Portugal Ecovillage Tour
10 DAYS | Max group size: 16
Discover the magic of Portugal, a global hotspot for intentional living.
Renowned for its welcoming spirit, breathtaking landscapes, and commitment to sustainability, Portugal offers the perfect setting to explore how community living can enhance quality of life. This thoughtfully curated journey includes visits to inspiring ecovillages, including the internationally-recognized peace research village, Tamera.
Along the way, you’ll experience Portugal’s sunny weather, delicious local cuisine, and rich cultural traditions while learning about innovative approaches to sustainable living, ecological restoration, economic systems, and cooperation. Whether you’re curious about joining a community or seeking inspiration for your own sustainable journey, this tour promises unforgettable experiences and meaningful connections.
Portugal Ecovillage Tour
Next tour dates:
June 7 - 16, 2025
Early-bird sale now through March 16, 2025. Click “book now” to see pricing.
Tour Highlights
What you can expect to experience during your time in Portugal.
Explore 6+ inspiring ecovillages: Portugal is a hub for intentional communities, offering a rich tapestry of sustainable living models. From the globally renowned Tamera to emerging ecovillages, you’ll gain firsthand insights into how these communities thrive—and perhaps find one that feels like home.
Experience sustainability and connection: Engage with permaculture practices, regenerative agriculture, and innovative social structures through hands-on workshops and meaningful conversations with residents who are living their vision of a better future.
Savor Portugal’s natural and cultural treasures: From the sun-drenched Alentejo region to the verdant valleys of Serra da Estrela, immerse yourself in the beauty of Portugal’s landscapes, local cuisine, and vibrant traditions that make this country a global leader in quality of life.
Itinerary
Get a taste for what awaits you on the tour. Itinerary subject to updates.
June 7 - 16, 2025
Day 1 | Orientation near Lisbon (plan arrival before 2pm local time)
Day 2 | Visit Traditional Dream Factory
Day 3 | Visit Tamera
Day 4 | Visit Terra Sintrópica
Day 5 | Visit Ser Vivo
Day 6 | Visit Vale Das Lobas
Day 7 | Discover the Serra da Estrela mountains
Day 8 | Visit Ananda Kalyani
Day 9 | Visit Spirala Ecological Village
Day 10 | Wrap up near Lisbon (plan departure for 3pm or later)
Featured Communities
Explore the communities we’ll visit on the trip. Subject to change.
Tamera
Location: Alentejo region, Southwestern Portugal
Land: 134 hectares
Accepting new members: Yes
Website: tamera.org
Tamera is a well-established peace research village that serves as a model for sustainable living and social cooperation. Founded in 1995, it focuses on creating a harmonious relationship between humans, nature, and animals. The community is known for its innovative approaches to social structures and ecological practices, including extensive tree planting and water management systems. With approximately 160 residents, Tamera conducts research on free love principles and alternative economic models while offering educational programs to promote nonviolent cooperation and ecological regeneration.
Traditional Dream Factory
Location: Near Lisbon
Land: 4 hectares
Accepting new members: Yes
Website: traditionaldreamfactory.com
Traditional Dream Factory is a community project that blends traditional knowledge with contemporary sustainable practices. It focuses on natural building techniques, permaculture principles, and holistic living. They are especially known as the first European DOA (Decentralized Autonomous Organization), utilizing blockchain technology in their decision making and organizational structure. They embrace co-working for nomadic residents and guests. They even have created their own digital currency of TDF tokens to fund their project.
Ananda Kalyani
Location: Near Serra da Estrela Nature Reserve, Central Portugal
Land: 50 hectares
Accepting new members: Yes
Website: anandakalyani.org
Ananda Kalyani is a vibrant ecovillage situated in a lush green valley, dedicated to sustainable living and personal development. Established in 2012, the community has transformed an abandoned area into a thriving habitat that emphasizes organic farming, yoga, and meditation. The site features wild forests, a beautiful river, and certified organic agricultural land. Ananda Valley actively collaborates with local associations to promote art, culture, and sustainable practices while hosting various workshops and events aimed at fostering community engagement and ecological awareness.
Spirala Ecological Village
Location: Idanha-a-Nova, Central Portugal
Land: 10 hectares
Accepting new members: Yes
Website: spiralaecovillage.com/home
Spirala Ecological Village is a community-driven project that began in 2020 with the goal of fostering sustainable living and authentic connections among residents. The village offers long-term accommodations while hosting workshops, events, and festivals focused on eco-friendly practices. Spirala emphasizes collaboration with nature and neighbors, providing a space for shared meals, knowledge exchange, and cultural activities. The community aims to create an inclusive environment where individuals can explore alternative lifestyles while engaging in meaningful interactions.
