Quinta da Fornalha

By: Helperbee on 31 July 2008
Category: Bio-Products, Eco-LifeStyle, Eco-Tourism, Responsible Agriculture

Português

Have you ever thought about the consequences of your holidays abroad? Ok, everyone needs a holiday and it is always best to go elsewhere to get some real relaxation. So how about feeling less guilty about your carbon emissions by going to an eco-hotel? Sustainable tourism is becoming more and more popular, even in the Algarve, as people want to enjoy their holidays to the fullest without damaging the environment.

(photo credit: jimpg2)

An appropriate definition follows:

“Sustainable Tourism in its purest sense, is an industry committed to making a low impact on the natural environment and local culture, while helping to generate income and employment for locals” (source).

Quinta da Fornalha is a perfect example of sustainable tourism located in the natural reserves of Sapal in East Algarve. This family business in the council of Castro Marim cherishes the Algarvian culture by its organic agriculture, accommodation for guests in refurbished traditional country houses and informative tours exploring the local fauna and flora. For about 100 years they have been producing organic milk products such as half-fat milk, half-fat yogurt and yogurt cheese with their “holsteinfrisiarr” animals. They are also established with other organic produces such as figo and olives and also in the near future in oranges. Last but not least, they also produce organic salt.

Alongside their delicious organic agriculture business, they run a sustainable tourism centre which allows guests to be accommodated in refurbished traditional farm houses. They can provide their guests which different types of activities such as visiting the agricultural sites, exploring Castro Marim’s cultural history and also seasonally guests can try collecting and drying aromatic herbs or collecting salt. Future plans also include a restaurant, an