South of the Tagus river and north of the touristy Algarve, Portugal’s Alentejo region is one of the hidden gems of European travel. With stunning landscapes, fantastic food, and plenty of interesting towns and villages to stay in, spend some time exploring this peaceful region and you’ll never want to leave! Here are a few of the highlights you can expect to enjoy during your visit to the Alentejo.
Quaint Villages & Towns
The whole Alentejo region is dotted with sleepy and beautiful towns and villages just waiting to be explored. With friendly locals, gorgeous white-washed buildings and fascinating history, head to Belmonte, Castelo de Vide, Evora, and more to get a feel for life in this authentic and unspoiled area.
Delicious Traditional Cuisine
The Alentejo is a foodie’s paradise. With a simple, rustic and truly delicious cuisine, expect soups, stews, meat, and fish, all flavored with local herbs and olive oil. Don’t leave the Alentejo without trying the Carne de Porco à Alentejana—a mouth-watering pork stew made from the local pigs who spend their lives roaming free and nibbling acorns from the abundant cork oaks.
Beautiful Nature
With flat plains, wild mountains, rugged coastline and ancient olive groves and cork oak forests, you’ll want to spend plenty of time outside during your Alentejan holiday. With activities from bird-watching and star-gazing to hiking and horse back riding, you’ll never be stuck for something to do!