Sustainable Coliving in the Algarve: How Belavista Cares for the Land and Community

Sustainability at Belavista Coliving in the Algarve isn’t a trend or a marketing message. It’s a way of life that’s deeply rooted in the land, local heritage, and the responsibility that comes with hosting people from all over the world.

Belavista has been in our family since the 1940s. Long before sustainability became a buzzword, the land here was cared for through respect, balance, and long-term thinking. That same mindset guides how we run Belavista today — as a family-run, sustainable coliving space in the East Algarve.

As Belavista has grown into a home for digital nomads, creatives, remote workers, and slow travellers, our commitment to sustainability has grown too.

A 100% Solar-Powered Coliving in Portugal

One of our biggest milestones has been becoming 100% solar powered.

The Algarve sun has powered our hot water for years. Today, it also powers our electricity, heating, cooling, coworking spaces, and daily life across the property. This makes Belavista one of the few solar-powered coliving spaces in Portugal.

This transition didn’t happen overnight. It was the result of careful planning, long-term investment, and a belief that sustainable infrastructure should support both comfort and the environment.

Sustainable Living in the Algarve Countryside

Belavista is located between Olhão and Fuseta, close to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, one of the most important ecosystems in southern Portugal. Protecting this environment is essential to how we operate.

Our sustainability practices include:

• Rainwater harvesting, used to care for gardens, organic land, a small forest, and over 15 fruit varieties

• Fully organic land, with no chemical treatments

• Nearly 2,000 trees across the property — with more planted each year

• Low-waste living, including recycling, composting, upcycling, and reducing plastic use

These practices allow us to work with nature, rather than against it.

A Thriving Natural Ecosystem at Belavista

Sustainability isn’t theoretical here — it’s visible every day.

Owls nest nearby, chameleons move through the trees, hedgehogs visit the garden at night, and dozens of bird species pass through during migration. These are clear indicators of a healthy ecosystem and a reminder of why careful land stewardship matters.

Belavista isn’t about curated nature experiences. It’s about living alongside nature in a respectful, low-impact way.

A Nature-First Lifestyle for Digital Nomads

Belavista promotes a slow, nature-first lifestyle that aligns with sustainable travel values.

With the Ecovia cycling path just minutes away, guests explore the Algarve by bike, on foot, or by kayak along the Ria Formosa. This reduces car dependency and encourages a deeper connection to the surrounding landscape.

We also prioritise:

• Local produce and suppliers

• Supporting small businesses in Olhão and Fuseta

• Working with local services

• Supporting a local dog shelter — including adopting Flora, our rescue dog

These choices help keep sustainability local, practical, and meaningful.

Sustainability and Community in Coliving

As a coliving space in the Algarve, community is at the heart of Belavista. Sustainability and community go hand in hand — both rely on shared responsibility, care, and long-term thinking.

When you stay at Belavista, you’re not just booking accommodation. You’re supporting:

• A locally owned coliving space

• Sustainable land management

• The preservation of Algarve culture and landscape

✨ When you travel to Belavista, you don’t need to worry — we’re taking real, measurable steps to become fully sustainable.

The Future of Sustainable Coliving at Belavista

Our goal is to become one of the most sustainable colivings in Europe — not by being perfect, but by being transparent, intentional, and always improving.

Becoming 100% solar powered is a major milestone, but it’s only the beginning. Sustainability is an ongoing journey, shaped by learning, adapting, and staying rooted in the values that have guided this land for generations.

Belavista shows that sustainable travel, comfort, community, and creativity can coexist — grounded in local heritage and surrounded by nature in the Algarve.