegetarian breakfast is included which is mainly sourced organically, from the local community.
Family rooms are available. Plus there’s loads of space for kids to run wild in the surrounding area, making it a perfect retreat for you and your little ones.
Apple Beach
- Price: $78
- Address: Colares, Lisbon, Portugal
Families with kids of all ages will love this fun eco-hotel with luxury glamping tents. The beach is just under a 10-minute walk away, and kid-friendly free yoga classes are offered onsite. There’s also a huge playground for the kids.
Fun activities like pizza nights are regular at the Aldeia, so there’s always a chance to socialize and meet other travellers. Guests also have access to a communal kitchen where you can satisfy the needs of any picky eaters.
Eco Hobbit House
- Price: $119 (3 night-stay)
- Address: montes do alvor, Faro, Portugal
A truly unique accommodation option in Portugal, this little dwelling lets you stay in your own hobbit house in the side of a hill. The space is simplistic but charming, and a great option for travelers who want to stay somewhere close to nature.
The excellent beaches of the Faro area are practically right outside the front door, and there are plenty of coastal hikes and activities to fill your day with adventure. You’ll also have access to an outdoor kitchen space, as well as a small swimming pool to cool off on hot afternoons.
Villa Epicurea
- Price: $139
- Address: Rua do Casalinho 5A, 2970-052 Sesimbra, Portugal
You’ll find this spectacular eco resort a little south of Lisbon, perched on a hill with amazing views of the Atlantic. The entire guest suite will be yours to enjoy privately. There’s also a communal lounge, infinity-edge swimming pool, and outdoor terrace with a seating area.
Breakfast is included in the room price, and you can also arrange to have other meals at the resort with prior notice. Nearby there are stunning beaches to explore, historic and cultural landmarks, and bike paths leading through mountains and villages.
Magical Treehouse
- Price: $239 (2 night-stay)
- Address: Lagos, Algarve, Portugal
This eco treehouse is truly a dream place to stay with natural surroundings, eco friendly materials, and amazing views all around. The hosts even include a bottle of wine and organic produce, and they’re fully committed to sustainable travel and promoting environmental awareness.
The treehouse includes a private bathroom and communal kitchen area, complete with a mini fridge, gas grill, and water filter. There’s plenty to see and explore in the area like hiking trails, and bike paths, giving you a real off-grid experience.
Cork Oak Cottage
- Price: $282 (4 night-stay)
- Address: Vila do Bispo, Faro, Portugal
Using solar power for energy, this slightly off-grid eco lodge is a great way to escape city traffic and reconnect with nature. Set in the beautiful countryside of Algarve, there are two lakes for swimming, zip lines, and paddle boards available during your stay.
You’ll have the privacy of your own room, but the common area and pizza nights are great for socializing. If you’re in search of a place to rest and relax or have a great outdoor adventure, this cabin is a steal for the price.
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Quinta das Rosas
- Price: $229 (2 night-stay)
- Address: Rua Nossa Senhora do Vencimento nº 27, 9600-570 Ribeira Grande, Portugal
Located in the popular Ribeira Grande region of the Azores, this is an excellent budget-friendly option for couples in search of a romantic retreat in Portugal. You’ll have the entire eco lodge to yourselves, complete with a terrace and swimming pool where you can enjoy the view.
Ribiera Grande is known for its stunning beaches and coastal scenery. During the day you can hike one of the shoreline paths, check out local shops and cafes, or take a day tour of whale watching off the coast before heading back to relax at the eco lodge.
Eco Ljmonade
- Price: $49
- Address: Avenida Engenheiro Adelino Amaro da Costa 71, 2750-279 Cascais, Portugal
Cascais is a popular spot for backpackers thanks to the great beaches, fun bars, and outdoor activities. Right in the heart of it all is Eco Ljmonade, an eco-friendly hostel using solar panels for energy and recycled building materials.
For solo travellers, hostels in Portugal are a clear winner. The fun and social atmosphere is a great place to meet other travellers with organized activities like kite surfing, game nights, yoga lessons, and pub crawls. Don’t worry though – quiet time kicks in after 11pm so you can still get a relaxing, full night sleep during your stay.
Gallery Hostel Porto
- Price: $33
- Address: Rua Miguel Bombarda, 222, União de Freguesias do Centro, 4050-377 Porto, Portugal
If you only have a weekend to spend in Portugal, it’s a good idea to stay in Porto in Northern Portugal. At the Gallery Hostel, you’ll be right near the center of the city and can enjoy the fun and artistic vibe of the property along with the eco-friendly measures in a historic setting.
Start your day with breakfast at the hostel before heading out on one of the daily walking tours to discover the top sites of the city. In the evening, you can enjoy local food at one of the weekly Portuguese dinners onsite, or just relax with guests in the shared lounge.
Micro Cabana Rotavita
- Price: $57
- Address: Lugar da Vinha do Santo, 5300-561 Bragança, Portugal
These little luxury glamping tents are the perfect choice for a solo adventurer looking for a unique place to stay in Portugal. The property is located a bit outside of Bragança, surrounded by nature and with lots of options for activities like hiking and cycling nearby.
During your stay you’ll also have access to a shared lounge where you can use Wi-fi or socialize with other guests. Cool off on hot afternoons in the outdoor swimming pool, then grab a bite to eat at the onsite restaurant or head into town to check out one of the nearby local venues.
FAQs about Eco Hotels in Portugal
Here’s what people usually ask me when they look for vacation homes in Portugal.
What To Pack For Portugal
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an eco-hotel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Getting Insured BEFORE Traveling to Portugal
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Portugal.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on the Best Eco Hotels in Portugal
Whether you’re traveling to Portugal for a family summer vacation or as part of a long backpacking tour of Europe, eco hotels are great options for sustainable accommodation. But you don’t have to sacrifice your comfort! It’s the perfect chance to enjoy the natural side of Portugal, as well as support an environmentally friendly business.
Keep in mind that budget accommodation in Portugal fill up quickly, particularly during peak tourist season in summer. If you’ve found a spot you like on this list, get it booked as soon as possible so you don’t miss out!
If you know of any other fantastic eco lodges in Portugal, I’d love to hear about it and share it with other travellers. Let me know in the comments!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Check out our Backpacking Portugal guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Portugal guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of Portugal.
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