The Details
Cross south of Lisbon’s Tagus River and you’re in Alentejo: you’re ‘beyond the Tejo’, and into a region where rolling plains and rustic rural villages sit side-by-side with fairytale castles and medieval hilltop palaces. It’s a region that’s rich in history, from its neolithic standing stones and preserved Roman ruins, to its gilded cathedrals and grand aqueducts: impressive monuments from a golden era, when the Portuguese were the pioneering explorers of Europe’s seaborne Age of Discoveries. For modern-day travellers, there’s a pleasant timelessness to many of its towns, and a unique character to the buildings you’ll see, the cuisine you’ll eat, and the people you’ll meet.
Your journey begins in the hilltop castle at Palmela, overlooking the protected Parque Natural da Arrabida – its secluded beaches and crystal-clear seas are one of neighbouring Lisbon’s best kept secrets. Moving south, you’ll explore the regional capital Evora: a living museum, whose beautiful patchwork architecture reflects the history of Portugal itself – from the Roman architecture of ‘Diana’s Temple’ and the Manueline Cathedral da Se, to the modern-day bustle of the Praca do Giraldo.
In Estremoz, famous for its fine white marble, you’ll visit the old palace of King Dinis and Queen Isabel. Their Torre das Tres Coroas tower points the way west to Elvas: the 16th century military stronghold which once protected Portugal’s eastern border; its towering Aqueduto da Amoreira is one of Alentejo’s most striking landmarks. Tiny Marvao is equally impressive on its lofty 800m-high escarpment – its whitewashed houses, medieval churches and hilltop castle make it one of the Portugal’s most atmospheric villages.
Food and wine are an important part of the Alentejo story. The region’s hearty cuisine is seasonal, and built around local ingredients, home-grown olive oils, and distinctive red wines. You’ll stay in two of our favourite wine hotels, where a new generation of vintners, farmers and chefs are bringing together the region’s winemaking and culinary traditions. From traditional dishes paired with vineyard-to-table wines to more contemporary interpretations of classic recipes, food and wine are very much a part of the Alentejo landscape.
