There is plenty to attract visitors to Alentejo with clean beaches, vast open countryside, colourful vineyards and culturally interesting towns & villages.  In the south of the region you can experience beautiful rolling plains and in the north-east you can’t help but notice the stunning granite hills which border Spain.  There is plenty of rich history preserved in the towns of Evora and Beja. If you prefer a gastronomic feast, then visit the charming eateries in the old fishing villages of Setubal, Sesimbra and Sines, or relax on the beautiful beaches of Almograve and Zambujeira.

Alentejo is divided into four sub-regions including the main cities of Evora, Santarem, Portalegre and Beja, with their variety and wealth of culture and experiences.

• Evora lies approximately 130 km from Lisbon and is the capital of Alentejo. A town that is generally considered one of the most beautiful in Portugal, Evora is enclosed by ancient walls preserved in their original state and includes many well preserved historical monuments. This has enabled the town to be included in UNESCO’s world heritage list. Boasting hundreds of remarkable buildings, visitors should be sure not to miss the 12th century cathedral, which is the largest cathedral dating back to the Middle Ages and considered one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in the world.

• Santarem is known as the bull fighting capital of Portugal, with its surrounding areas enhanced by rich pastures, grazing bulls and horses. During the month of June there is a huge agricultural fair, Feira de Ribatejo, where along with the bullfighting you can enjoy the locally sourced produce, along with folk dancing and music. It is also the home of the world famous bull running event.  If bullfighting doesn’t appeal, there is another annual fair which takes place here in October – a feast of local produce which is sold on the streets.

• Portalegre is situated on the side of the Serra de Sao, a mountain range that contains an abundance of flora and fauna and is so beautiful that a part of the area has been designated a national park. Along with the awe-inspiring views to experience from the hill-top towns, Portalegre also has its share of historical monuments.  Within Portalegre there is opportunity for water sports enthusiasts or just a cooling dip on a hot summers day in one of the many local dams.  

• Beja is a town with a famous and diverse history. It is the location of the ‘Convento da Nassa’, made famous by the 1669 French publication of the ‘Lettres Portugaises’, which were five lyric love letters written by a 26 year old nun Maria Alconfarodo to her lover Saint – Leger after he deserted her. The Convent is decorated with a unique mixture of Gothic, Baroque, Manueline and Hispanic-Arab design, influencing the architecture and making it an incredibly interesting building. The Convent also houses the Museu Regional da Rainha Dona Leonor, a museum celebrating the many different cultures that have influenced the region with works of ceramics, glass, bronze, iron, coins, mosaics, sculptures, carvings and art.

In addition, this region that was once known only as the “bread basket” of Portugal, has become a major wine producing region. With its baking hot summers and cool winters, the area produces fantastic rich and concentrated red wines. Take some time out to stop by the vineyards such as Malhadinh Nova, Cortes de Cima, Quinta do Mouro, Esporão, João Portugal Ramos, Mouchão and Cartuxa among others. Each vineyard boasting beautiful scenery and stunning wines, the choice is endless!

Horse riding enthusiasts have to visit EquiSerra located in the Serra Galdeirdo close to the charming village Santana De Sarra. While golfers shouldn’t miss the Ammaia (Marao) golf course, which lies directly below the medieval village of Marvao.

Climate
The region of Alentejo enjoys an almost Mediterranean climate. In the height of summer you can enjoy maximum temperatures of around 25˚C (77˚F) with 11 or 12 hours of sunshine per day. During the spring months the temperature can rise as high as 22˚C (71˚F) with up to 10 hours of sunshine per day while the winter months can expect a maximum temperature of 16˚C (60˚F). Rainfall is most common from December to February.

Depending on which part of Alentejo is your destination, access Portugal's international airports in either the capital Lisbon or the city of Faro which is situated in the middle of the Algarve coastline. A car may be hired at either of the airports or throughout the region it may be possible to conneect to to a number of smaller airports.

TAP, the national airline, will fly from most international airports. Easy Jet flies to Faro from London Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Bristol and the East Midlands. Ryanair currently flies direct from Dublin. Monarch flies some cheap charter flights from Manchester, Gatwick and Luton.