5 Reasons to Visit Alentejo

Alentejo is one of the most authentic and charming regions in Portugal. With breathtaking landscapes, rich cuisine and unique experiences, this destination offers much more than just tranquility. If you still need reasons to include Alentejo on your travel list, here are five unmissable reasons.

1. Wine Tours: Discover the Secrets of Alentejo Wines

Alentejo is one of the most prestigious wine regions in Portugal, known for its full-bodied wines full of personality. A visit to a winery is a must for anyone who enjoys a good wine.

The region has several farms and estates that offer guided tours, where you can learn about the production methods, from the grape harvest to the aging in oak barrels. You also have the opportunity to participate in wine tastings and taste some of the region's best vintages.

Some of the most famous wineries include Herdade do Esporão , Adega Mayor and Cartuxa , the latter known for its iconic Pêra-Manca wine. For an even more authentic experience, some wineries offer lunches paired with regional products, making your visit unforgettable.


2. Visits to the Marble Quarries: The White Gold of Alentejo

Few people know that Alentejo, more precisely the region of Vila Viçosa, is one of the largest producers of marble in Europe. The so-called "white gold" of Alentejo has been mined for centuries and used in palaces and monuments all over the world.

A visit to the quarries is a unique opportunity to see up close how this precious stone is extracted and worked. Local companies organize guided tours that allow you to learn about the extraction process, the history of marble in the region and even admire the impressive cuts in the gigantic open-air quarries.

To complement the experience, the Marble Museum in Vila Viçosa is a must-see, where you can learn more about the tradition and impact of this industry on local culture.


3. Alentejo Gastronomy: Flavors that Tell Stories

Alentejo is a true gastronomic paradise, where each dish reflects the identity and richness of the land. Alentejo cuisine is simple but full of flavour, based on local ingredients such as olive oil, bread, aromatic herbs and pork.

Among the most emblematic dishes, the highlights are the açorda alentejana , made with bread, garlic, coriander and poached egg, the migas with pork , and the traditional lamb stew . For cheese and sausage lovers, the region offers delicacies such as Queijo de Serpa and Paio de Beja .

We cannot forget the convent sweets, such as sericaias with Elvas plums and pastos de toucinho , which will make anyone surrender to the sweetness of Alentejo. To accompany them, there is nothing better than a glass of local wine or a medronho brandy.


4. Historical Heritage: Castles, Palaces and Medieval Villages

The Alentejo is a veritable open-air museum, full of castles, churches and palaces that tell the story of Portugal. In cities such as Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can explore iconic monuments such as the Roman Temple , the Chapel of Bones and the imposing Sé de Évora .

Other towns and cities in Alentejo also offer unique experiences:

• Monsaraz : A charming medieval village, with cobbled streets, white houses and a stunning view over Alqueva Lake.
• Marvão : One of the best preserved castles in the country, with impressive panoramic views.
• Elvas : Known for its bastioned fortifications and the Amoreira Aqueduct.

Walking through these places is like traveling back in time, where each stone has a story to tell.


5. Nature and Tranquility: Dreamy Landscapes and Starry Skies

If you’re looking to escape the fast-paced city life, the Alentejo offers the perfect escape. With endless golden plains, fields of olive and cork trees, and unforgettable sunsets, this is the perfect place to relax and reconnect with nature.

Alqueva Lake , one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe, is an excellent destination for outdoor activities such as boating, canoeing and even stargazing. In fact, the Alqueva region is recognized as one of the best places in the world for astronomy, due to the absence of light pollution.

For nature tourism lovers, there are several hiking and cycling routes that cross groves and small typical villages, providing an authentic and invigorating experience.


Alentejo is a destination that combines culture, history, gastronomy and unforgettable landscapes. Whether for a weekend getaway or a longer trip, this region offers unique experiences that will stay in your memory forever. So, are you ready to explore the best of Alentejo?