Between the region of Lisbon and the Algarve in the south lies the region of Alentejo. This thinly populated region covers a large area of Portugal nearly a third of its total area and is well worth exploring from our holiday homes in Alentejo. The scenery is rural and hilly, with olive orchards, cork oak orchards, golden cornfields, and vineyards. The landscape becomes drier and flatter towards the south. Alentejo has a beautiful rugged coast, with secluded bays, cliffs, and sand dunes.
There are enough fun excursions to make from all cottages. It is also an interesting region for monuments and historical, fortified towns. There are remains from prehistoric times, such as stone circles and dolmens. You will come across some walled towns on hilltops, evidence of past wars against the Moorish people. Its great fun spending some time in one of the historical towns, during your visit to Alentejo. Such as the Medieval Monsaraz or the white village of Marvão. The health resort town of Castelo de Vide is also well worth a visit. Here, you can walk through the steep, winding streets of the Jewish Quarter, visit the 13th century synagogue, or visit the Medieval fortress. And then there is, of course, the UNESCO town of Évora.
There are some natural parks, such as the Parque Natural da Serra de S. Mamede in the North from the peak of the S. Mamede (1025 m) you will have panoramic views across the region- and the Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana, and the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina on the coast.
Beaches can be found near the seaside resort of Vila Nova de Milfontes, the picturesque fishing village of Porto Covo, the island Ilha do Pessegueiro, as well as near Praia do Malhão, Almograve, Zambujeira do Mar, Carvalhal, and Odeceixe. Or you can cool off at one of the reservoirs further inland. And if you want a refreshing dive you could also book a cottage with pool of course!
Alentejo is also a wine region its fruity wines have a very good reputation. They come in three main white and 3 main red wine types. Roupeiro, Rabo de Ovelha, Antão Vaz, and reds: Periquita, Trincadeira, Aragonez. Other local produce includes cheese, sausages, honey, and olive oil. Enjoy a nice little local wine on the terrace of your cottage in Alentejo to round off the day, and your holiday is complete.
