Glamping Portugal

Explore the rural charms of the Alentejo direct from the glampsite, with trails leading through fields full of seasonal sunflowers or into ancient cork forests. Left the bike at home? Rent one on site and head off into the hills. How about a day out on the water? Head to Lake Odivelas (20 minutes’ drive) for a paddle around the reservoir – the obliging owners will transport their canoes to the water’s edge for you. For a refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean, Praia dos Buizinhos (an hour) is the nearest beach, tucked into a cove and safe for swimming. Windsurfers can try their luck on Costa de Santo André beach in Reserva Natural das Lagoas de Santo André e da Sancha (an hour), where you might get lucky and spot rare red herons fishing in the marshes. If you’re with the kids or just don’t feel like driving very far, Ferreira do Alentejo (15 minutes) is a cute little town with an abundance of whitewashed churches to discover as well as terrace bars – one such bar handily overlooks the playground in the Jardim Municipal de Ferreira do Alentejo so you can watch the kids let off steam as you sample a couple of local wines.