Alentejo

Alentejo is one of the most authentic and charming regions in Portugal, and a perfect destination for a tranquil holiday. The vast and rural region offers a peaceful and scenic landscape, a mild and sunny climate, and a rich and varied culture.

The first thing that will calm you in Alentejo is the tranquility, which pervades the region with its rolling hills, golden fields, and cork trees. You can enjoy the silence and the beauty of the region, and choose from a variety of activities, such as walking, cycling, birdwatching, or stargazing. You can also explore the hidden gems and the natural wonders of the region, such as the Alqueva lake, the largest artificial lake in Europe, the Marvão castle, perched on a rocky hilltop, and the Évora Monte palace, a stunning example of Manueline architecture.

But Alentejo is not only about tranquillity. The region is also a place of history, and you can find it in many ways. You can learn about the ancient and medieval past of the region, by visiting the megalithic monuments, the Roman ruins, and the Moorish fortresses, such as the Anta Grande do Zambujeiro, the largest dolmen in Europe, the Roman temple of Évora, one of the best preserved in the Iberian Peninsula, and the Castle of Mértola, a unique fusion of Islamic and Christian styles. You can also discover the cultural and artistic heritage of the region, by visiting the museums, the convents, and the churches, such as the Arraiolos Tapestry Museum, the Convent of São Francisco, and the Church of São João Baptista.

Alentejo is also a place of gastronomy, and you can experience it in many ways. You can taste the delicious and varied Alentejan cuisine, which combines bread, cheese, olive oil, and herbs, in a variety of dishes, such as açorda, migas, and ensopado de borrego. You can also sample the fine and diverse Alentejan wines, which are produced in the different sub-regions of the area, such as Alentejo Central, Borba, and Portalegre. And of course, you can savor the sweet and rich Alentejan desserts, which are made with eggs, sugar, and almonds, such as sericaia, queijadas, and toucinho do céu.