Terra Sintrópica
Location: Mértola, Southeastern Alentejo
Land: 10 hectares
Accepting new members: Yes
Website: terrasintropica.org
Founded in 2018 in response to climate challenges in one of Europe’s most drought-affected regions, Terra Sintrópica focuses on regenerative agriculture and community resilience. The project aims to combat desertification through agroecological practices that reconnect people with the land. By promoting local participation and international collaboration, Terra Sintrópica develops sustainable food systems while providing educational opportunities. The initiative includes a vegan market and communal hub that highlights the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem recovery.
Vale Das Lobas
Location: Near Serra da Estrela Nature Reserve, Central Portugal
Land: 65 hectares
Accepting new members: Yes
Website: valedaslobas.com
Vale Das Lobas is a nature-based project focused on well-being and ecological sustainability. It integrates traditional practices with modern innovations to foster biodiversity while offering programs for transformation and healing. The project promotes rewilding initiatives that encourage ecological restoration in the region's semi-arid climate.
Trip Details
Explore detailed trip information to prepare for your adventure.
Included
All ground transportation from tour start and end point
All lodging in shared rooms (Private surcharge for single room upgrade)
All meals, except when you choose to eat separately or purchase extra drinks
All entrance and tour fees
Not Included
Transportation to/from country
Insurance of any kind
Alcoholic beverages (except during wine tours)
Optional gratuities to guides
Laundry fees and items of a personal nature
Travel Planning
Flights
We recommend booking a flight that arrives at the Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) in Lisbon, Portugal. The better deals are often found in advance so we encourage you to book as soon as possible.
Start
Our tour will begin at 2pm local time on the start date at the Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS). Please plan to arrive by 2pm or earlier that day, in order to be picked up at the airport along with the rest of the group.
We will spend the first night of the tour at Biovilla in Pamela about a 30 minutes drive from the airport, so you are welcome to meet us at the hotel if you are arriving early in Portugal. Biovilla website: https://biovilla.org/
End
Our tour will will end back at the Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) where the journey began. We will arrive in the afternoon on the last day of the tour, so participants can book a flight out anytime that day after 3pm local time or we can drop you off at a nearby location.
Lodging
Lodging varies from shared dorm-style rooms to simple private rooms, depending on availability. Rooms will be shared with fellow travelers. We will separate male and female rooms, while couples and families are placed in private rooms whenever possible.
You can upgrade to a private room when booking (select the $800 single room supplement). Upgrades to private rooms are not always guaranteed due to the nature of some locations.
Whenever possible we arrange for overnight accommodations at the ecovillages and communities we visit. This allows for a more immersive experience of what it’s like to live in a community. When the community doesn't have enough accommodation space or a scheduling conflict, then we stay at nearby lodging. We strive to stay at accommodations that are values aligned, such as small family businesses or eco-lodges. Accommodations are often rustic, emphasizing sustainability over luxury. Some may include composting toilets, limited Wi-Fi, limited air conditioning, and communal facilities.
Meals
As much as possible our meals will be fresh, local and organic, with produce grown on-site. Most meals will be vegetarian. When eating out at restaurants, we will have a fixed menu with a few options of local specialties. One beverage is usually included with lunch and dinner. Extra dishes and drinks are on you. We can accommodate a range of dietary requirements, to a point, so please contact us to inform us about any food allergies and come prepared with your own specialty food or supplement needs. We will stop at grocery stores where you can purchase your own snacks.
Weather
The Portugal Ecovillage Tour takes place during early summer, a wonderful time to explore the country's vibrant landscapes and ecovillages.
Expect warm and sunny days, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F), with possibility to experience up to 40ºC (104°F).
Evenings are generally mild, with temperatures around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), making it comfortable for outdoor activities.
Packing
A full packing list will be provided after booking the tour. Laundry service will be available at some of our locations. We ask that you only bring a day pack and one carry-on sized luggage due to limited space in our vehicle.
We recommend packing breathable clothing, a sun hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes to stay cool and enjoy the tour's immersive experiences under the Portuguese sun. Please pack a light scarf (for coverage from the sun and to dip in cold water.) Don’t forget your bathing suit for swimming!
Physical Requirements
This trip will include walks up hills and on uneven terrain. We may visit waterfalls and rivers with slippery footing. Some of our accommodations have narrow stairs and no elevators. You will be responsible to carry your luggage to and from your rooms, which will not always be paved surfaces.
Unfortunately, due the nature of the tour we cannot accommodate anyone with mobility requirements. Please consider your physical fitness before registering for the tour. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Traveling with Children
It is possible to bring children on this tour, however not all children and families may be suited to this adventure. For children 15 and under, please contact us to discuss suitability on your specific tour. We will supply you with a discount code to use to receive child discounts:
Ages 3 and under: Free
Ages 4-7: 50% off
Ages 8-15: 20% off
Families with children should note that tours generally include long periods of sitting for presentations, strenuous walking, uneven terrain, some long car rides, and moving among multiple locations for sleeping. Laundry services are limited.
