Portugal Guide
Alentejo
The huge, sparsely populated plains of the Alentejo, southeast of Lisbon, are overwhelmingly agricultural, dominated by vast cork plantations well suited to the low rainfall, sweltering heat and arid soil. This impoverished province is divided into large estates that provide nearly half of the world's cork but only a meagre living for its rural inhabitants. Visitors to the Alentejo often head for Évora, the province's dominant and most historic city. But the Alentejo coast, the Costa Azul, is a breath of fresh air after the stifling plains of the inland landscape.
Highlights
1 Templo Romano, Évora Enjoy a sunset drink near Évora's most impressive Roman remain.
2 Cromeleque dos Almendres The Iberian peninsula's largest Neolithic stone circle, near Évora, is a hugely atmospheric site.
3 Saturday market, Estremoz A classic Portuguese market, selling everything from earthenware to cheese, all locally made.
4 Monsaraz Stay the night in one of the traditional houses in this fortified hilltop village.
5 Serpa Defensive walls entirely surround one of the region's most delightful small towns.
6 Mértola The Alentejo's best-kept secret – a quiet riverside town of great charm and antiquity.
7 Miróbriga Visit the Alentejo's most extensive Roman remains.
8 Vila Nova de Milfontes The Alentejo coast is quite distinct from that of the Algarve, with the estuary town of Vila Nova its finest resort.