Alentejo is the largest region in Portugal. Located in the southern part of the country and extending from the Spanish border to the coast, we discover beautiful natural landscapes, as well as small historic villages that have managed to survive through time and preserve their traditions. Whether you take the time to walk through the alleys of its villages or stroll through the plains, through the vineyards or along the coast, you are sure to remember the image of an authentic Portugal, a land of serenity that cultivates the sweetness of life, a place where it is good to be in the countryside.
Communion with nature and a gentle way of life
Alentejo is an ideal region to enjoy nature, recharge your batteries, and go hiking to simply contemplate the beauty of the landscape. It is a little urbanized territory and there is not much effort to do to quickly find a little piece of paradise, near a vineyard, an olive grove, along a path through green fields or in the middle of huge silent plains. During an itinerant stay, you must reach Lake Alqueva, one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe. This place and its surroundings are a real call to relaxation. As you walk around the lake, you are captivated by the beauty of its banks drawn by wooded hills. There are also several islets emerging from the water whose vegetation immediately appears to be well preserved. By boarding a boat and travelling the water from one side of the lake to the other, you take the time to contemplate every detail, to the rhythm of the waves. For lovers of walking in the heart of nature, it should be noted that the Alentejo offers the possibility of many hikes, but also by bicycle and even by horse. La Rota Vicentina is a network of hiking trails that take you along the Vicenza Coast and the Alentejano Southwest Natural Park, which are none other than one of the best preserved natural areas on the European continent. These trails offer some the opportunity to cross the emblematic cork forests, hills and valleys, and for others the surprising cliffs of the Atlantic coast swept by the wind, colourful dunes and long stretches of fine sand. And since we mention beaches, lovers of swimming, water sports, especially surfing, and relaxing on the sand have a multitude of places to put their towels. Almograve beach is one of the most beautiful and popular. It is surprising because it is divided into two parts, with on one side a stretch of sand overhung by cliffs, and on the other side, dunes give access to the beach. Another place worth a visit on hot summer days is Tróia-Galé beach. You must also take the boat to get there when you arrive by Setúbal. The place is very popular with families, because the waters are calm and children can swim safely, and on the other hand because the view of the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park is simply magical. Finally, along the coast, there are these small coves which offer a more intimate, almost enchanting setting. Samoqueira beach is dotted with rocks and in some places you almost feel like you are seeing small natural swimming pools.
Alentejo for the love of old stones and traditional housing
In different places of this dazzling nature are sumptuous villages and cities where it is pleasant to venture. Here, the architectural heritage reveals a long history. The region has remains from all periods, from megaliths to Roman ruins, castles and monasteries. The situation of some villages is surprising, as is the case for Monsaraz, conquered in the 8th century by the Moors and reclaimed in the 13th century by King D. Sancho II. It is located at the very top of a hill and is undoubtedly considered one of the most beautiful fortified villages in the country. It is a pleasure to walk through its picturesque streets and to enjoy, as soon as the situation allows, the incredible panoramic view of the valley and Lake Alqueva. Later, a visit to Évora is an opportunity to stroll around inside a city museum, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A small city, but with an exceptional historical heritage. Once you have stopped on Praça do Giraldo, you should head towards the Sé de Évora, the cathedral and its cloister. Then comes the time to head for the Roman temple on the Conde de Vila Flor square to remember that the history of the city goes back a long way. And what about the aqueduct? In addition to being also the heritage of a past that goes back several centuries, we are surprised to see that houses have been built under the arches, traditional houses with white facades and whose window surrounds are most often coloured. Now let's take the direction of Elvas and talk about an exceptional and remarkable city. It has a very beautiful aqueduct 7 km long, designed by the same architect as the tower of Belém in Lisbon, and the city was fortified from 1640 onwards, the oldest part of the city is around the castle and it is interesting to go down and get lost in the small streets until you reach Praça da República to see the magnificent church of Our Lady of the Assumption. Let's finish with Marvão, a fortified village nicknamed "the eagle's nest", because it is located at a height of 860 meters. In the streets, we discover Manueline windows and wrought iron balconies that give the houses a certain charm. In terms of heritage, the castle, the walls, the church of Santiago and the church of Santa Maria, now transformed into a municipal museum, stand out. But let us not forget to say that one of the main reasons to visit the town is the magnificent view over the region. We reach the top of the dungeon to admire in depth the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park and the city of Valencia de Alcántara in Spain.
An escape that also aims to be gastronomic
Travelling is also an opportunity to taste the local cuisine and appreciate all its subtleties. First of all, it should be mentioned that Alentejo is a large wine-growing region and that it contains a number of wines that surprise with their aromas and colours. A visit to the region is an opportunity to discover the cellars and there are 8 areas with a registered designation of origin. These are Moura, Redondo, Borba, Reguengos, Évora, Vidigueira, Granja-Almareleja and Portalegre. At the table of a restaurant, there is always the possibility of accompanying your meal with a grand cru of an intense, rich and slightly harsh red, to be enjoyed with game, or with a fresh and aromatic white to be enjoyed with fish dishes. In the plates, there are various ways to indulge yourself. As a starter, we like to taste gazpacho or açorda de coentros, a soup made with garlic, coriander and oil. The soup is like an institution in the area. Pork and game are often cooked as main courses, often in tasty stews with aromatic herbs. But we must not forget the fish, the cod of course, but not only, to enjoy, especially when you go to the coast. Some dishes can also be surprising, such as pork with alentejo, to which clams are added. You can also enjoy an aperitif with several examples of dishes served in small quantities. There are often roasted peppers, scrambled eggs with asparagus and migas, a delicious mixture of bread, garlic and olive oil.
Smart info
When? When? Temperatures are mild all year round. April allows you to contemplate the flowery landscapes, June and July are two months when you can enjoy the outdoors and the coastline to the full with maximum temperatures ranging from 25 to 27 °C and September and October are also two very mild months.
Getting there. By plane, direction Lisbon or Faro. By car, from Paris, it takes more than 16 hours to get to Évora.
Find your flight at the best price - Compare
Rent your car at the best price - Compare
Useful. To prepare your trip as well as possible.
OFFICE DE TOURISME DE L'ALENTEJO - More information on the website
Book your accommodation at the best conditions - Compare
Get a quote from a local agency for a custom trip - Request a quote
Find a cultural or sporting activity - Find
Organize a group trip - Request a quote
