Info
OUR AIM
A sustainable, beautiful place, surrounded by nature.
Authentic holidays and memories to remember.
The Algarve
The Algarve is Portugal’s most southern region and most popular touristic destination – almost 10 million people visit it every year, most visits occur on the south coast between Lagos and Faro. Tourism on the west coast is much more diverse, less concentrated. Activity based.
Its highest point is Fóia, at 902 metres, part of the mountains of Monchique. The coastline is notable for picturesque limestone caves and grottoes, long beaches and beautiful sea cliffs. It is also home to a big variety of beaches, from small and quiet beaches of the Vicentina Natural Park (from Lagos to Odiacexe) to big, sandy extensions in Alvor ou Falésia.
Weather
Temperatures: fluctuates between 25 °C and 40 °C in the summer but on the west coast rarely gets over 35 °C with the Atlantic cooling breeze. Night time temperatures are pleasant, blanket needed. Winter, Spring and Autumn temperatures are moderate 15-23 °C.
Rain: over 300 rain free days per year. Most like months for rain, January & February, chances thunderstorms October, November March.
Rain: over 300 rain free days per year. Most like months for rain, January & February, chances thunderstorms October, November March.
Rain is generally brief, a few hours. It will rain for a day or two, once or twice a year.
Getting here
Getting here: Closest airport, Faro. All budget airlines fly to Faro, Ryan Air, EasyJet, Air Berlin, Tui.
There is cheap car hire at faro. Good local car hire is: www.zitauto.com
It is also possible to take a transfer or bus from Faro to Vila do Bispo or Pedralva.
We use a local transfer company, contact us for details.
There is cheap car hire at faro. Good local car hire is: www.zitauto.com
It is also possible to take a transfer or bus from Faro to Vila do Bispo or Pedralva.
We use a local transfer company, contact us for details.
The Algarve extends from the Spanish border in the East along the south coast south to Cape St Vincent in the east and up the west coast North to Odiaxere. The length of the south-facing coastline is approximately 155 kilometres and the west coast is roughly 70km.
Why Off grid sustainability
Living off grid in SW Portugal is a choice we consciously made to live closer to nature using lower impact methods, making us less reliant on heavy industry. The area we live in is a place of spectacular natural beauty, by using off grid methods, nature is highlighted and impacted in much smaller ways. Some aspects of living off grid require changes to our every day routines. We embrace these differences as our way to make a difference to the world we live. We encourage you to understand these changes not as inconveniences but rather as novelties to embrace for the benefit of the whole planet. Living off grid brings you closer to nature, lets you experience nature in a purer form and gives you insight into novel ways of making a difference to the world we live in. Letting go of preconceived ideas of what is normal.
Living off grid in SW Portugal is a choice we consciously made to live closer to nature using lower impact methods, making us less reliant on heavy industry. The area we live in is a place of spectacular natural beauty, by using off grid methods, nature is highlighted and impacted in much smaller ways. Some aspects of living off grid require changes to our every day routines. We embrace these differences as our way to make a difference to the world we live. We encourage you to understand these changes not as inconveniences but rather as novelties to embrace for the benefit of the whole planet. Living off grid brings you closer to nature, lets you experience nature in a purer form and gives you insight into novel ways of making a difference to the world we live in. Letting go of preconceived ideas of what is normal.
Recycle
We recycle glass, plastic, paper, metal & food. Because we produce our energy from the sun, we operate with a very low carbon output and very little waste. This of course is a bonus because you are spending your holiday greener for the same value with no strain on the planet. Of course we ask our workers, visitors & guests to help us realize this and stick to this attitude. We’ll ask you to attain an ecological attitude.
Energy
Since we acquire our energy from the sun, our electric supply is limited to what nature gives us. As such, we must ask everyone to be kind to our system; heavy electricity usage and the use of high-consumption appliances – such as irons, hair dryers are not possible only in exceptional circumstances. Charging of phones etc is only done in the common space, “inconvenient" or a chance for a cup of tee and a chat with us or other guests.
Of course, this doesn’t mean to say you’ll be sat in the dark if the sun isn’t out; we will always provide energy, but it’s part of the experience to be conscious of your usage and to enjoy the experience of living off grid.
Of course, this doesn’t mean to say you’ll be sat in the dark if the sun isn’t out; we will always provide energy, but it’s part of the experience to be conscious of your usage and to enjoy the experience of living off grid.
Water
Water in the Algarve is a precious resource, While most hotels do not tell you that there is a constant problem with limited water in the area. Water is often diverted from agriculture to fill baths of tourists. That is not to say don’t use water. Use a s much as is needed just remember to take care. Part of the experience is to be conscious of your usage, water is a precious commodity, we are lucky to have a well, river and dam in the property, but as the global weather changes, the rain is unpredictable, we have some dry years. You can never be too careful or caring of this beautiful gift.
Environment
Goals, impact, ecolodge
Aqua-ventura Eco Retreat is a 150 acre bush property, set in the middle of the Algrve's Cape St Vincent national park close to the village of Pedralva.
Guests are welcome to explore the property.
We are very keen to make our impact on the environment as small as possible. We work within Vicentine Coast Natural Park, Portugal’s largest protected area, and so abide by strict regulations set out by the Institute for the Conservation of Nature. Our leaders take active steps to ensure our groups behave in an environmentally responsible manner, such as sticking to established trails as to prevent path erosion and not leaving anything behind in terms of litter or removing any plants. By travelling with us you are contributing to these goals.
Guests are welcome to explore the property.
We are very keen to make our impact on the environment as small as possible. We work within Vicentine Coast Natural Park, Portugal’s largest protected area, and so abide by strict regulations set out by the Institute for the Conservation of Nature. Our leaders take active steps to ensure our groups behave in an environmentally responsible manner, such as sticking to established trails as to prevent path erosion and not leaving anything behind in terms of litter or removing any plants. By travelling with us you are contributing to these goals.
The Farm
Buildings: In 2014 the property was abandoned, buildings have been rebuilt using different natural materials to best integrate into the surrounding nature. All cottages have beautiful views and private spaces, with minimum environmental, impact built using as many local materials as possible stylish "green: buildings.
This is a nature-lovers retreat, and would suit anyone wanting a truly comfortable and stylish accommodation experience whilst also enjoying the peace and adventure that such a bush setting offers.
This is a nature-lovers retreat, and would suit anyone wanting a truly comfortable and stylish accommodation experience whilst also enjoying the peace and adventure that such a bush setting offers.
