With its scenic countryside and unspoiled beaches, Alentejo is one of the Portugal's most picturesque regions. You will find yourself a witness to prehistoric menhir and dolmens, two thousand year old Roman ruins, Gothic towers and medieval castles among the almost ever present reminders of the region's rich history. With its time-capsule villages that seem to float on the hills above the undulating plains, Alentejo is a place to experience some of the best of everything that Portugal has to offer.

Alentejo's Coastline

Those who want to enjoy Alentejo's spectacular coastline would be hard pressed to find anything more stunning. Stretching from Tróia to Aljezur, the unspoiled region has both pristine, sandy beaches and hidden rocky coves. As you explore inland, for as far as the eye can see you will find fields of wheat, groves of olives, rich forests of cork trees or stretching wine vineyards.

Castle Route

To the northeast from cork country is the "Castle Route" with fortified villages such as Nisa, Castelo de Vide, Marvão, Portalegre and Alter do Chão. To the south, the landscape is flat and warm, scattered with sunflower and golden wheat fields, wine estates and olive groves.

In the center is the city of Evora, a World Heritage city and a good spot from which to begin exploring. Evora also contains ruins from prehistoric peoples. Pottery and tapestry rugs are the local handicrafts.

To the northeast, the towns of Estremoz and Vila Viçosa are "marble towns" which supplied marble to buildings throughout Portugal. Everywhere the landscape bears traces from cultures which once tried to conquer ancient Portugal - the Moors, the Romans, and the Cathaginians.