The largest region in Portugal is amazing for its beauty. You will discover historic villages with a strong identity, extraordinary natural landscapes, between immense plains, green fields and vineyards, as well as a coast with splendid wild beaches where it is good to rest in the sun. In this part of the country, rural and ecological tourism is well underway and hikers can spend long hours contemplating an exceptional architectural and natural heritage. With the launch of the first edition of Le Petit Futé-Alentejo, this is the perfect time to present this amazing region in many ways

To conquer the most beautiful villages, places to live in the middle of a beautiful natural environment

This is one of the particularities of the Alentejo, the region has a large number of historic and picturesque villages that take place there, in the middle of an exceptional nature. A stay in the Alentejo is an opportunity to stroll through steep alleys, to stop for a few moments to discover a rich architectural heritage as well as the typical habitat. It is also necessary to take the time to sit at the table of a small restaurant and taste some regional specialities, such as the açorda alentejana, accompanied by a good glass of wine. The region has 8 registered designation of origin zones, including Borba, Redondo and Portalegre. Let us return to the cities and villages to mention Elvas, the largest fortified city in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We pass through the aqueduct of Amoreira before reaching the historical centre to see the castle of Muslim origin and the sublime church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption. 3 kilometres to the north, do not miss the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce fort, an incredible monument that was first a fortress and then a political prison. Later abandoned, it is now one of the main tourist attractions in the region. At another time, we go to Marvão, a fortified city located in the heights of the Sapoio mountain. In addition to its magnificent narrow alleys in which it is pleasant to get lost, it is necessary to reach the keep at all costs, for the view offered in particular on the Natural Park of Serra de São Mamede and its mountains which extend as far as the eye can see. Monsaraz, considered one of the oldest villages in Portugal, is also worth mentioning. You can discover its white whitewashed houses, churches, castle and medieval towers overlooking the valley where you can see olive groves, cork oaks and Lake Alqueva, one of the largest artificial lakes on the European continent. Around the village there are also several megaliths and Neolithic tombs. The Cromeleque do Xerez and the menhir da Bulhoa are spectacular, and must be seen. Finally, how can we not mention Évora, a city that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site? It is pleasant to stroll through what is known as the museum city, because of the beauty of its monuments, a precious heritage from various periods of history. You can contemplate medieval palaces, Renaissance jewels, as well as be amazed by Roman remains

Alentejo, a land of hiking trails

One cannot speak of the Alentejo without mentioning the Rota Vicentina, a vast network of hiking trails, and the opportunity to walk through one of the best preserved natural areas in Europe, the Southwest Alentejan and the Vicentine Coast Natural Park. There are 3 different possibilities for walks and routes in the region, each with its own unique features. The Historical Route allows you to follow rural paths, with 12 stages from 12 to 25 kilometres long that allow you to discover the mountains, valleys, emblematic cork oak forests, rivers and a multitude of historic towns and villages. It offers a journey through time and a plunge into local culture. The Circular Routes are 8 short circuits that can be completed in half a day. Among them are Zambujeira do Mar, Vila Nova de Milfontes and Porto Covo, which offer hikers the opportunity to discover the land and the most beautiful cliffs. A little more difficult, because it is sandy and exposed to the wind, the Fishermen's Trail offers several stops along the cliffs, following the paths used by the region's inhabitants to access beaches and fishing spots. It allows you to see the harshness of the cliffs and to have a perpetual visual contact with the ocean and its movements.

Enjoy the beaches, in a region that benefits from a high level of sunshine

The beaches of the Alentejo are among the wildest in Portugal. The atmosphere is calm, far from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism. They welcome both families and surfers looking for beautiful waves. Families can leave their towels at Comporta or Tróia-Galé beach. The latter is particularly appreciated for its calm waters and its panoramic view of the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park. The beach of Samoqueira has a more intimate atmosphere, with a stretch of sand dotted with rocks. In some places, there are small coves, where it is pleasant to stay away from the public. Sports enthusiasts and boarders can opt for the beaches of Zambujeira do Mar and São Torpes, two perfect spots for surfing, windsurfing or bodyboarding

It cannot be disputed that Alentejo is a multifaceted region of Portugal, and that it has enough to appeal to a large number of travellers. It is a place or rather places that allow you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and refocus on the pleasures of life. Enjoy charming villages and authentic architecture, while visiting monuments that are the heritage of a long history. We take the time to eat well and taste wines with a world-class reputation. And then there is nature, well preserved, which is an incentive for respectful, ecological tourism, a tourism where you also take your time. Lovers of the sea and the tumults of the ocean are also welcome, and how can you resist the urge to walk on the sand in a sunny region for a very large part of the year?

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