Where you live “slowly“
The Alentejo, in the south of Portugal, covers about one third of the national territory. It's mostly rural, with low population density, but with beauty and heritage historically great and important in the country. From north to south, its landscape may change dramatically, but its people are the same - self-aware of their strong identity and hospitality.
Gastronomy and wine are a symbol of the region and an invitation you can't refuse for a unique journey at the table. Join us and experience Alentejo in its fullness, walking the most inspiring paths, discovering the best-kept secrets, and sharing this culture full of History alongside those who know it well.
And one of them is certainly the delicious wine. After the wines of the Douro region is now time to admire a new one. The Alentejo region is the best wine region in the world.
1 - North
The North of Alentejo (known as Alto Alentejo) covers the entire district of Portalegre. More wild and mountainous, it's both a difficult area to reach but one of the most beautiful and unique to discover. Elvas, Castelo de Vide, or Marvão are must-visit places.
2 - Centre
Just one hour from Lisbon by highway, you will get to Évora, the capital city of Alentejo. This region includes 15 counties such as Mourão, Reguengos de Monsaraz, and Vila Viçosa. Land of wine experts, great culture, and historical heritage. The centre of Alentejo and its culture.
3 - Coast
The preserved stretch of Alentejo starts just below Lisbon, in Alcácer do Sal, going all the way down to Odemira. Our coast, divided between Costa Alentejana and Costa Vicentina, is a unique natural area. Secluded beaches, the Atlantic waters famous for surfing, fresh fish and seafood are waiting for you.
4 - South
Distances are significant between North and South, but the landscape outside your window turns the trip into an unforgettable journey. In the South, there are lots to discover in places like Beja and Mértola, by the Guadiana River.
Featured Locations (8)
Alentejo has been, by default, an impoverished region, so we were taught to make do with what Nature gives us from an early age. Through the years, we used that knowledge to create wonderful things. You'll find that always-present simplicity in cuisine, wines, architecture, and daily routines.
Our efforts, work, and art has been recognised by those who visit us and fall in love. We are proud of the many national and international awards and nominations that we've received. Cante Alentejano, Chocalhos Alentejanos, Elvas, and Évora's historic city centre have been classified as UNESCO World Heritage. Our handicrafts, our typical blankets, and our pottery are famous worldwide.
If you're coming from afar, the closest airports are Lisbon, Beja (chartered flights only), Faro, and Badajoz (in Spain). Several daily flights arrive from any European capital city. From those airports, you'll be a two-hour-drive away from most places in Alentejo, with no traffic and views as great or better than the final destination.
Main roads are well-paved, safe, and well-lit at night, with proper signage and plenty of roadside service stations.
Itineraries (8)
The Excellence of Alentejo Culture
Escape in Natural Alentejo
Grape: from Fruit to Wine
Refuge from the Routine
Most of the people live in small villages with less than 3,000 residents. There are also many isolated houses, in the middle of farms or on mountain slopes, that create small communities around them.
Younger generations leave to the big cities and, therefore, the population is strongly marked by ageing. In recent years, many people from other parts of Portugal and Northern Europe have chosen to live in Alentejo. Some of the Alentejo-born people who left to finish school are now returning, too, with new ideas and entrepreneurship projects.
Although the sun shines frequently, Winters are cold and humid, with temperatures between 9 and 10 degrees Celsius, dropping to a low 5 degrees Celsius during the colder months of December and January. Rainfall is low, but when it does rain, it comes as a blessing for our fields.
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are milder seasons, with low rainfall and lots of sunshine. Temperatures vary between 12 and 23 degrees Celsius, on average, making it the perfect time of year for a road trip or roaming the streets.
Summers are hot and dry. From May to October beaches become a refuge. Near the coast, temperatures are an average of 30 degrees Celsius.
Things to do (25)
Balonissimo
Azeite Amor é Cego
Herdade da Calada
Rotas Compadres
Herdade da Ribafreixo
Quinta D. Maria
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