About: Casa do Valle is a family-run bed & breakfast perched on the edge of Sintra’s UNESCO-listed historic center, surrounded by a surprisingly vast garden with fruit trees, flowers, and a pool overlooking Moorish Castle ruins. With just 11 rooms spread across a couple of charming villas, it feels like a home away from home – one that has embraced sustainability as a core value from the very start. The owner, a passionate advocate for responsible tourism, has woven eco-practices into every facet of operations. Casa do Valle proudly carries the Green Key eco-label, reflecting efforts such as 100% LED lighting, solar-heated water for the showers and pool, and diligent recycling and composting that ensure minimal waste output. They have eliminated single-use plastics (providing filtered water and refill stations so guests can “fill your bottle and avoid plastic waste”) and use only eco-friendly cleaning products. The guest rooms feature locally made natural toiletries in bulk dispensers and energy-saving appliances, and linens are changed on request to save water – guests are gently educated on these steps via friendly in-room notes (part of fostering a “sustainable guest” mindset). Casa do Valle’s philosophy extends beyond the environment to the community and culture. They are a proud member of the Natural.PT network, which means they actively promote Portugal’s natural and cultural heritage. At breakfast, you’ll savor organic jams, breads, and cheeses from Sintra farmers and bakeries; the coffee is fair-trade and the tea is from a local herbalist. The B&B encourages guests to dine at nearby family-run restaurants and provides a map of hidden gems, spreading tourism benefits around. They also co-founded a project called Walk Sintra – developing an app and maintaining walking trails to encourage car-free exploration of the area’s palaces, forests, and coastline. Borrow one of their free bicycles or simply set out on foot; Casa do Valle even volunteers staff time to help clear and signpost paths in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Any unavoidable waste (like leftover guest soap or shampoo bottles) is donated to local homeless shelters, and the B&B supports local charities with a portion of its proceeds. Impact: For these efforts, Casa do Valle has been recognized in Green Destination’s Top 100 Sustainability Stories – but what guests notice is the warm, genuine hospitality. Travelers describe the experience as feeling “part of the Sintra community.” After a day visiting Pena Palace or hiking to the Cruz Alta viewpoint, you can relax by the pool with a view of the mountains, knowing your stay actively contributes to preserving this beautiful region. From the solar panels on the roof to the tips given at check-in about respecting the Natural Park rules, Casa do Valle truly lives its values. And it invites you to do the same: whether by refilling your water bottle, taking the train instead of a car into Lisbon, or choosing a locally crafted souvenir (the on-site gift corner showcases handicrafts from Sintra). This B&B proves that small tourism businesses can make a big difference – and that “responsible travel” can be as comfortable and delightful as an afternoon nap in its hammock-strewn garden.