Quinta das Abelhas Yurt Camp, Coimbra, Portugal

We are in the 'Green Heart' of Portugal surrounded by a unique mix of both Northern European and Mediterranean flaura and fauna: see olives and oaks, oranges and apples, tree frogs and hedgehogs, sparrows and hoopoes.

Eco Holidays

Enjoy a luxurious camping holiday with a choice of three yurts (ger): The Mongolian Yurt with a double bed and two single sofa-beds, the Woodland Yurt with a double bed, and the Pixie Yurt with a single bed.

Bring your own tent (or rent ours) to pitch under the shade of an olive tree on a terrace sheltered by grape vines. We have communal low-impact facilities available for your use (and included in the price of your holiday): the Kitchen Caravan is fully equipped to make snacks and basic meals, a Composting Toilet and Solar Shower, and our new fabulous 16" above-ground Swimming Pool.

There is plenty to do on the quinta: play with chickens and ducks, dogs, cats, and horses. You are also welcome to take part in all of the farm activities such as helping in the gardens, feeding the animals, wine-making and olive harvesting in season. Relax in a hammock watching birds of prey swooping across the valley. Walk (or horse-ride) for hours on tracks through the stunning countryside without seeing a soul. Find out more about beekeeping, natural horsemanship, and permaculture / forest gardening.

The River Mondego is a great spot for swimming and fishing, and the village with shops, bars and a restaurant, are just a 15 mins walk away. You can visit the local markets at Tábua (Sunday morning) and Arganil (Thursday morning); one of the many places of interest in the area such as Coimbra (historic university city), Piodão (traditional mountain village), one of the nearby river beaches, the beach at Figueira da Foz, skiing in the Serra da Estrela, or simply stay on the quinta and enjoy some time out, listening to the gentle sound of the sheep bells as the shepherd passes by to graze his herd.

A folder of local information and suggested days out is provided.

Reviewed by Anouk van den Eijnde:

"The Quinta overlooks a working organic farm with horses, chickens, elaborate fruit & vegetable patches, a few stylish and secluded yurts and a spectacular view of Portugal's highest mountain range the Serra da Estrela."

Read Anouk's full review of Quinta das Abelhas Yurt Camp

How does Quinta das Abelhas Yurt Camp minimise its impact on the environment and contribute to a sense of place?

To reduce its draw on natural resources, solar panels have been installed which generated all of the electricity needs, the yurts are insulated with felt, and wood stoves are used for heating. Almost all of the lights are LED bulbs. The showers are solar powered or wood fired. The toilet is a dry composting version, which minimizes water usage. Water comes from a well, and consumption is monitored. All waste is separated and recycled.

A lot of the food is grown organically on the farm, and homemade items are available to guests. Guests are encouraged to arrive by train, the owners are happy to collect guests from the nearby startion, helping to minimise the impact that visitors have on this beautiful organic permaculture farm and its two stunning mountain ranges, the Serra da Estrela (highest in Portugal) and the Serra de Açor.