Wild Glamping - Serra do Espinhal, Central Portugal
A peaceful, family-run nature escape near Penela and Coimbra. Two distinctive yurts, a mountain-view room and space to slow down.
Our Story
O Homem Verde, known as 'The Green Man' in English, sits in the forested hills near Espinhal, half an hour from Coimbra. We are not a resort. We are not a hotel. We are a small, carefully tended place that was put together with love and with you in mind: the person who needs to stop, look up, and breathe.
Each yurt is unique. The showers are open to birdsong. The toilets are tucked under the trees. The bread van beeps at half ten. Our chickens roam the terraces and deer often wander through to say hello. These are not quirks to apologise for. They are what makes this space authentic and unique. Nature is not a backdrop here. It is the whole experience.
What Guests Say
★★★★★
“O Homem Verde is a magical place to escape from the world. We stayed in the Eastern yurt, by far the most authentic and best laid out yurt we have stayed in. The wood burner, the outside cooking area, the decoration: every day you spot new details you missed before. The view from the shower will ensure it never feels like a chore. The breakfasts are a must, with local baked bread and honey delivered to your door in a basket.”
Alex W.
UK
★★★★★
“Absolutamente perfeito. Ficamos duas noites no Eastern Yurt, e pensamos em aproveitar o dia para passear por Penela e Conimbriga, mas a experiência de estar a descansar em contacto com a Natureza, num yurt lindo e na companhia de dois gatinhos incríveis, foi o suficiente para simplesmente ficarmos a relaxar e aproveitar a calma que o Homem Verde nos proporcionou. Recomendamos e queremos voltar!”
Rodrigo S.
Portugal
★★★★★
“We brought our two kids and they didn't miss screens for a single second. The accommodation was excellent, comfortable yet rustic enough not to feel like a hotel. Our host was wonderful and helpful. We had an excellent time exploring the nearby river beaches, with waterfalls, water and rocks to climb. Excellent value for money. Highly recommended.”
Sarah B.
UK
★★★★★
“We have stayed here every autumn for the last four years. We love the experience of nature immersion and at the same time having comfort. Even with bad weather we love being here. Nothing beats a hot shower with a valley view while it rains. Our host and his family are amazing, you will be in great care. We highly recommend O Homem Verde.”
Rodrigo M.
Portugal
★★★★★
“We only had one weekend to spend here but it was worth every moment. The yurts are incredibly comfy and the surrounding nature is astonishing. Everything is clean and wonderfully furnished. We loved the top window from where we could see shooting stars from the comfort of our bed. We wish we had more time here. Highly recommended.”
Lindsay B.
UK
★★★★★
“We've just got back from a five-night stay with family at this magical place. The kids absolutely loved the hammocks and deckchairs, the yurt, the friendly cats, even the composting toilet! I loved the beautiful, peaceful surroundings, the lanterns dotted all over the garden at night, star-gazing, cooking and eating outdoors, and lazing about on the deck and in the hammocks. A really magical holiday.”
Emma T.
UK
Where You'll Stay
We offer 3 unique experiences for different travellers.
Our Eastern Yurt is of traditional Mongolian design, hand painted and decorated in an ethnic and rustic style with hand-made furniture. A big, breathing space where you can lay back and let the surround sound of nature do its work. For winter stays, the woodstove keeps you very cosy indeed.
With a simple and elegant natural wood finish, the Green Man Yurt has a harmonious, calming ambience. The bed and furniture are handmade locally, each piece chosen with care. Inside the yurt, a fan is provided in spring and summer, and an electric radiator in autumn and winter. Ideal for couples seeking stillness or a small family wanting to slow right down together.
Welcome to The Upper Room, elevated high above the yurts with a picture window looking out across the valley. Calm and warm, with a charming handmade double bed, sofa beds for children, en suite bathroom, and a wood burner (for warmth only. There is no cooking facility in the room). Artists love it for the light. Families love it for the stillness.
