Lifestyle Press

Richard and Caroline have established a simple eco-campsite one-hour north of Faro, southern Portugal. Set in 22 hectares of rolling hills amidst the peace and quiet of the countryside – and with it’s own lake – near Ourique. There are only 10 pitches so booking is essential. Although the naturist site is open all year, it is still under development and the owners are offering a special rate of just €6.50 Euro per night, including free wi-fi.

Luxurious glamping in the buff at ‘Natural Portugal‘ – consists of five large tents each with bathroom (bath, shower and toilet), double bed, lounge furniture & terrace. There’s a community area with lounge sunbeds, river swimming with a private beach, sports facilities, and massage. Situated north of Lisbon, in the heart of rural Portugal, near the village of Penela (slightly south of Coimbra), where Inga, Patrick & Sean – the young family who live at Glampelo – look forward to welcoming visitors to their new site.

Situated 350 metres above sea level at the village of Andorinha, near Oliveira do Hospital, Quinta das Oliveira, is set in 8.5 acres, and offers naturist camping for just ten units. Additionally, the owners have a few caravans to rent and a fully-equipped chalet for up to four people. There is an attractive terrace around the pool, as well as a bar and reception area. (translation by Google – original website )

Dutch naturists Jos and Martine Pronk – together with their young family – followed their dream to farm in the Alentejano region of southern Portugal.  After successfully building up the agricultural side of the business they decided to open a naturist centre. Samonatura is situated at the edge of a protected reserve: Parque Naturel do Sudoeste, situated between Vila Nova de Milfontes and the small village of S. Luís. Covering 8 hectares, the property enjoys distant ocean views of the Atlantic 7km away. Accommodation is available in three separate self-contained units ranging from a de-luxe studio to a complete house.

This lovely 3-bedroomed villa at Carvoeiro on the Algarve, is owned by British naturists who clearly chose it on the basis of its suitability for bare bathing. Offering seclusion and a good sized pool, the family accommodation is also handy for the plentiful nude beaches along the nearby coast – excellent details on the villa website.

After 5 years of providing bed and breakfast accommodation for fellow naturists at their rural retreat near Santa Clara a Velha in the lower Alentejo region of Portugal, Ray and Marnie have moved to a location near the popular resort of Vila Nova de Milfontes on the Alentejo coast.  At the new property – with nude beaches nearby – they will still be offering holidays for naturists, but on a self catering basis. ‘Naturest Milfontes‘ will open at Easter 2011 – keep an eye on the website as it is developed for the coming season.

Jan and Jon are launching a new venture to accommodate visitors who prefer to holiday au naturel. Their property on the Portuguese Algarve offers a choice of self catering, B&B, half board or all inclusive. Set in countryside to the east of Faro and just 20 minutes’ drive from the airport, the welcoming swimming pool and sunny terraces will be appreciated by those who prefer to bathe in the buff.

The attractive 3-bedroomed Villa da Felicidade, near Carvoeiro on the Portuguese Algarve, is not marketed specifically for nude use. However, holidaying naturists advise the high degree of privacy make it ideal for sunbathing and swimming au naturel. Set in landscaped gardens, the property is handy for the Vale do Milho Golf Course and the coast. The villa is believed suitable for wheelchair users – check details with owner.

Three secluded holiday properties in Portugal recommended by British travel writer Paul Rouse – who lives in the country – offer the opportunity for relaxing as nature intended. The naturist-friendly villas are at Monte Horizonte in the Alentejo; and Casa Tara near Loule and Oleanders at Carvoeiro, both on the Algarve.

Meanwhile, we’ve also identified Vale de Milhanos, a comfortable country cottage in the surroundings of the Natural Park of the Guadiana Valley, described as ‘a place to stay for an unforgettable naturist holiday’.

Paul Rouse, writing in the August edition of H&E, recommends the naturist-friendly Joya Jung Spa at the German-operated textile Vila Joya Hotel, at Gale on the Portuguese Algarve. According to Paul, all of the communal spa facilities, inside and outside, can be enjoyed as nature intended – he suggests topping up your all-over tan in the spa’s private gardens to the sound of crashing waves! As an added bonus, we understand the hotel’s restaurant is the only establishment in Portugal that has been awarded 2 Michelin stars.

Casa Somba is a naturist guesthouse in a quiet part of Carvoeiro, 55 km west of Faro International Airport, on the Algarve. The English-speaking Belgian owners offer bed & breakfast and have a large swimming pool in the secluded gardens. Free wi-fi internet access is available around the property. The accommodation is handy for a choice of local nude beaches.

Situated high on the Funchal Ridge, near Lagos and Praia da Luz on the Western Algarve region of Portugal, Tres Mares is a large farmhouse-style villa sleeping up to 14 people. With a choice of lawns, extensive terraces, 360-degree views taking in the coast and a heated swimming pool, the owners suggest it’s ‘perfectly designed for private naturists’. There’s even a badminton court and a bar.

Alenquer Camping and Bungalows just to the north of Lisbon – the capital of Portugal – is a mainly textile site, but an area has been reserved for naturist campers and caravanners. INF Members (International Naturist Federation) are offered a discount on accommodation.

Quinta do Grilo is a Dutch-owned holiday home in the countryside near Amoreiras, Portugal. The property which sleeps up to six adults and three children is described as ‘ideal for nudists’. There are no near neighbours and the grounds are surrounded by agricultural land and forest.  It has a chlorine-free solar heated swimming pool and is 50-minutes’ drive from the west coast. The property is currently available for sale – priced €400,000.

Roger and Jan Randall have set up a new website – www.naturist-holiday-guide.com – to provide independent travel advice for those interested in au naturel vacations. France, Greece, Portugal and Cornwall in the UK are all currently included in their personal travelogue. Contributions and trip reports from other naturists are welcome.