Cucumbi Farm

Cucumbi is located in the village of Barrancão, in the municipality of Alcácer do Sal, and its history takes us back to the last century when, during the Agrarian Reform, the lands were distributed and occupied by the resident population. At that time, the estate was an Agricultural Production Unit where the local population worked, managed, and distributed the goods they produced, making it a place of high historical and sentimental value for the locals.

My father and Isabel acquired this estate about 18 years ago, during which they made efforts to maintain it organically. Unfortunately, their professions consumed most of their time, and in 2018 they decided to sell the estate. Tozé had a dream—to dedicate himself to agriculture—and he saw an opportunity to fulfill it by purchasing this piece of land that he loved so much. He convinced me to embark on this project, and with the help of our dear friend Fernando Oliveira and the incredible aesthetics of Sofia Albuquerque, Cucumbi was born.

We changed our lives, fleeing the city, with the desire to immerse ourselves in and savor this magnificent nature, in a conscious return to simplicity.

We look forward to your visit!

Catarina and Tozé

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO A PEACEFUL STAY

We want you to feel at home from the very first moment.

Before we meet, here are some details that make Cucumbi the best place to relax in Alentejo.

All water is recycled and utilized here

Environmental sustainability is a daily priority for us. We are mindful of water consumption and have systems in place for flow reduction, water reuse, and recycling. Whether it's turning on the faucet, watering plants, or swimming in the pool, water resource management is a top priority. In rural tourism and particularly in a region like Alentejo, every drop counts.

Disposable plastic is left at the door

Even when Cucumbi was just a project, we had one certainty: no matter what, we would not use disposable plastic on the estate. We dreamed it, and we made it happen. Whenever possible, food and hygiene products are produced by us.

In every room, the decor details are minimalist and made with natural materials such as wood, wicker, cork, cotton, and linen.

Our kitchen serves seasonal, local, and, whenever possible, organic foods

Both in our food and hygiene choices, we prioritize organic and eco-friendly products. If they are locally sourced or made with resources from our estate, even better. In addition to farm produce, the accommodations and shop at Cucumbi feature handmade soap, wicker baskets, cloth bags, wooden spoons, pottery pieces, and much more. This way, alongside shared moments, you can also take a piece of Cucumbi back home as a souvenir.

The meals are vegetarian

Who can resist a homemade, healthy, and delicious meal? Enjoying good food without rush is one of life's small pleasures to (re)discover at Cucumbi. From breakfast to dinner, everything on the table is fresh and vegetarian, with several vegan options available. The fertile land of the estate grants us the privilege of serving organic farm products such as seasonal vegetables, fruits, and eggs from our happy chickens.

The experience changes with the seasons

From food to activities, life on the farm changes with the seasons. Because we are so in tune with the countryside, there's always something different to do, learn, or discover throughout the year. Our themed programs are designed with the land's calendar in mind. For instance, we might witness sheep shearing in spring, pick fruits in summer, gather firewood in autumn, or assist in caring for the greenhouses in winter.

The animals are part of the family

We are part of those who can't live without the precious company of animals. Dogs Tangerina and Ginja, cats Romã and Sal, chickens, sheep, beloved donkeys... here, they all lead a peaceful life and love meeting guests. They are part of the big family that is Cucumbi, and we couldn't be prouder of them.

There is much to discover in the surroundings

The best way to breathe the fresh air and enjoy the unique peace of Alentejo is by exploring. Less than half an hour from Cucumbi stands the impressive castle of Montemor-o-Novo. In the opposite direction, towards the Sado River, you'll find one of the oldest cities in Europe: Alcácer do Sal. For fans of typical Alentejo cuisine, a stop at the restaurant "O Chouriço" is a must.

Now that you know about Cucumbi, we're excited to meet our next guests!

Feel free to ask us anything, and we look forward to welcoming you when you arrive.