About Bubulcus & Bolotas Camping
Bubulcus & Bolotas is a nature and sustainability-driven campsite created by Tânia and Waldemar, a couple who turned their dream of living in harmony with nature into reality. Set on 7.5 hectares of untouched Mediterranean forest near Vimieiro, in the municipality of Arraiolos, the campsite was designed with a philosophy inspired by the wide-open camp grounds of North American National Parks, generous space, total privacy, and a deep respect for the landscape around you.
Every detail of the site has been built from scratch, from the water supply drawn from an underground source to the entirely solar-powered electricity grid. The buildings are clad in natural cork board that weathers to match the bark of the surrounding trees, blending almost invisibly into the forest. It's a place for nature lovers, slow travellers, birdwatchers, cyclists and anyone looking to genuinely disconnect, all within 35 km of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Évora.
Accommodation Options
Bubulcus & Bolotas offers four distinct ways to stay, all designed around comfort in nature:
- Holiday Home - a 36 m² off-grid cottage with a private 18 m² terrace, views of three castles (Estremoz, Arraiolos and Evoramonte), air conditioning (available 10:00-19:00), a kitchenette with two burners, fridge and full utensils, and a bathroom with shower. Sleeps up to 4. From €98/night in winter, €115/night in July and August (minimum 3 nights). Check-in 16:00-20:00, check-out 8:00-11:00
- Tipi Tent (Tent-for-Rent) - a fully equipped tipi tent for up to 4 people, with mattresses, sleeping bags, sheets, gas burner, camping pans and cutlery. Solar electricity (6A) included. Cars must be parked separately. From €62/night (minimum 3 nights). Check-in 16:00-20:00, check-out 8:00-11:00
- Caravan (Tent-for-Rent) - a classic caravan for 2 adults with sleeping gear, kitchen with gas cooker, fridge, running water and utensils. Gas heater for winter stays. Available year-round. From €52/night (minimum 2 nights). Check-in 16:00-20:00, check-out 8:00-11:00
- Own Tent or Camper Pitches - spacious, well-separated pitches in the forest for guests bringing their own gear. A rotation system protects the soil and flora between uses. Long-stay deals available on request
Facilities & Services at Bubulcus & Bolotas Camping
Despite its remote and wild feel, the site is thoughtfully equipped for a comfortable stay:
- Natural biological swimming pool using collected rainwater
- Children's pool
- Solar-heated showers and sanitary facilities
- Baby-changing facilities
- Accessible facilities for guests with reduced mobility
- Free use of leisure equipment: balls, wooden rackets, badminton, basketball and pétanque
- On-site visitors centre with information on local nature, the region and sustainability
- Cycling and walking route guides available at reception
- Birdwatching and nature field guides provided
- Stargazing (dark skies, no light pollution)
- Breakfast basket service (€6/person, vegan, order one day in advance, served 8:00–10:00):
- Menu I - Wholemeal bread, acorn muffin, olive spread, jam, coffee/tea, juice
- Menu II - Oat yogurt with fruit and jam, small wheat bread, olive spread, coffee/tea, juice
- Menu III - Overnight oats with seasonal fruits and seeds, fresh seasonal fruit, coffee/tea, juice
- Separate waste recycling stations throughout the site
- Free Wi-Fi
Top Attractions Near Bubulcus & Bolotas Camping
The campsite is ideally located for exploring the most authentic and least-touristed corners of Portugal:
- Évora - a UNESCO World Heritage city with a Roman temple, medieval cathedral, and the famous bone chapel of Igreja de São Francisco, around 35 km away
- Arraiolos - a charming whitewashed village world-famous for its hand-stitched wool rugs, 15 km away
- Estremoz - a marble town with a lively Saturday morning market, castle and excellent local wines, around 25 km away
- Monsaraz - one of Portugal's most scenic hilltop villages, with sweeping views over the Alqueva reservoir
- Evoramonte - a medieval castle village visible directly from the holiday home terrace
- River beaches at Mora and Fronteira, and lakeside beaches at Maranhão, Montargil and Alqueva - all a short drive away
- Dolmens and menhirs scattered throughout the surrounding countryside - ask at reception for directions
- Cycling routes through the Alentejo countryside - flat to gently rolling, suitable for all levels
Visitor Information & Opening Season
Bubulcus & Bolotas Camping is open year-round and is run directly by owners Tânia and Waldemar.
- Reception hours are 8:00-22:00
- No arrivals admitted after sunset
- Check-in for all accommodation is 16:00-20:00; check-out is 8:00-11:00
- Advance reservation required for tipi tent, caravan and holiday home
- Dogs are permitted on a lead in both low and high season
- Cars and motorbikes are not permitted at tent pitches - vehicles must be parked in the designated parking area
- Guests arriving on foot or by bicycle receive a discount
- Electricity at pitches is solar-powered, high-consumption devices (cooking plates, heaters, air conditioning, grills) are not supported at pitches
- The nearest ATM is in Vimieiro, approximately 4 km away
- Long-stay discounts available on request
- Educational visits and school groups welcome
