Alentejo - Where time slows down...
Yet to be discovered by many, the Alentejo is awaiting your visit. Not only does time slow down, but you step back in time too.Time has just stool still in the Alentejo, it has remained unchanged for centuries. If you're looking for serenity and most of all exquisite nature, what are you waiting for? It is so rustic, everything you discover will reawaken all of your senses. The views, the flavours, the sounds, the aromas, all your sensations will be enhanced and will come alive just breathing in all that fresh air, even in the deepest driest heat. To top that, it also projects the most amazing and breathtaking starry nights.
Its vast idyllic landscapes from flat plains, sweeping valleys, boulder-strewn hills to rugged mountain ranges go on forever and ever and every now and then you come across a delightful little whitewashed village with cobbled streets and gothic doorways which will take you back in time as soon as you enter it. Every unique characteristic will just take your breath away. The Alentejo is split into two - Alto (Upper) Alentejo and Baixo (Lower) Alentejo, but really there's no difference as one is as stunning as the other and full of heritage waiting to be divulged. Set between the south bank of the Rio Tejo (Tagus River) to the tip of the Algarve, it covers a third of Portugal and is the least developed and least populated region. The name Alentejo originally derived from 'Alem-tejo' which literally translates as 'Beyond the Rio Tejo'.
So why visit this sleepy retreat?
For its Gastronomy
Famed for its cork, olive oil, wheat, farming, agriculture and rich traditional dishes, it's now renowned for its exceptional wines too, with endless vineyards as far as the eye can see. Its tasty delicacies include (migas) mashed bread, (caldeiradas, cataplanas) stews, soups, meats, (chouricos) smoked meat sausages, cheeses, vegetables, beans, game, fish and many more. The majority of the regional dishes were created from poverty as the Alentejo country-folk were forced to use any ingredients available to them at the time. Today these dishes are extremely enjoyed by everyone for their awesome flavours, richness and simplicity.
For its Heritage
Travel back to pre-historic times - the Alentejo is a must visit for those who love archaeology. It is brimming with monuments, especially surrounding Evora, the capital of the Alto Alentejo province. You can also find well preserved medieval fortified towns revealing magnificent palaces, hilltop castles, temple ruins and ancient dolmens dotted around the area too, it's such a magical history trail. The Alentejo region is adorned with churches hiding away spectacular frescos just waiting to be discovered and has even created a Fresco Route for those fascinated by artistry to follow. There is also the Mining Circuit with guided tours for whoever wants to explore the Alentejo's geological and industrial heritage as well as the Marble Route.
For the Weather
The Alentejo is warm and dry for most of the year with some summers reaching 40 degrees and winters being very mild, but at times very wet.
For the Active
It may be surprising to hear, the Alentejo has over 100 kilometres of cliffy coastline. With pristine white sandy beaches stretching along the Atlantic coast, from Troia all the way down to Odeceixe - also known as the Costa Azul (Blue Coast), you will find pretty seaside villages, practically deserted beaches and secluded coves. The Alentejo also has a number of fantastic reservoirs, river beaches and lagoons. These tranquil waters have enabled nautical sports activities to grow and grow in the region over time; from sailing, fishing, windsurfing, jet skiing, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking to terrific boat trips. If you wish to take in the views the Alentejo has to offer, you can also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, paragliding, even parachuting and air balloon rides as well as trying out camping and hunting.
For the Kids
Not only is the Alentejo a fantastic getaway for adults but you can also create brilliant adventures for the kids too. For instance, why not visit the Nature Parks/Reserves and the Estuaries where you can encounter dolphins, flamingos and all types of birds at close hand. You can also entertain the kids at the largest freshwater aquarium in Europe located at Mora as well as visiting the Monte Salvagem and the Badoca Safari Park where they can see and experience the wildlife, such as zebras and buffalos - the kids will love it.
For Music Lovers
Generation after generation has passed on the folklore singing and dancing traditions of 'Cante' and 'Rancho' and these are still being performed across the country to this day.
In recent times the Alentejo has become well known for holding huge music festivals. The Festival Do Sudoeste takes place near Zambujeira do Mar in August and the World Music Festival takes place in Sines every July. Also in July the Classic Festival takes place in Evora and the Festival Terras Sem Sombras (traditional music) takes place from March to July at several locations surrounding Beja.
