Alentejo - From the sea to the hills of Alto Alentejo

Traveling through Alentejo, the largest region in Portugal, is an intense experience characterized by a variety of natural landscapes, cultural heritage, flavors and colors ranging from the extensive beaches on the coast of Grândola to the melancholy of the cliffs of Cabo Sardão, passing through historic towns and villages and the immensity of the landscapes of Baixo Alentejo. North Alentejo proves to be a transition region to Beira Baixa with its mountain ranges green areas and the Tagus River as the northern border. This mosaic of landscapes generates multiple types and tourist products, of which we mention some: Turismo de sun and sea, cultural tourism (UNESCO cultural heritage such as Évora and Elvas), wine tourism, nature tourism, military tourism (Elvas and Évoramonte). There is much more to write about the Alentejo, which you can never get to know totality in one visit. But for now we leave here these suggestions for a safe and relaxed vacation away from large crowds.

Alentejo Coast

Grândola

The coast of Grândola has the largest stretch of beaches in the country. From Troia, passing by Praia da Comporta, Praia do Carvalhal, Praia da Galé and ending at Melides beach, there are many options for those intends a tourism of sun and sea with extensive sands where it is possible to maintain social distance.

The Porto Covo coast has small, very inviting beaches between cliffs with the island of Peach tree always on the horizon.

Where to stay: Terra do Sempre - Ideal for families and with themed rooms it is the perfect place for a memorable vacation.

Vila Nova de Mil Fontes

Further south, the municipality of Odemira is magnificent, highlighting the extensive sandy beach of Malhão ideal white for those looking for peace. In Vila Nova de Mil Fontes, the most tourist spot on the coast of Odemira and where the Mira River flows enjoy the Farol beach, ideal for families and further south of Furnas beach.

Where to stay: Duna Parque Beach Club | is located next to the dunes, one step from the beach and a short walk walking distance from the center of Vila Nova de Milfontes.

Almograve and Zambujeira do Mar

In Almograve it is possible to enjoy a beautiful beach with dune formations at the top of the cliffs shale rocks. It is also the ideal place for walking through the cliffs. We could not fail to mention Zambujeira do Mar, a beach of small sands surrounded by cliffs. At village can always opt for a beautiful meal of fresh fish caught by local fishermen.

Where to stay: Herdade do Touril | in the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park. A 4 Km from Zambujeira do Mar, and the best beaches on the Alentejo Coast, you can enjoy your vacation in one of the 5 Herdade houses.

Baixo Alentejo

Castro Verde

Heading south, the landscape is dominated by the Alentejo peneplain and characterized by elevated peak summer temperatures. In the municipality of Castro Verde, birdwatching lovers will be able to observe in the Biosphere Reserve of Unesco the largest area and concentration of steppe avifauna such as the bustard, the little sis and the kestrel.

Where to Stay: Casa dos Castelejos | the last house in a picturesque village - Monte do Guerreiro. Enjoy an endless, relaxing and cozy landscape, which involves us in a tender way, with the serenity that Alentejo landscape offers us.

Serpa

Heading northeast, we get to know Serpa with its historic walls with traces of Moorish occupation, where you can admire the old fortified doors and the whiteness of its houses and taste its famous cheese. Here you can taste the magnificent Alentejo cuisine: from açorda, migas, lamb dishes and pork, always accompanied by a good wine from the Alentejo region. For tourism enthusiasts from nature the Vale do Guadiana Natural Park offers immense paths with marked trails where you can observe the local avifauna (example: Bonelli's eagle and kestrel) which is very visible and the thickets Mediterranean countries. Still in the Lower Alentejo we can visit the village of Cuba and between traditional wineries and taverns you can enjoy a good Alentejo snack while drinking a glass of wine from the hoist.

Where to Stay: Hotel Herdade do Vau | has a main house with typical Alentejo architecture, which consists of a large room with a fireplace and spaces created to enjoy activities such as reading, playing, rest, relax,… also enjoys a patio, tennis court, balconies, gardens, dining room, kitchen and pool.

Alentejo Central

Monsaraz

In the Central Alentejo we can visit the medieval village of Monsaraz and its 17th century fortification. Of high up in your castle you can be dazzled by a magnificent panoramic view over the Alqueva reservoir. Throughout this region you can visit numerous wineries where you can taste the wines of the region, from which

we highlight: herdade do Esporão, Herdade das Servas and the Adega da Cartuxa.

Where to Stay: Monte Alerta | located next to the village of Monsaraz is a true oasis surrounded by gardens. 2 km's from the house you will find the Nautical Center of Monsaraz, next to the Great Lake of Alqueva, place where you can practice water-related activities.

Alto Alentejo

Elvas

On the border with the Spanish border, the city of Elvas has all the characteristics for tourists cultural: monuments, history and military heritage Classified by UNESCO as the “Border Town Barracks of Elvas and its Fortifications”, the city it possesses the largest terrestrial fortification basalt in the world. Do not miss the Aqueduto da Amoreira, Fortes da Graça and Santa Luzia, 17th century walls, castle and churches with emphasis on the Church and Sanctuary of Lord Jesus of Piety and Cathedral.

Where to stay: Monte da Provença Hotel Rural - A place where you simply feel like being and being happy and surrounded by nature!

The North Alentejo invites nautical activities in the reservoirs of Maranhão in Avis and the Albufeira de Montargil in the municipality of Ponte de Sôr.

Where to stay: Lago Montargil Villas 5 * | As a couple or as a family, to take a bike, jeep or horse, by the marina next to the reservoir or on its waters, fishing or by rowing boat or sailing.

Nisa

Further north in the Nisa region, the landscape begins to transition to Beira Baixa. Here we can tasting the well-known Nisa cheese, especially in the village of Tolosa and dishes such as Alpalhão cachola rice; killing fever; sarapatel soup and get to know the typical pottery and embroidery of the region.

For nature tourism lovers, the trails along the Tagus River are an excellent opportunity to admire the Portas de Rodão geomonument along the Conhal Gold Mine Trail. Luckily you will be able to observe a black stork, a vulture or a griffin in the skies. You can also take the opportunity to know the Interior Portuguese Way From Santiago - Nisa Stage.

Where to stay: Quinta dos Ribeiros | is located about 1 km from the village of Alpalhão, in the municipality of Nisa. From its location, in the heart of Alto Alentejo, one can see the Serra de São Mamede to the south and one can sense the Tagus River little to the north.