Payment & Cancellation Policy
A refundable deposit of $500 is required at the time of booking to secure your space. Full payment is required 60 days before the departure date.
At the time of booking you can choose to make your payment in full, just pay the deposit, or pay the deposit and make your remaining payments in three auto-payment installments.
Cancellation and Refunds
Your tour deposit is 100% refundable for 30 days from the date it is received unless noted otherwise. Deposits made 60–90 days before a tour departs become non-refundable on the final payment due date. If you book a tour less than 60 days before its departure date, the entire tour cost becomes non-refundable after 7 days. A credit towards a future tour is possible in the event of a medical or family emergency. Please read our Tour Conditions for more information.
Reviews
Read authentic reviews to make informed decisions about your journey.
One of the greatest experiences I have ever had. A completely unique journey to some wondrous ecovillage projects, full of inspirational humans. To share the tours with others with similar visions was enriching and a real privilige. I left feeling fulfilled and educated.
— Adam Bates
Best summer camp ever! A must see!! People, food and lodging were more than I could have hoped for in a travel experience like this!! Definitely will be back.
—Megan Zimmerman
It is an experience worth paying for. You get to know places and people who are on the real hands on effort for bringing change and make local ecosystems more resilient.
— Edward Bryce
Ecovillage Tours has put something really special together. The amount of research and care they have put into this trip is impressive in and of itself and have helped facilitate meaningful connections both within the tour group and with the communities hosting us. This eye opening experience has the potential to change your life by exploring more unique paradigms.
— Nathan Oxenfeld
Meet Your Guide
Embark on your journey with confidence – get to know your experienced guide.
Catarina Rosa
Catarina is a Lisbon native raised between the countryside and the ocean. She has worked as a tour guide since 2017, sharing her deep knowledge of Portugal’s history and landscapes with curious travelers. Beyond guiding, Catarina has a decade of experience as a dancer and teacher with the Orchidaceae collective, blending urban, traditional, and contemporary dance forms. She has performed and taught at festivals across Europe and Asia and co-organizes the Orchidaceae Dance Intensive in Lisbon, an annual gathering attracting students from around the world.
An eco-feminist activist, biologist, and founding member of the Dunas Livres Association, Catarina advocates for the preservation of Portugal’s wild coastline. She is a core team member of the Ecoversities Alliance, supporting alternative education and sustainable livelihoods globally. Her current project, EVOLVE, integrates art and science through movement workshops that connect participants with nature and evolutionary history.
Catarina’s diverse passions, from translating across three languages to organizing transformative festivals, make her a dynamic and inspiring guide for participants on the Portugal Ecovillage Tour.
Is this tour right for me?
On the fence? Discover if this tour is meant for you.
Choosing to embark on an ecovillage tour is an investment in your journey into intentional community living. Thanks to years of relationship building with community founders, we’re able to give you an experience that’s simply not available to the regular traveler.
Still unsure?
Explore if this tour is right for you…
This tour ideal for those who want to:
Join intentional communities: Engage directly in projects that focus on environmental and social regeneration, creating vibrant, sustainable spaces for communal living.
Explore sustainable living: Dive into the world of ecovillages as a lifestyle choice, integrating principles of ecological balance and community harmony into your daily life.
Network with regeneration leaders: Forge deep connections with key figures in the regenerative movement, gaining inspiration and momentum to advance your life's purpose.
Get a true eco-vacation: Embark on adventure travels that support ecovillages, choosing experiences that contribute positively to the planet and align with your values.
Learn from successful projects: Observe and study the approaches of others, applying their strategies and innovations to develop your own land or community initiative effectively.
Why choose this tour?
Knowledgeable guides: Led by experts in ecovillages and intentional communities.
Authentic experience: We partner with local communities for a genuine and unfiltered experience.
All-inclusive: From eco-friendly lodging to local cuisine, we've got you covered.
Small group size: We limit the number of participants to ensure a personalized and intimate experience.
Hassle free travel: We cover all the logistics, so you can get the most out of the experience.
What’s the alternative?
You could try visiting intentional communities on your own, except that…
Many communities are not open to the public and, if they are, the founders will not give you their undivided attention as a just normal passer-through.
Figuring out the logistics of getting yourself around the country is a headache and you’ll have no immediate support if something goes awry.
Traveling alone isn’t as nourishing or nearly as fun journeying with a small group in an intentionally held container for connection.
It’ll take years of relationship building and financial investment to even come close to the experience that Ecovillage Tours is able to offer… because we’ve done all that work for you already!
Still have questions?
We are happy to help! Sign up below to book a discovery call with one of our team members.
Ready to go?
The communities are excited to welcome you. Let your adventure begin.