Alentejo, Portugal, is an unknown region waiting for your visit
Alentejo lies between the Algarve and a few kilometers north of Lisbon.
It’s split into High and Low Alentejo, occupying 33% of Portugal.
Surprisingly, it’s not heavily promoted for tourism, similar to the past status of the Douro Valley. Alentejo might become a major tourist destination if the Douro Valley’s transformation repeats here.
Nowadays is an ideal time to explore its attractions, such as its weather, plains, “montes,” cork oak forests, unique monuments, Cante Alentejano singing, rich historical heritage, distinctive cuisine, and renowned wine production.
Hot and dry weather most of the year in Alentejo
Alentejo boasts predominantly hot and dry weather due to minimal rainfall, even during its short winter.
Travel is usually pleasant, though summers can be challenging, with temperatures often exceeding 40ºC/104ºF.
Alentejo’s expansive plains, wheat, cereals, and cork oaks thrive, painting the landscape green in spring and golden in summer.
Vast plains of the Alentejo
Despite being one of Portugal’s flattest areas, the region’s topography often challenges the notion of flatness.
In Alentejo’s vast plains, wheat, cereals, and cork oaks dominate, creating a colorful tapestry of wildflowers in spring.
As summer arrives, the fields turn golden under the scorching sun.
The region’s topography challenges the notion of flatness, with ancient settlements often perched on elevated positions for strategic defense.
The Alentejo “monte”
In Alentejo, a “monte” refers to a land set with a traditional house atop a hill.
These houses, painted white with small windows, feature terracotta brick floors.
Outside, benches extend from the walls, providing shade for socializing.
High concentration of cork oaks
Cork oaks dominate Alentejo and are legally recognized as the national tree, shaping the region’s rural landscape.
Peculiar monuments
Alentejo’s monuments differ from those in the north.
The region’s medieval structures are fewer due to historical factors.
However, Alentejo boasts unique landmarks like the Capela dos Ossos and Cromeleque dos Almendres.
“Cante Alentejano,” the local way of singing
“Cante Alentejano” Alentejo’s traditional singing style, was recognized as UNESCO World Heritage in 2014.
Men’s vocal groups perform without instruments.
Fascinating History linked to the Moorish and Roman occupations
Alentejo’s history intertwines with Moorish and Roman occupations, marked by medieval battles and reconquests.
Évora, with its ancient monuments and one of Europe’s oldest universities, holds significant historical importance. The city also has a rich Jewish heritage, notably in Castelo de Vide.
Singular gastronomy
Alentejo, known for growing cereals, relies on bread in its cuisine.
Many dishes feature bread, accompanied by pork, garlic, coriander, tomatoes, lard, and olive oil.
One of the best wine regions in Portugal
Alentejo, Douro, and Dão form Portugal’s top wine regions – my opinion.
Alentejo offers exceptional wine cellars like Herdade do Freixo, known for quality wine and stunning architecture.
To conclude
I hope this sparks your interest in Alentejo and my tours with Iberactive.com
Carpe diem
David Monteiro
