Located in the south of Portugal, Alentejo is a region known for its extensive golden plains, vineyards, olive groves, and cork trees, dotted with cities, towns, and picturesque villages composed of whitewashed houses with windows framed in blue or yellow and characteristic chimneys.
It is an area of hot and dry summers and mild winters, where high-quality wine and olive oil are produced, preserving many cultural traditions, from music, such as the “Cante Alentejano,” to gastronomy, famous for rich dishes like “migas”, stews, soups, cheeses, and sausages, as well as wine tasting, especially red wines, in the large estates.
The Alentejanos know how to welcome and live slowly, at the pace of the region’s tranquility and authenticity. They host cultural events, music festivals, fairs, and traditional pilgrimages, reflecting their unique identity and attracting thousands of tourists to the country’s houses and estates.
A MUST-SEE
The city of Évora, the capital of Alentejo, whose historic center with charming cobblestone streets, ancient walls, and historic monuments is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Alqueva region, recognized as an excellent area for observing stars and constellations, stands out with the enormous Alqueva Dam on the Guadiana River and the large lake that stretches between fields and riverside villages, forming small river beaches. It offers leisure activities like boat trips, fishing, water sports, and bird watching.
Monsaraz is a charming medieval village with cobblestone streets, and traditional white stone houses, whose walls, towers, and the grandeur of Monsaraz Castle showcase its historical importance. Perched on a hill overlooking Lake Alqueva, in addition to Monsaraz Castle and the Matriz Church, a simple religious building, the village is home to Largo D. Nuno Álvares Pereira, the central square surrounded by small shops, restaurants, and cafes serving traditional Alentejo dishes and snacks.
