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Alentejo: So many stories from a rich history

This is the largest region of Portugal, where the plain reaches as far as the eye can see. Alentejo is ochre, brown and gold. Time goes by slowly here; the earth is in no hurry to give up its fruit. Summers are dry and scorching. Winters, cold and harsh. In the past, during periods of scarcity, bread was the basis of several dishes that can still be found on tables today—delicious! The landscape is scattered with Roman and Arab ruins, fortified towns, castles and convents. So many stories from a rich history.

WHERE TO SLEEP

L’AND VINEYARDS RESORT

Sleep beneath the stars at the Sky View Suites. Renowned restaurant and excellent wines.

 

Herdade das Valadas, EN 4, Montemor-o-Novo

Tel. (+351) 266 242 400

 

www.l-andvineyards.com

ALENTEJO MARMÒRIS HOTEL & SPA

Luxury hotel where the region’s marble is king.

 

Largo Gago Coutinho, 11, Vila Viçosa

Tel. (+351) 268 887 010

 

www.alentejomarmoris.com

CONVENTO DO ESPINHEIRO

Sacred art and design in a very refined ancient monastery.

 

Tel. (+351) 266 788 200

 

www.conventodoespinheiro.com

M’AR DE AR AQUEDUTO

A 16th century building where comfort meets design. It has an excellent restaurant, a spa and an outdoor pool.

 

Rua Cândido dos Reis, 72, Évora

Tel. (+351) 266 740 700

 

www.mardearhotels.com

HERDADE DA MALHADINHA NOVA, COUNTRY HOUSE & SPA

The countryside dressed in luxury. You are invited on beautiful horseback rides and fishing parties. The wines are a must.

 

Albernoa, Beja

Tel. (+351) 284 965 432

 

www.malhadinhanova.pt

HERDADE DO AMARELO, NATURA & SPA

No more than ten rooms, all equipped with bathtubs from which you can admire a splendid panoramic view. Close to the beaches.

 

EN 532, km 7, S. Luís, Odemira, Beja

Tel. (+351) 917 587 882

 

www.herdadedoamarelo.pt

SUBLIME COMPORTA

A countryside refuge with all the city’s conveniences found in small, recently inaugurated villas.

 

EN 261, Muda, Alcácer

Tel. (+351) 269 449 376

 

www.sublimecomporta.pt

WHERE TO EAT

ADEGA VELHA

A wine cellar where you can savour the most traditional of cuisines. Alentejan songs enliven the meal.

 

Mourão, Évora

Tel. (+351) 266 586 443

L’AND

A high-end gastronomic voyage organized by chef Miguel Laffan.

 

Tel. (+351) 266 242 400

 

www.l-andvineyards.com

DEGUST’AR

The region’s origins revisited thanks to the creativity of chef António Nobre.

 

Hotel M’AR De AR Aqueduto, Évora

Tel. (+351) 266 740 700

 

www.mardearhotels.com

A MARIA

An Alentejan patio that has become a local favourite. Not to be missed for any reason.

 

R. João de Deus, 12, Alandroal, Évora

Tel. (+351) 268 431 143

 

restauranteamaria.com

RESTAURANTE DA HERDADEDO ESPORÃO

Une table pour déguster sans hâte. From the terrace’s tables, you can see the vines and the dam that supply the region. A table for unhurried pleasures.

 

Reguengos de Monsaraz, Évora

Tel. (+351) 266 509 280

 

www.esporao.com/pt-pt

NARCISSUS FERNANDESSI

Named after a delicate local plant. The dishes are refined and embellished with regional flavours.

 

Alentejo Màrmoris, Vila Viçosa

Tel. (+351) 268 887 010

A TASCA DO CELSO

Many appetizers, as well as fish and seafood, not to mention an exceptional selection of wines.

 

R. dos Aviadores, 39, Vila Nova deMil Fontes, Odemira

Tel. (+351) 283 996 753

PORTO DAS BARCAS

Near Milfontes, with the sea for a backdrop, you can enjoy fish and seafood enhanced by fresh produce from the garden.

 

Estrada do Canal 76, 45, Vila Nova deMil Fontes, Odemira

Tel. (+351) 283 997 160

LIEUX À VISITER

VILA E CASTELO DE MONSARAZ

Surrounded by walls, the picturesque medieval town preserves the charm of its whitewashed houses. You’ll discover one of the most beautiful lookouts over the landscape of Alentejo and the artificial lake of Alqueva.

MÉRTOLA E NÚCLEO ISLÂMICODO MUSEU MUNICIPAL

Overlooking the Guadiana river, this was once an important merchant town, evidenced by Arab archaeological remains.

BARRAGEM E LAGO DO ALQUEVA

Europe’s largest water reservoir. It supplies the vast Alentejan plain and provides electricity. Explore several riverside villages, enjoy a boat ride on the river or spend the night in a houseboat.

 

www.amieiramarina.com

PAÇO DUCAL, VILA VIÇOSA

Built in the 16th century, this building presents a monumental, 110-meter neo-classical façade.
It was a royal residence until the establishment of the Republic. It reopened thanks to the Bragance House Foundation, created by Manuel II, the last king of Portugal. It possesses a museum and a lovely library. Closed on Tuesdays.

IGREJA DE SÃO FRANCISCOE CAPELA DOS OSSOS, ÉVORA

Remarkable Manueline Gothic architecture. Gil Vicente, the first great Portuguese playwright, is buried here. The church is home to the Chapel of Bones, where the walls are covered with bones, skulls and allegorical motifs related to death

CENTRO HISTÓRICO E TEMPLOROMANO, ÉVORA

A World Heritage site, the temple evokes the Roman presence in the area and is this Alentejan city’s landmark.

CROMELEQUE DOS ALMENDRES

A megalithic monument composed of a circle of 95 menhirs (a cromlech). Its state of conservation makes it one of the most important in Europe. It is located roughly 12 kilometers west of Évora.

 

Tel. (+351) 266 857 000

GRUTA DO ESCOURAL

An example of Palaeolithic cave art.

 

Tel. (+351) 266 857 000

FLUVIÁRIO DE MORA

A large aquarium dedicated to freshwater ecosystems.

 

Tel. (+351) 266 448 130

AS PRAIAS DO SUDOESTE ALENTEJANO

The south-east beaches of Alentejo, which attract visitors like Christian Louboutin and Philippe Starck, are surrounded by the parishes of Carvalhal, Melides, São Torpes, Porto Côvo, Zambujeira do Mar and Almograve.

EXPÉRIENCES

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES

 

www.upalentejo.pt

OBSERVAÇÃO ASTRONÓMICA

Take advantage of exceptional conditions for stargazing.

 

darkskyalqueva.com

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