Among lush mountains and the silvery reflection of the Cabril reservoir, in Portugal, lies a place that seems suspended between dream and reality. Rio Zêzere @exit_republic_portugal2025 is a haven for those seeking silence and community, authentic nature, and new perspectives on life.
In this hidden corner of central Portugal, we interviewed Costanze, a Berliner who chose to transform two hectares of land into a sustainable retreat and shared space.
Her story takes us on a journey of courage, simplicity, and a desire to live in harmony with the landscape and with people.
What is the story behind Rio Zêzere @exit_republic_portugal2025?
“In view of the situation in the world, I set out to find a place on the edge of Europe where we, as Berliners, might be able to move a little out of the eye of the storm and onto the fringes of world events. I wanted to stay in Europe because I fear the stark experience of being a ‘foreigner’ and think that this way, we don’t completely deprive ourselves of the opportunity to contribute as Europeans, at least a little bit – even if it’s on a small scale – to keeping Europe peaceful.
At first – in 2022 – I travelled around southern Spain a lot, but found it a bit too densely populated and built-up, and also too dry. Then, in the green heart of Portugal, suddenly everything was there – lots of greenery, lots of water, lots of peace and quiet, and much more relaxed, friendly people than anywhere else – at least that’s how it seemed to me.”
From land to hospitality
“That’s why I chose this 2-hectare mountainside as my second home, which we have only just started promoting a week ago via @exit_republic_portugal2025 as a possible holiday destination or new home for like-minded people with a direct view of the Cabril reservoir!
The Cabril Dam in Pedrogao Pequeno dams the Rio Zezere, which has been sung about many times by poets and flows here with countless tributaries and streams through beautiful green mountains and deserted villages. It is an area with friendly residents and many opportunities to do good and lead a beautiful, contented life.”
How do you live sustainability at Rio Zêzere @exit_republic_portugal2025?
“Currently, we are planning more than we are practising – but we have only just started. Of course, we buy regional food from neighbours and local farmers wherever possible, use only our own water and do not waste it, are planning a solar power system, and are building with natural, regional materials such as eucalyptus wood, clay, and straw.
We have built the first terraces with the help of a neighbour and his excavator, as well as the first parking spaces for motorhomes, and are planning a step-by-step permaculture project with new fruit trees, a vegetable garden, and people who would like to lease the land and water and grow vegetables!
At the moment, we only harvest wine, quinces, and, soon, olives. We made our first grape juice in the summer and now want to make our own olive oil for the first time this autumn. We have maybe 70-80 trees – if not more.”
What experiences do your guests enjoy the most?
“Working together. Above all, learning how to build your own roof over your head, using only natural materials and without having to sign your life away to a bank for 30 years. We are currently learning this from a new friend we have made, who is sharing his knowledge of clay house building with us, which we are happy to pass on to anyone interested in workshops or in the context of work and travel.”
What nature trails do you love to share with your visitors?
“We can offer tours along wild river courses in the surrounding area or simply send our guests to the enchanted terrace with the small stream at the foot of our mountainside – down there, you can’t help but be amazed.
But we can also take you to great, hidden swimming spots down by the lake. We can also take you on a trip to Tomar (45 minutes by car) with its impressive last refuge of the Knights Templar, or to the old university city of Coimbra.
We can offer tours along wild river courses in the surrounding area or simply take our guests to the enchanted terrace with the small stream at the foot of the hill.
After an hour’s drive, we can also show them truly deserted, idyllic sandy beaches on the Atlantic coast. And for those who want their own piece of land, we can plan trips to places in the neighbourhood that are off-market and need new residents.”
What does being part of the Ecobnb community mean to you?
“We discovered Ecobnb by chance and immediately got the impression that this is where people look for holiday accommodation who are not keen on service providers and don’t panic when a spider comes crawling down the wall. We think we have a lot to offer people who find visiting a family of wild boars enriching, who enjoy community and who are keen to learn new things. Ecobnb seems to attract and bring together people like this, which we think is wonderful. It’s also nice to see that there are obviously quite a few of us : )!
And if I may say so, we were so enthusiastic about the site that we immediately booked a fee. We were all the more relieved when our enquiry was promptly answered with a ‘lively’ friendly response and as much support as this interview! Thank you :)”
Rediscovering the Essential in the Green Heart of Portugal
Amid the crystal-clear waters of the Cabril Reservoir, in the lush green heart of Portugal, Rio Zêzere @exit_republic_portugal2025 is more than a destination: it is an invitation to reconnect with nature, immerse yourself in sustainable living, and rediscover what truly matters.
Here, simplicity becomes a way of life, every moment offers a chance to slow down, and the question many of us ask—how to truly live again?—finds its answer in the rhythm of the land, the community, and the quiet beauty that surrounds you.
