The largest region in Portugal, the Alentejo is a territory still preserved from mass tourism and which offers travelers a peaceful and intimate atmosphere to discover its riches. Its coastline is splendidly indented, with long beaches that welcome walkers, swimmers and surfers. The Alentejo is also home to the most important cork oak forests in southern Europe. Then, as you go inland, you discover vast plains with olive groves, vineyards and mountains. The landscapes invite the nature lovers to multiple outdoor activities. Traveling through the Alentejo during a slowtourism trip also means stopping in towns and villages full of history, as well as at the foot of castles bathed in light and monuments that reflect the passage of various civilizations. To ensure that all the senses are stimulated during your stay, don't miss the opportunity to discover a rich and varied gastronomy concocted from local resources. To be completed with the tasting of the best wines.
The Alentejo, a destination where nature is king
A trip to the Alentejo is an opportunity to enjoy nature. And the incredible wealth of this region of Portugal is to offer a mosaic of landscapes. Bordered on the west by the Atlantic Ocean, the coast of Alentejo is one of the best preserved coastlines of southern Europe. There are no less than 85 kilometers of beaches lined with green pine cliffs. Some of the most beautiful sandy beaches can be found in the peninsula of Troia, north of Comporta, but also in Malhão and Zambujeira do Mar. Swimming, sunbathing, horseback riding, water sports like surfing, there is something for everyone. During a walk along the Alentejo coastline, no need to worry about finding a small cove where you can simply enjoy the sun in the shade. Porto Covo is a destination of choice for those who love the sea, with the beach of Pessegueiro and the beach of Samoqueira, which has a unique character with its formations reminiscent of natural pools. A suggestion to enjoy the Alentejo coastline is to follow the Rota Vicentina and the Fishermen's Path. You can walk along safe paths and marvel at the beauty of the coastline and the authentic atmosphere of the fishing villages.
The Alentejo produces more than half of the world's cork. Therefore, it is obvious that the discovery of the region involves walks in the heart of the cork oak forests, whose green contrasts on sunny days with the yellow of the sunflowers, the golden fields and the blue sky of a territory with a high rate of sunshine. To cross the cork oak forests, but also the mountains, valleys and rivers, hikers or mountain bikers can follow the Historical Route, another walk of the Rota Vicentina.
The Alentejo is also a sanctuary for soft mobility. In the last 10 years, the southern region of Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations for cycling in Europe. A multitude of cycling routes take you from the banks of the Tagus River in the north to the rolling plains and forests of the south, before heading to the mountains on the border of the Algarve and continuing to the Atlantic coast in the west. We also take the time to stop in the olive groves and among the vineyards, other emblematic elements of the Alentejo landscape. To be amazed by the contrasts of the region, why not schedule a hot air balloon flight during the trip? This activity is very popular in the area, as is stargazing from the Dark Sky Alqueva Observatory in Cumeada. A vast area around the lake of Alqueva was in fact the first tourist destination in Portugal to obtain the Dark Sky reserve certification from the Starlight Foundation!
Discovering the ancestral heritage of the Alentejo
Beyond its beautiful nature and the many outdoor activities available, the Alentejo is also a wonderful territory for architecture lovers. Indeed, one can discover towns and villages rich in a precious heritage, between typical monuments of the region and vestiges of the various civilizations that have passed through it. In Mértola, we can admire a church that is an old mosque and whose different elements evoking the Islamic art make it one of the most beautiful Moorish remains of the territory. At another time, a visit to Elvas and Evora allows you to stroll through cities classified as World Heritage by UNESCO for their many monuments, some of which in Evora date back to Roman times.
It is also impossible to miss the fortified towns of the Alentejo and their narrow streets with white houses typical of the region. This medieval atmosphere can be found in the beautiful city of Marvão, located at 860 m on the heights of the Sapoio mountain. Its keep offers an incredible panorama on Castelo de Vide, the Natural Park of Serra de São Mamede and the city of Valencia de Alcántara in Spain.
An exceptional heritage can also be admired in Monsaraz, located on the top of a hill, in Santa Susana, where one cannot resist the charm of its traditional white and blue parish church, as well as in Vila Viçosa, known for its marble extraction and its incredible buildings such as the Paço Ducal palace, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Conception and the castle built in the 13th century. And then, as the Alentejo has suffered the assaults of many invaders, the castles occupy a special place in the landscape. The castle of Belver, with its defensive appearance, is a real jewel of Portugal. Built on top of a hill, it offers a superb view of the Tagus River and its green surroundings.
Slowtourism, gastronomy and wines
The Alentejo is a destination to be favored in Portugal to get off the beaten track and slow down time. Along the coastal and inland landscapes, you can be welcomed in inns, guest houses and farms. Some of them offer direct access to miles and miles of nature, ideal to disconnect and recharge. The people of the Alentejo are also known for their hospitality and extreme kindness.
Not to be missed either, the authenticity of the Alentejano gastronomy. A generous country cooking, often based on pork and game. A surprising and delicious dish is the carne de porco à l'alentejana, which combines pork and clams. Also worth mentioning is cozido de grão a alentejana, a rich dish simmered with boiled Portuguese sausages, chickpeas, various vegetables, potatoes and fresh mint. As far as cheese is concerned, one should not miss the queijo de serpa, a raw cheese made from sheep's milk. You can also find very good fish and seafood dishes on the coast.
Finally, whether in restaurants or directly at the producers' in the Alentejo vineyards, wine lovers will enjoy tasting the wines from the 8 controlled designation areas, including the delicious reds from the Portalegre, Borba or Redondo sub-regions. Since the cultivation of grapes and the elaboration of wines dates back to the time of the Greeks and Romans in the Alentejo, some producers use the ancestral method of vinification in amphorae, large clay vases called talha. This allows to obtain a pure and limpid wine. To discover absolutely!
