Let’s begin our coverage of ecotourism in Portugal by looking at the best-known eco-resorts in the country of just over 10 million people. In their 2027 ecotourism plan, the Portuguese envision themselves as sustainable tourism leaders, and the resorts featured here are leading the charge.
But first, a quick overview of how we rated their sustainability efforts.
To separate truly eco-friendly hotels, lodges, and resorts from greenwashers, we used local and international sustainability standards as our guiding principles. Thus, all Portuguese eco-resorts on this list are certified by one or more of the following:
- EU Ecolabel. Overseen by the European Commission, the EU Ecolabel is a tough nut to crack for resorts, certifying only 5 in Portugal, all of which will be highlighted in this article.
- Green Key. Led by the Foundation of Environmental Education (FEE) in Denmark, the Green Key certification is more common than the EU Ecolabel, with 200+ certified in Portugal.
- Biosphere. Led by the Responsible Tourism Institute in Spain, the Biosphere sustainability certification has been awarded to 252 companies in Portugal, many of which are resorts.
- Green Globe. A slightly lesser-known hotel sustainability certification, Green Globe is another GSTC-recognized label with 3 member sites in Portugal.
These are the top eco-resorts in Portugal:
1. Cerdeira Home for Creativity
Cerdeira Home for Creativity is a rural ecotourism space in Serra da Lousã, nestled deep in the Coimbra mountain ranges. Closely linked to artistic expression, Cerdeira was certified by the European Union’s Ecolabel in 2019, setting the standard for Portuguese ecotourism.
In Cerdeira, you’ll find ten recovered shale houses built with local and ecological materials, together with an arts and crafts school teaching ceramics, woodwork, and visual arts. Plus, if you time your visit right, you’ll be able to experience “Elementos à Solta” and “De Mestres e Chefs,” events during which the whole resort becomes a hotspot for anyone with a creative spark.
Cerdeira Home for Creativity is a truly unique way to enjoy the tranquillity of the Portuguese countryside in an environmentally, culturally, and socially responsible manner, and it is our pick for the best eco-resort in Portugal.
2. Pena Park Hotel
Located in Portugal’s most populous Norte (North) Region and nested atop a forested mountainside near Alvão Natural Park, the 4-star Peno Park Hotel is an ecologically responsible luxury eco-resort, as demonstrated by its double-certification from both the EU Ecolabel and Green Key.
3. Hotel Monverde
Tucked away in the middle of vineyards and lush greenery of the famous Vinho Verde wine region of Portugal lies Hotel Monverde. The 4-star boutique eco-resort is located in the city of Amarante and is certified by the EU Ecolabel, a sign of its commitment towards sustainability. For a unique experience, consider visiting during the harvest season!
4. Hotel FeelViana
Hotel FeelViana is situated in Viana do Castelo, one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal, and it’s the first beach resort on this list. Built on the Praia de Cabedelo beach, this eco-resort is blessed by naturally stunning sea views. It also boasts the EU Ecolabel certification in light of its sustainability practices.
5. Real Abadia, Congress & Spa Hotel
The fifth and final Portuguese resort with the coveted EU Ecolabel, Real Abadia, Congress & Spa Hotel is an environmentally conscious 4-star hotel located in historical Alcobaça. Famous for its monastery, this city is located right next to the stunning beauty of Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros.
6. Noah Surf House
Located on the beaches of Santa Cruz, this eco-resort is ideal for those looking for a sustainable beach resort in Portugal. With a focus on outdoor activities like surfing, yoga, and skating, it’s perfect for the active traveler. For its sustainable business practices, the resort has been awarded the Green Key certificate.
7. Luz Charming Houses
One of the highest-rated eco-resorts on both Booking and Google Maps, Luz Charming Houses is a 4-star resort situated in the small city of Fátima, close to Lisbon. Here, you’ll find easy access to the stunning beaches at Nazaré, as well as some of Portugal’s most beautiful national parks such as the Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros.
8. Montum Farm Living
Montum Farm Living is located on a farm in the Alentejo region that places you right in the middle of the wild coastline of Portugal. Located among vast forests of cork oaks, pines, and olive trees, it offers a range of activities such as mountain biking, horse riding, and surfing. Although we could not find sustainability certifications for this resort, it does have Booking’s Travel Sustainable Level 3 label.
9. Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel
Located in Lisbon, Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel is the only resort on this list with a platinum Green Globe certification. Providing a boutique, luxury eco-resort experience in the heart of the capital, this hotel is committed to sustainability.
10. Terra Rosa Country House & Vineyards
One of the most luxurious farm stays in Portugal, Terra Rosa Country House & Vineyards is located in Ponte de Lima, one of Portugal’s oldest cities. From agricultural activities to hiking and cycling, Terra Rosa is another solid ecotourism destination in the Norte region of Portugal.