Off the beaten track?
The Alentejo is the ideal place for nature lovers and lovers of the outdoors too. Hope your trip is unforgettable - so make yours an adventure to remember.
Its vast idyllic landscapes from flat plains, sweeping valleys, boulder-strewn hills to rugged mountain ranges go on forever and ever and every now and then you come across a delightful little whitewashed village with cobbled streets and gothic doorways which will take you back in time as soon as you enter it. Every unique characteristic will just take your breath away. The Alentejo is split into two - Alto (Upper) Alentejo and Baixo (Lower) Alentejo, but really there's no difference as one is as stunning as the other and full of heritage waiting to be divulged. Set between the south bank of the Rio Tejo (Tagus River) to the tip of the Algarve, it covers a third of Portugal and is the least developed and least populated region. The name Alentejo originally derived from 'Alem-tejo' which literally translates as 'Beyond the Rio Tejo'.
So why visit this sleepy retreat?
For its Gastronomy
Famed for its cork, olive oil, wheat, farming, agriculture and rich traditional dishes, it's now renowned for its exceptional wines too, with endless vineyards as far as the eye can see. Its tasty delicacies include (migas) mashed bread, (caldeiradas, cataplanas) stews, soups, meats, (chouricos) smoked meat sausages, cheeses, vegetables, beans, game, fish and many more. The majority of the regional dishes were created from poverty as the Alentejo country-folk were forced to use any ingredients available to them at the time. Today these dishes are extremely enjoyed by everyone for their awesome flavours, richness and simplicity.
For its Heritage
Travel back to pre-historic times - the Alentejo is a must visit for those who love archaeology. It is brimming with monuments, especially surrounding Evora, the capital of the Alto Alentejo province. You can also find well preserved medieval fortified towns revealing magnificent palaces, hilltop castles, temple ruins and ancient dolmens dotted around the area too, it's such a magical history trail. The Alentejo region is adorned with churches hiding away spectacular frescos just waiting to be discovered and has even created a Fresco Route for those fascinated by artistry to follow. There is also the Mining Circuit with guided tours for whoever wants to explore the Alentejo's geological and industrial heritage as well as the Marble Route.
For the Weather
The Alentejo is warm and dry for most of the year with some summers reaching 40 degrees and winters being very mild, but at times very wet.
For the Active
It may be surprising to hear, the Alentejo has over 100 kilometres of cliffy coastline. With pristine white sandy beaches stretching along the Atlantic coast, from Troia all the way down to Odeceixe - also known as the Costa Azul (Blue Coast), you will find pretty seaside villages, practically deserted beaches and secluded coves. The Alentejo also has a number of fantastic reservoirs, river beaches and lagoons. These tranquil waters have enabled nautical sports activities to grow and grow in the region over time; from sailing, fishing, windsurfing, jet skiing, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking to terrific boat trips. If you wish to take in the views the Alentejo has to offer, you can also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, paragliding, even parachuting and air balloon rides as well as trying out camping and hunting.
For the Kids
Not only is the Alentejo a fantastic getaway for adults but you can also create brilliant adventures for the kids too. For instance, why not visit the Nature Parks/Reserves and the Estuaries where you can encounter dolphins, flamingos and all types of birds at close hand. You can also entertain the kids at the largest freshwater aquarium in Europe located at Mora as well as visiting the Monte Salvagem and the Badoca Safari Park where they can see and experience the wildlife, such as zebras and buffalos - the kids will love it.
For Music Lovers
Generation after generation has passed on the folklore singing and dancing traditions of 'Cante' and 'Rancho' and these are still being performed across the country to this day.
In recent times the Alentejo has become well known for holding huge music festivals. The Festival Do Sudoeste takes place near Zambujeira do Mar in August and the World Music Festival takes place in Sines every July. Also in July the Classic Festival takes place in Evora and the Festival Terras Sem Sombras (traditional music) takes place from March to July at several locations surrounding Beja.
Off the beaten track?
The Alentejo is the ideal place for nature lovers and lovers of the outdoors too. Hope your trip is unforgettable - so make yours an adventure to remember.
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Photography: beepbeepeurope
© Copyright. All rights reserved.
© Copyright. All rights reserved.
