singulartrips-destinations-alentejo

Alentejo

 

Alentejo covers a vast landscape, rich in olive trees that produce the best olive oil in Portugal, and cork oaks that supply more than half of the world's cork and whose acorns feed the black pigs from which the famous ham is made. There are also numerous farms with large fields of wheat, sunflowers and vineyards that produce the excellent Alentejo DOC wine.

Mandatory stops include the UNESCO World Heritage cities of Évora and Elvas, as well as Portalegre, Arraiolos (known for its beautiful rugs), Ferreira do Alentejo, where the largest olive grove project in the world has been growing, and Beja with a rich Roman heritage and Arab legacy.

The picturesque mountain village of Monsaraz offers stunning views over the surrounding countryside and the largest water reservoir in Europe - the Alqueva dam.

 
singulartrips-destinations-alentejo-map

Taste

With all the diversity of flavors, our palate allows us to discover the local specialties of this region.

Whether to accompany starters, a snack or an important ingredient to make main dishes, Alentejo bread is the king of the table that is present at every meal.

One of the many distinguished dishes is the Migas, a dish that has bread as the main ingredient.

A dish that is nationally appreciated is Carne de Porco à Alentejana, a delicious dish full of flavor based on pork meat and clams with potatoes and coriander.


Smell

Stroll through the alleys of Alentejo, discover breathtaking landscapes and follow the scent of olives.

One of the main ingredients used in Portuguese gastronomy that makes our cuisine so special is the use of olive oil and Alentejo is the region that produces the most.

Feel the strong smell until you reach the coastal area of the region, more specifically to a village called Odemira, the home of the “Medronho de Odemira” drink that was distinguished as “the best of the best” in the country. Medronho is a spirit drink and a traditional fruit brandy made with the fruit of the tree with the same name.


See

The Alentejo region is home to numerous famous monuments, as well as typical and traditional houses with distinct aesthetic characteristics.

In Évora you can find a picturesque village full of history and heritage. Stroll through the streets of this beautiful city and see wonderful monuments such as the

Roman Temple that is located in the historic center and is one of the ex-libris of Évora.

As you explore other parts of the region, fall in love with the beautiful houses with white walls and blue stripes that accentuate the curves of the doors and windows. This touch of color with the contrast of the natural landscapes makes it a special and distinguished place.


Touch

Alentejo is also a region full of nature and tradition.

Explore the extensive fields and touch the countless fruits that are planted in this region. Fruit growing has been growing in recent years, increasing the cultivation of various fruits in the area such as pears, oranges, melons and figs.

Get to know the tradition of this region and feel the furrows of the Arraiolos rug, a traditional tapestry that is nationally famous.


Listen

Listen to the traditional sounds of this beautiful region. Let yourself be enchanted by the melody of Cante Alentejano, a musical genre originating in the Alentejo. Composed of a group of men or women who rely on their voice and without any instrumental support, it was distinguished by UNESCO for being included in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Also distinguished by UNESCO and part of the same list was the manufacture of rattles, a handicraft with an unmistakable soundscape that has existed in this region for over two thousand years. it is very thin, so it is important to try to preserve and keep this tradition alive.


Additional Information:

Closest airports: Humberto Delgado (Lisbon) or Faro Airport (Algarve)

Estimated travel time around the region: from 1h15 to 2h15

Recommendation of other regions to visit: Lisbon - Travel time from 1h30 to 2h20

Sintra - Travel time from 1h30 to 2h30

Setúbal Peninsula - Travel time 1 to 2 hours

Downtown - Travel time from 1 to 4 hours

Algarve - Travel time from 1h30 to 3h30