02 August 21
Do you know the Alentejo?
This week, we would like to tell you about the Alentejo, the biggest region in Portugal with inland territories and some of the most beautiful beaches in the country!
This is one of the least visited regions in the country, but it has so much to offer! Visiting this region, you may discover the amazing landscapes of the Natural Park of Costa Vicentina, with its golden cliffs and untouched white-sandy beaches, a true haven for nature-lovers.
But let us focus a little more on the inland area of this region, the “deep” Alentejo. Did you know that the biggest cork-oak tree forest in the world is located here, and you cannot only visit this forest but also visit a factory and learn all about this wonderful product and its different uses?
Here, you will find monuments from prehistory to modern times and, sometimes, you can see vestiges of different civilizations in the same town, like Mértola with Islamic, Paleo Christian, Roman, and Medieval vestiges. Moving north, you will find one of the biggest artificial lakes in Europe, where you can practice canoeing, jet-ski, stand-up paddle, … also, this is a very scarcely populated region, so we definitely suggest you a stargazing activity (you will be amazed by such clear skies!).
Along the border with Spain, you will find several medieval fortresses that were used to protect the Portuguese borders from a possible invasion. You should not miss a visit to Monsaraz, Elvas, World Heritage by UNESCO, or Marvão.
You should also visit Évora (World Heritage by UNESCO as well), considered the capital city of the region, where you will be able to see the Cromlech of the Almendres, the Roman temple, the medieval cathedral, the university, and the unique bones’ chapel.
There are so many more cities we can include in the list of places to visit such as Vila Viçosa with its ducal palace, Estremoz, Beja, Arraiolos, or Castelo de Vide with all the Jewish heritage.
And the food? Don’t even get us started! The black pigs, only fed with acorns, the delicious bread, the genuine food, and full-bodied wines… You may discover it all through a cooking class with a local or a visit to one of the prestigious wineries! Have we opened your appetite for a visit yet?
But let us focus a little more on the inland area of this region, the “deep” Alentejo. Did you know that the biggest cork-oak tree forest in the world is located here, and you cannot only visit this forest but also visit a factory and learn all about this wonderful product and its different uses?
Here, you will find monuments from prehistory to modern times and, sometimes, you can see vestiges of different civilizations in the same town, like Mértola with Islamic, Paleo Christian, Roman, and Medieval vestiges. Moving north, you will find one of the biggest artificial lakes in Europe, where you can practice canoeing, jet-ski, stand-up paddle, … also, this is a very scarcely populated region, so we definitely suggest you a stargazing activity (you will be amazed by such clear skies!).
Along the border with Spain, you will find several medieval fortresses that were used to protect the Portuguese borders from a possible invasion. You should not miss a visit to Monsaraz, Elvas, World Heritage by UNESCO, or Marvão.
You should also visit Évora (World Heritage by UNESCO as well), considered the capital city of the region, where you will be able to see the Cromlech of the Almendres, the Roman temple, the medieval cathedral, the university, and the unique bones’ chapel.
There are so many more cities we can include in the list of places to visit such as Vila Viçosa with its ducal palace, Estremoz, Beja, Arraiolos, or Castelo de Vide with all the Jewish heritage.
And the food? Don’t even get us started! The black pigs, only fed with acorns, the delicious bread, the genuine food, and full-bodied wines… You may discover it all through a cooking class with a local or a visit to one of the prestigious wineries! Have we opened your appetite for a visit yet?