The Aldeia da Pedralva, situated in the municipality of Vila do Bispo, in the interior of the Algarve, was almost completely abandoned over decades, dropping from over a hundred inhabitants to just nine residents in 2006. At that time, there were about 50 houses in an advanced state of disrepair and only nine met minimum habitability conditions, in a scenario marked by abandonment and desertification.
Between 2006 and 2008, those responsible for the project contacted more than 200 owners and heirs, in Portugal and in other European countries, to negotiate the acquisition of 30 houses. The intervention sought to return utility to the buildings without altering the rural image of the place, using materials similar to those of ancient constructions and restored furniture. The Vila do Bispo City Council participated in the renovation of infrastructure, ensuring new plumbing, street paving, lighting and the underground installation of electrical cabling.
In 2010, with part of the buildings restored, the village began operating with 26 country houses for tourism, along with the Sítio da Pedralva restaurant, Café Central, a swimming pool, common areas, the old village oven and a bicycle washing station. The entity responsible described this moment as preparation for a new challenge: to have life, linking tourist use to the reoccupation of a place that had lost residents.
The offering was expanded to nature activities, with a center that provides 32 bicycles and over 300 kilometers of mountain bike trails, as well as hiking equipment, a surf school and diving courses. Staying with pets is allowed for an additional fee, but not in common areas, including the restaurant, pool and lounge.
