Welcome to Alentejo!
About Alentejo
Alentejo is a geographical, historical, and cultural region of south-central and southern Portugal. In Portuguese, its name means “beyond (além) the Tagus river” (Tejo).
Alentejo includes the regions of Alto Alentejo and Baixo Alentejo. It corresponds to the districts of Beja, Évora, Portalegre, and Alentejo Litoral. Its main cities are Évora, Beja, Sines, Serpa, Estremoz, Elvas, and Portalegre. It has borders with Beira Baixa in the north, with Spain (Andalucia and Extremadura) in the east, Algarve in the south, and the Atlantic Ocean, Ribatejo, and Estremadura in the west.
Alentejo is a region known for its wine and olive oil production. The area is commonly known as the “breadbasket” of Portugal, a region of vast open countryside with undulating plains and rich fertile soil. With very few exceptions, all the major towns are mainly reliant on agriculture, livestock, and forestry. There are several types of traditional cheeses, wines, and smoked hams and sausages made in the Alentejo region, including Queijo Serpa, Queijo de Évora, and Queijo de Nisa (PDO cheeses); Vinho do Alentejo and Vinho do Redondo (wines); and presunto (smoked ham). Marble, cork, olive oil, and mining industries are other important activities in the region, and tourism is expected to have growth potential. (Wikipedia: Alentejo). Wine Tourism is gaining more recognition every year.
*A special thank you to Visit Portugal for this inspiring video and check out the link below for their Official Travel Site.
Our Favorite Tours & Activities
Eat, Play & Stay
Imagine a drink on this lovely rooftop overlooking the historic town of Estremoz. This restaurant has tremendous reviews and a wonderful ambiance. If you are visiting Estremoz, you must check it out.
Wow, with a stunning view and one of the best meals in town, you will love visiting this restaurant. The food is authentic and affordable. This is a must visit in Monsaraz!
Filipe Caldas de Vasconcellos, the owner of Morgado do Quintão nvites you into his vineyard for a wonderful wine tasting with an array of food. and lovely company. It is a great way to learn about wine in the region and meet people that have been part of this family estate. It was founded by his 5th grandfather, the count of Silves and they have been producing grapes for generations. This excursion is located on Airbnb Experiences. Be sure to check out Airbnb Experiences for a multitude of other activities in the Algarve.
There is so much to see and do in Algarve. The best part are the beaches, so be sure to make time just to relax. If you are venturing into Alentejo and near Monseraz (which is an amazing hilltown) check out one of the best pottery shops in the country. Make room in your suitcase, or ask your next hotel to pack and ship these one of a kind pieces. They do not have a fancy website, but only Facebook and Instagram, but the reviews are stunning! video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFKQpd4styU
This beautiful country home is just north of Algarve and is worth checking out! It is close to the beach and a peaceful getaway from the crowds in the south. If you are looking for a way to combine some great beach days and sightseeing with an authentic, relaxing accommodation, this place is for you.
We found this gem almost by accident and so glad we did! The reviews are stunning! This guest house is set in the middle of Alentejo if you are able to add a few days to your itinerary. There are countless vineyards and access to beaches in this beautiful region just north of Algarve. The guest house offers stunning rooms and a chance to meet other guests, the hospitable owners and drink wine and relax.
If it is your dream to stay near a castle on a hiltop town in Portugal, you found it! Dom Denis is an oasis with a lovely view of the town of Marvao.
Viator
Get Inspired: Videos, Blogs & Podcasts
In the Mood
for Alentejo I
Janz Anton Iago is an expert in all things Portugal as he left his desk job in London and set out for a new life in Portugal. He has inspired us beyond belief. He is one of the best resources for planning your next trip to Portugal. In this video, Janz travels to the ancient cities of Evora and Monsaraz and dines with locals for a memorable experience. Be sure to go to his site by clicking HERE, and check out other videos below.
In the Mood
for Alentejo II
Janz has a second video showcasing the incredible wine region and the coast of Alejanto. It really is Portugal’s best kept secret. If you have time between Lisbon and Algarve, this is a must visit. It is less crowded and very authentic.
Get Inspired: Food & Drink
Alentejo Wineries
The Alenjento region is well known for cork production, but in recent years has been recognized for the many incredible wineries. The microclimate and soil create the perfect combination for quality wine. There are a number of wineries in the region that offer tours and tastings. Some even offer accommodation. Check out the link below to Alentejo’s Wineries.
Frederico Alves
Monsaraz
What better way to find out about the best kept secrets than from a local. Frederico Alves is a tour guide and vlogger that you have to check out. Be sure to look for his other videos on Youtube (and you will see them on our other pages) and consider his amazing personalized tour in a convertible mini cooper!