The Site
Each yurt has its own private shower, open to birdsong whilst remaining fully private. Safari-style, built from local timber and recycled materials.
For those staying in the yurts, charming wooden structures nestled under the trees, with private views of the hills through open windows.
In keeping with the O Homem Verde philosophy, we do not offer WiFi to guests. This space has been intentionally set up to help you disconnect from the outside world. If needed, reception is available a short walk up to the road.
Trampoline and playhouse in the garden (the playhouse is currently unavailable while undergoing repair). Travel cots available free of charge. Kids stay free from night three. Paths can be uneven, so bring a torch for evenings.
A seasonal basket of delicious local food, with coffee or tea, tailored to your dietary requirements. Delivered each morning you'd like it. €9 per adult · €4.50 per child aged 2–12. Order when you book, or let us know at least a day ahead.
Booking
Prices below are our Autumn/Winter Retreat rate, 15% off, for stays with check-in between September and February. All prices are for two adults sharing and include applicable taxes. Other months' rates appear when you pick your dates in the calendar. Book directly with us for the best rate.
€76.50 / night
2 adults · up to 4 adults or family of 5
€68 / night
Up to 3 guests (2 adults + 1 child)
€63.75 / night
2 adults + sofa beds for children
Eastern Yurt & Green Man Yurt: 2 nights minimum September–June, 3 nights minimum in July–August. The Upper Room: 1 night minimum year-round.
Find Us
We are south of Coimbra, near Penela and the village of Espinhal, in the hills of central Portugal. You will need your own transport to reach us. Detailed directions are provided upon booking.
Coimbra has bus and train connections from both Porto and Lisbon, plus car rental. You will need your own transport to reach us in the mountains.
From Monday to Saturday, a bread van passes by at around 10:30am (11:30am Saturdays), with fresh bread and cakes. Listen for the beeping white van.
Xisto Restaurante Loucainha
< 5 min
At the Loucainha natural swimming pools. Tue–Sun lunch, Sat dinner. Book ahead.
+351239012296Vita Salus
10 min
Vegan communal lunches. Book ahead.
+351239098747Quinta da Cerca
Espinhal ~10 min
Local grilled Portuguese food.
+351239042931ViRiDi
Penela ~15 min
Vegetarian-friendly café: pancakes, wraps, salads, natural juices.
Penela ~15 min
Traditional regional food with views of the hills. Closed Tuesdays.
O Pastor
Penela ~15 min
Quality regional food on the main road between Espinhal and Penela.
Currylicious
Miranda do Corvo ~20 min
Authentic Indian curries.
+351924770980Casal de S. Simão ~35 min
Quality regional food in a refurbished schist village.
Ti Lena
Serra da Lousã ~35 min
Set in the schist village of Talasnal. Advance booking only.
911932948The Region
River beaches, caves, castles, canyoning, horse riding: central Portugal rewards those who explore it. Book activities directly with the companies below.
Walking distance
30-metre waterfall with natural bathing pool
5 min drive
Natural river swimming pool with summer café and library
15 min drive
Medieval castle with free audio guides
25 min drive
World Heritage Roman ruins and mosaics
35 min drive
Historic university city, fado music, cobbled streets
Nearby
Underground cave exploration for all ages
Treetop adventure, Bubble Football, guided hikes
Explore a nearby underground cave, for all ages
Beginners to experts, mountain trail tours
Canoeing, Canyoning, Paintball, Hiking, Trekking
Walking and jeep tours through the mountains, ocean or Coimbra
Water slides and pool (~45 min). No booking needed.
Note: bedding, towels (excluding beach towels) and basic cooking equipment are all provided.
Check Availability
Select your space, pick your dates, and send a booking request. We reply within 24 hours. A deposit of at least 30% is payable within 24 hours of receiving the request email. Pay by bank transfer or MB WAY, with the remaining cash balance rounded down to the nearest €5 increment and settled on arrival.
Contact by email