You might be wondering if there's a way to travel while being sustainable, and the answer is yes. One of the best ways to do that is to go to places that aren’t tourist traps, for example, by going to the nation’s natural heritage. Every country has its history of its people and its nature; exploring that history is often far more environmentally safe than going for a cruise or flying worldwide. With that in mind, here are some sustainable destinations in Portugal that are also amazing to visit.
National parks and protected areas in Portugal
Portugal is a beautiful country with beautiful nature to explore. Specifically, Portugal is home to some truly stunning mountain ranges, which are usually part of nature reserves for their protection. Some of these are Alvão, Bragança, Serra dos Candeeiros, and most famously also Peneda-Gerês. Portugal has also recently saved some of its coastlines from tourist-oriented developers by declaring them protected landscapes. You also can enjoy the untainted beauty of beaches such as Sintra-Cascais, Esposende, or Alentejo.
Solares
Solares are a unique way to experience Portugal. Unlike hotels, they give you a look into the real-life of people in Portugal. Solares are home to families who host not just accommodations for visitors but who often want to show visitors their favourite aspect of their lives, such as fishing, golfing, hunting, wine-tasting, cycling and more. You’ll also get to see various dwellings, from farmsteads and small cottages to villas. This way, you won’t just see Portugal with your own eyes, but you’ll see it through the eyes of people who already love it dearly.
The Azores
Few places in Europe deserve as much of your attention as the Azores do. An archipelago off the western coast of Portugal, the Azores comprises nine volcanic islands, each with its charms. Explore the volcanic cave of Algar do Carvão on Terceira, climb the Pico da Sé in Ilha do Faial and so much more. The Azores is filled to the brim with nature, moderate weather, and endless ocean views stretching to the horizon.
Sintra
Sintra is a special place in Portugal. Recognised by UNESCO in 1995 as a World Heritage Site, there is no questioning its architectural and natural beauties. Being a coastal town, it has widely praised and clean beaches. What’s more, Sintra is not simply passively beautiful but is one of the first municipalities in Portugal that created a strategic plan to battle climate change. New projects reached 2030 and beyond. Sintra is not simply a lovely place to visit but also an active community working towards sustainability.
