Guests who've stayed at the Portugal Yurt Retreat already know it’s an unspoilt, tucked away hideout, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Acquiring accommodation here in the summer months may involve some advance planning due to both the site's popularity with returning guests, and its commendable ethos of not overcrowding the lush, natural landscape. And once you've found comfort in a shady hammock, swinging merrily away, surrounded by olive trees and the majestic mountains of Região Centro, you’ll understand why everyone keeps coming back.
Relaxation and tranquility are the order of the day here. The site is wonderfully laid back, secluded, and attentively run by helpful hosts Fiona, Mark and Nuno. The onsite accommodation consists of two homemade yurts, constructed in the traditional Mongolian style, using wood from the surrounding area. Each abode is built on a sturdy wooden base and comes kitted out with an adjoining bathroom, and covered outdoor kitchen/dining area, perfect for enjoying a fine Portuguese feast in the fresh air. The yurts are fully (and we mean fully!) furnished, making them completely self-contained for those wanting to relax and retreat in complete privacy.
If you’re an enthusiastic hiker you’ll love the surrounding mountains, which offer a multitude of paths and mountain-biking treks. After a couple of glorious days hiking in the foothills of Central Portugal, you may want to reacquaint yourself with civilisation; thankfully there’s plenty of nearby towns and traditional villages (Pedrogao Pequeno for one) that won’t let you down. The site is also on the doorstep of several wild swimming spots, including the serene Cabril Reservoir and Portugal’s second longest stretch of water, the winding Zezere River. The water in these parts are fresh and invigorating, so strip off, take a deep breath and jump in!
With very little light pollution at Portugal Yurt Retreat, the stars shine brightly after dark. And if all that hiking and splashing about in the river hasn’t worn you out, then counting those sparkling stars will get you well on your way to a good night’s sleep. 1…2…3…
Just over an hours drive away is the medieval capital of Portugal, Coimbra. The city's university is Portugal's oldest (founded in 1290) and most distinguished, with a third of the Coimbra's population being students. If you visit during the academic year, you’ll be sure to feel its influence with students filling the cafes and bars of the old town. Take short stroll outside the historic centre and you’ll see Coimbra’s modern side; a new riverfront park with restaurants and bars, huge shopping complexes and a pedestrian bridge across the River Mondego. Many tourists make Coimbra their base for visits to the medieval fortress of Montemor-o-Velho (00351 239 687 300), the Roman ruins at Conimbriga and the outlandishly opulent Palace Hotel do Buçaco (00351 231 937 970.) The site is a 10 minute drive from the pretty village of Pedrogao Pequeno, and close to several swimming places in the Cabril Reservoir, and Zezere River. Only 1km away is the reservoir, a place which is suitable for young children to swim under supervision. Tomar (45 mins drive) has a famous Templar Castle. And Fatima, the place of pilgrimage for many Catholics is also nearby.
Locally there are many traditional Portuguese restaurants, with lunch being the biggest meal of the day. Food is affordable, freshly cooked and generally always meat based. Further afield, Restaurante Ponte Romana (00351 274 601 256) in Serta (30 minute drive) is a typical Portuguese 'family style' restaurant, with outdoor seating and a great view over the river and its ancient bridge. If your day-tripping in Coimbra, pop into either Ze Manel dos Ossos (00351 239 823 790) or Restaurante Rio Mondego (00351 919 518 409) for some top quality Portuguese cuisine. Onsite breakfast, lunch and dinners can be provided which will usually be vegetarian, using fresh organic vegetables from the garden. Nuno can also provide Portuguese inspired evening meals which are non-vegetarian. The site is only a 10 minute walk from the village which has two small shops selling all the basics; the nearest supermarkets can be found in Serta. Baskets of vegetables from the garden (seasonal) along with goats cheese (when they have it) can be purchased, whilst fresh bread from the village can also be organised.
