Portugal - Sustainable and enchanting
Breathtaking coastlines, charming cities and delicious pastéis de nata - Portugal has long since established itself as one of Europe's dream destinations. But did you know that Portugal is also a paradise for sustainable travel? Let's plan a sustainable trip through Portugal together - from how to get there to the best eco accommodation and culinary highlights.
Climate-friendly travel from Germany
Sustainable travel starts with the journey. If you have time and want to go city hopping, we recommend traveling to Portugal by train or long-distance bus. The train journey is not only more environmentally friendly, but also offers the opportunity to enjoy the landscapes of Europe and make short stops in Paris, Barcelona or Madrid. This makes the journey an experience in itself. Of course, those who prefer to fly always have the option of offsetting their emissions.
Lisbon
We start our journey in the capital of Portugal and immerse ourselves in the unique atmosphere of Lisbon. The narrow streets of Alfama, the Belém Tower and the impressive Jerónimos Monastery are just some of the highlights that await us here. Lisbon has an excellent public transport network. But we decide to explore the city in a more relaxed and sustainable way by renting bikes. In the evening, we visit the Tasca da Esquina.
The restaurant is known for its fresh, regional ingredients and traditional recipes. We feast on a variety of tapas prepared with love and care. The crowning glory is, of course, a delicious pastel de nata - definitely a must on any visit to Portugal!
For your overnight stay, we recommend the Jam Lisbo Hotel, a special recommendation from our partner Select Green Hotels. The hotel is located between the banks of the Tagus and the lively Bairro Alto district and exudes a very special charm. Various artists and designers have designed this hotel in the spirit of recycling and upcycling. We end the day here with a fantastic view from the hotel's rooftop bar.
Sintra
We take the train to Sintra in just over an hour, where we discover fairytale castles and breathtaking gardens. Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers numerous historical sights such as the Pena Palace and the Moorish castle. The mysterious gardens of the Quinta da Regaleira and the Cascais Natural Park are also worth a visit.
We recommend the Casa do Valle in Sintra as your accommodation. This charming bed & breakfast is located in the heart of Sintra and uses ecological practices such as solar energy and rainwater harvesting. Here you can stay in the midst of beautiful nature and minimize your ecological footprint at the same time. The Caso do Valle is the ideal starting point for hikes or mountain bike rides, and offers a beautiful garden for meditation, a pool, sauna and yoga classes for relaxation. A real break for you and nature.
Porto
On to Porto. We think Porto has a fascinating atmosphere all of its own that you definitely shouldn't miss. The city is known for its port wine cellars and the beautiful old town - but also for its hills. We explore the city in a relaxed manner on rented e-bikes and do something good for our bodies and the environment at the same time. We visit the historic old town of Ribeira, enjoy the view of the famous Dom Luís I bridge and take a break in one of the many cafés along the Douro river.
If you like Harry Potter, books and the special charm of old libraries and have some time to spare, we recommend a visit to the Lello bookshop in Rua das Carmelitas. It is one of the most beautiful in Europe and is said to have served J.K. Rowling as inspiration for "Flourish & Blotts". Until a few years ago, entry was free, but the Lello bookshop had around 4,000 visitors a day and less than 5% of them bought anything. Today, you can buy a ticket for €5 in a store called Armazéns do Castelo, a few meters away, which is offset when you buy a book.
We recommend the Zero Box Lodge as a slightly different but innovative accommodation with a sustainable concept and experience factor. The hotel is a former bank, centrally located for your exploration tour. The rooms here are furnished in wooden boxes. Sounds exciting? We think so too.
Douro Valley
The historic Linha do Douro railroad line takes us from Porto into the Douro Valley. Along the Douro River through picturesque landscapes, the train ride offers us spectacular views of the wine terraces and takes us directly to one of the oldest wine regions in the world. Wine has been produced here for over 2000 years. Today, many wineries in the Douro Valley focus on sustainable cultivation. Accordingly, our first stop on arrival is a visit to a winery. We visit the Quinta do Pôpa near Ferrão and immerse ourselves in traditional viticulture and organic farming methods on a tour of the vineyards followed by a tasting. We learn that the port wine terraces have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.
We round off the trip with a boat trip on the Douro, enjoying the landscape from the water and letting our minds wander. For those who prefer to be more active, the Douro Valley offers numerous hiking and cycling trails that take you through the picturesque vineyards and villages.
Conclusion
We think Portugal is a wonderful destination. With eco-friendly accommodation, regional cuisine and soft mobility, you can enjoy your vacation and protect the environment at the same time. So, pack your IP1 suitcase and discover Portugal in a sustainable way - your conscience and the planet will thank you!
