Alentejo Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food and drink scene, things to do, safety tips and more in this ultimate guide to Alentejo, Portugal.


Introduction to Alentejo

Alentejo is a beautiful region located in Portugal, Iberia, Europe. It is known for its rolling plains, vineyards, wine, and olive groves. The region is home to many picturesque small towns and villages, each with its own unique charm. Visitors to Alentejo will find a rich cultural heritage that combines Roman ruins, medieval castles, and quaint and picturesque historic centers. This guide will help you explore all that Alentejo has to offer, with everything from cultural attractions and natural wonders to a guide on where to stay, where to go, and so much more.

List of Places to Visit in Alentejo

No visit to Alentejo would be complete without a visit to these spots on our list.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Évora - The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the ancient chapel of St. Peter, Roman Temple of Diana, and the ruins of an ancient Roman arena.
  2. Beja - A charming historic town with stunning architecture showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
  3. Estremoz - A beautiful city known for its marble quarries and medieval castle.
  4. Monsaraz - An incredibly picturesque walled city, known for its rich history and culture.

Natural Attractions of Alentejo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Rota Vicentina - A popular hiking trail with stunning views of the region’s natural beauty.
  2. Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina - Coastal Park extending from Sines and Santiago do Cacém to Sagres.
  3. Arrabida Natural Park - A stunning coastal natural park with crystal-clear water and beautiful beaches.
  4. Coudelaria de Alter - This horse-breeding facility gives horse lovers a chance to experience majestic creatures up close.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Alentejo

Alentejo offers numerous trails for hikers and bikers alike. The Rota Vicentina and Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina are two of the most popular routes. Some other options include the Dolmen Route, The Castles Route, the Guadiana Valley Natural Park Trail, and many more.

Best Things to Do in Alentejo: Activities and Tours

  1. Hot air balloon rides - A perfect opportunity to get a panoramic view of Alentejo’s stunning landscape.
  2. Wine tasting - Alentejo is one of Portugal’s greatest wine regions, and you won’t want to miss a chance to try out some of their best wines.
  3. Olive oil tasting- Alentejo’s olive groves produce some of the best olive oil in the world. Book a tour and learn more about the olives, oil production, and taste test them to find your favorite.
  4. Guided Tours - Discover famous attractions and hidden gems with fully guided tours.

Week-Long Itinerary for Alentejo

  1. Day 1: Visit Évora and explore its rich history and architecture.
  2. Day 2: Head to Beja to see its historic town center and 13th-century castle.
  3. Day 3: Explore Serra de São Mamede Natural Park.
  4. Day 4 to 5: Hike Portugal’s famous Rota Vicentina or the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina trail to see Alentejo’s natural beauty from up close.
  5. Day 6: Visit Vila Viçosa. Known as the “Marble City,” it is home to impressive marble structures like the Paço Ducal.
  6. Day 7: End your trip in Monsaraz, the picturesque walled city for a serene finish to your trip.

Food and Drink Scene of Alentejo

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Cozido à alentejana - A hearty, one-pot dinner with meat, vegetables, and bread.
  2. Açorda Alentejana - A bread soup that uses garlic and coriander to give it a unique flavor. It’s usually topped with a poached egg and codfish.
  3. Ensopado de Borrego - Hearty lamb stew cooked traditionally in clay pots.
  4. Migas Alentejanas - Salt codfish is quickly fried and served with a bread, garlic and olive oil mix.

Local Beverages

  1. Vinho Verde - One of the most popular white wines of the region with a refreshing taste and light body.
  2. Red Wines - DOC Alentejo is known for its robust red wines. Alentejo is known as the “breadbasket” of Portugal, and wine tasting is a must when here.
  3. Licor de Poejo - A traditional Portuguese digestive herbal liqueur made with mint leaves.

Where to Stay in Alentejo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Alentejo has options to stay for every budget and taste. Choose from luxurious hotels, affordable youth hostels, and charming guesthouses.

What to Buy in Alentejo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Pottery - The region is known for its exquisite and colorful clay pottery offerings sure to add charm to your kitchen.
  2. Wine - A souvenir that enlivens the senses, take your pick from Alentejo’s famous wine regions and vineyards.
  3. Olive Oil - Portugal’s finest olive oil is in this region. You can choose from fruity to spicy olive oil offerings.

Local Culture and Customs of Alentejo

Alentejo is a region known for its slow pace and relaxed way of life. Family bonds are strong in this region, and the locals appreciate and enjoy a community lifestyle. When passing by residents, a friendly “bom dia” (good day) or “boa tarde” (good evening) greeting will bring a warm smile.

Best Time to Visit Alentejo

Alentejo’s climate is mild throughout the year, making it a fantastic destination any time of the year, with peak season being June to August. May or September are perfect for mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Alentejo

Do:

  1. Learn a few Portuguese words and phrases before traveling.
  2. Check for local events and festivals.
  3. Dress appropriately when visiting churches or religious sites.
  4. Respect local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t over-tip in Portugal, unlike its neighbours, Portugal doesn’t require a heavy tipping culture.
  2. Don’t ignore The Markets - You can discover many preserved delicates and handcrafted souvenirs to take back from the markets.
  3. Don’t be afraid to ask locals for help.
  4. Don’t hang out around ATMs, entry to banks, and other public spaces where significant transactions take place.

Safety and Health

Safety in Alentejo

Alentejo is a likely safe area for travellers. Be aware of petty theft, and be cautious with your belongings. Avoid walking alone at night in deserted areas, and be aware of your surroundings while travelling.

Health in Alentejo

Travelers to Alentejo are generally healthy. Tap water is safe to drink across the region (but be aware of where you fill your water source). Keep hydrated if travelling in the summer months.

Getting to Alentejo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Alentejo

1) Lisbon Airport (LIS) is the closest airport to reach to Alentejo. The drive takes around 1.5hrs. 2) Faro Airport (FAO), also nearby, can be a good option for some locations in the southern parts of Alentejo.

Bus Stations Near Alentejo

The Rede de Expressos bus station in Lisbon has hourly buses that make stops in the major cities of Alentejo.

Other Options

Rent a car, take a taxi or shared shuttle to Alentejo.

How to Get Around in Alentejo

Renting a car is the best way to travel around Alentejo. While bus and train services are available, they may be infrequent and can be challenging to access smaller towns.

Where to Go Next from Alentejo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Sintra, with its romantic castles, palaces and lush gardens, is a popular destination for nature and culture lovers.
  2. Porto - A few hours north from Alentejo will lead you to the famous city of Porto, home of the Port Wine.
  3. Lisbon – The capital city of Portugal is a fantastic city with mild weather, museums, breathtaking viewpoints and food scene.

Conclusion

Alentejo is a serene and welcoming region that celebrates its cultural heritage and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring the centuries-old archaeological sites, scaling the epic hiking trails, or tasting fine wine and olive oil, Alentejo is the perfect destination for you. This guide will help you make the most of your trip to this beautiful region!

A typical Alentejo landscape A typical Alentejo landscape Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa


    Alto Alentejo
    Baixo Alentejo