Maison nature à Santo Antonio das Areias

This secluded wooden cabin is found perched on the rocks above the Rio Sever in the heart of São Mamede Natural Park, near Marvão in Portugal. Truly immersed in nature the quiet is striking, but understandable when you think how far off-road you’ve come. It is the perfect romantic off-grid getaway in the Alto Alentejo countryside. The beautifully decorated wooden interior is cosy and colourful, with a plush double bed in the centre. There is a private shower, kitchen and a compost toilet. Towels and linens are provided. Fresh spring water is available from the land. In the communal area, there are power sockets and a fridge/freezer. The cabin has a lovely wooden deck hovering over the river with a table and chairs, as well as a couple of swinging chairs, perfect for taking in the morning sun and nature. Fresh produce, olive oil, olives, eggs and a range of preserves are available in the farm shop. The farm is worked organically, using permaculture principles and methods.

São Mamede Natural Park is sparsely inhabited and rarely explored, meaning you feel less like tourists and more like adventurers. There is true backwoods hiking through trailless hills that smugglers used to find very helpful for getting around Spanish border patrols, and wild swimming in pools of the many rivers and streams. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch sight of the wild boar that thrive in the unspoilt wilderness and often come down to the river on the farm to drink. The nearest village is a 40-minute walk, but the local shop sells everything you need and some great local specialties like delicious bread. If you start to miss “civilisation”, make the 15-minute drive to Marvao for local music on Friday nights or just to hang out in the friendly surroundings of Natural Bar and enjoy the sight of the town clinging to the hillside under the looming castle.