Portugal Nature Lodge (Photograph: All Rights Reserved)

For nature lovers, camping is usually more appealing than staying in a hotel even though it used to mean doing away with comfort. Thankfully, camping and luxury are no longer mutually exclusive and Portugal now offers several venues that go beyond the typical tent for a comfortable getaway with a difference.

From camping to glamping, Portugal has a campsite for everyone. PDV handpicks some of the most unusual campsites in the country.

LUXURY

The common denominator is always nature. Often secluded, the campsites below offer many amenities, thus catering to both nature and luxury lovers.

Portugal Nature Lodge

Why not spend the night in a comfortable yurt then have breakfast outside where you can appreciate the tranquility only nature can provide? This glamorous and comfortable campsite offers an experience beyond traditional camping. Portugal Nature Lodge is surrounded by wildlife, and only a half hour drive from the beach, allowing you to spend your holiday outdoors while still making the most of 21st century comfort. Only an hour away you’ll find Odeceixe beach, a good spot for surfing and other water sports. Seclusion is perhaps one of this campsite’s biggest perks as you can leave the real world behind for a few days.

Where: Monte Malhadins in Beja, Alentejo

Facilities: Kitchen and bathroom (individual), lounge (with books, games and foosball table), minibar, wifi, small pool with sunloungers

Price: Yurt (2 people) €55 to €85 / Tipi (2-4 people) €65 to €90 / Safari (2 people) €65 to €100

Contacts: +351914199671 / www.portugalnaturelodge.com

 

O Homem Verde

Stay in a tipi decorated with care, surrounded by owls, deer and other forest fauna and become one with nature without sacrificing creature comforts thanks to comfortable accommodation with individual facilities. This is also one of the most family-friendly camping parks around as children can play safely outdoors.

As it is close to the old, academic city of Coimbra, roman ruins and many World Heritage Sites, the campsite is a good location if you want to go on day trips and explore the area. However, if you’d rather spend the day getting a relaxing aromatherapy message, just say the word…

Where: Penela, Coimbra

Facilities: Deck, kitchen, fridge, bathroom, wifi, sunloungers, tables, kids park

Price: Yurt (4 people) €40 per night / Tipi €30 per night

Contacts: 912823929 / www.ohomemverde.com

Eco-Lodge Brejeira

This is an environment-friendly site where you can shower outside with water heated by solar panels and enjoy panoramic views of Monchique. Even toilets are the composting kind! If looking for something beyond the traditional tent, children – and their parents – can enjoy sleeping in a fire engine, a gypsy caravan or a yurt at night. During the day, meals can be taken outside in beautifully decorated lounge where dark wood features prominently.

Near the town of Silves and the coast of the Serra de Monchique, local attractions include the historic castle in Silves as well as many nature pursuits like hiking, fishing, horseback riding and even golf. Day trips around the area are also recommended, so you can explore the Algarve at leisure during your stay.

Where: Silves, Algarve

Facilities: individual bathroom, kitchen

Price: Yurt (2 people, minimum 3 nights) €60 per night / Fire engine (2 people) €35 per night / Gypsy caravan (2 people) €60 per night / Tent €10 per night

Contacts: 919376502 / www.eco-lodgebrejeira.com

 

CAMPING

Lagos Turiscampo

Only 5km away from the historical city of Lagos and surrounding beaches, Turiscampo is a four-star camping site with a loyal clientele. Near all the places of interest in the Algarve, it’s the perfect location if you want to enjoy the sun and also visit other areas like Silves and Vilamoura.

It’s a traditional campsite where you can bring your own tents and caravans, with a beautiful swimming pool that doubles up as a decorative fountain. A variety of bungalows are also available for large families that need plenty of space.

Where: Lagos, Algarve

Facilities: Bungalows with bathroom and kitchen, wifi, mobile homes with bathroom and kitchen, swimming pool, supermarket, sports court, restaurant

Price: Vary, €30.50 to €91 depending on number of people, number of nights, tent, bungalow or mobile home

Contacts: www.turiscampo.com

 

Camping Ria Formosa

This three-star camping site is close to Spain and Ria Formosa beaches. With its own pools, game area, sports court and playground, there is plenty to keep yourself entertained. For golf lovers, there is also a course just 300 meters away.

During your stay, there is plenty of fauna and flora to discover at Ria Formosa Nature Reserve which is home to dozens of different bird species and a maze of lagoons, marshes and canals.

Where: Cabanas de Tavira, Algarve

Facilities: restaurant, swimming pool, kids playground, bathrooms, grill, supermarket

Price: Vary, €4 to €8 depending on number of people, plot area, and pets

Contacts: www.campingriaformosa.com/en/inicio/default.asp

 

Quinta dos Carriços

A beautiful park located near a beach with picturesque white houses, Quinta dos Carriços is one of the few campsites in Portugal that features a designated nudist area and is also close to other nudist beaches.

This 15 hectare campsite located inside a natural park offers hundreds of activities and a relaxing atmosphere. Its areas are clearly separated and sometimes isolated so as to provide guests with extra privacy. Despite being located inside a huge park, the campsite is only a 12-minute drive away from Sagres, and half an hour from Lagos, making it a good base to visit the region.

Where: Budens, Vila do Bispo, Algarve

Facilities: Restaurant, shop, nudist area, apartments, bungalow

Price: Vary, camping site €5.85 to €12, apartments €75 to €115, bungalow €80 to €115

Contacts: 282 695 201

 

Parque da Penha

Only 7km away from Guimarães, Europe’s 2012 capital of culture and also on top of a mountain, Parque da Penha is an affordable place to pitch your tent. The campsite also offers mountain lodges, adding to the hiking theme, and is walking distance from various “miradouros” or scenic viewpoints.

You can take the cable car down to Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal for a day trip and visit the castle, Toural Square and Oliveira Square located in the historic city centre. Soak in the cultural atmosphere of this world heritage town then repair to the mountains for a night among the flowers at one of Portugal’s best campsites.

Where:  Guimarães, Braga

Facilities: bathroom, cycling, restaurant, swimming pool, cable car transportation from the mountain to Guimarães

Price: Vary €2.60 to €3.99 per night

Contacts: http://www.turipenha.pt/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=1