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Alentejo

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The Alentejo (ah-LEHN-tay-ZHU, meaning 'beyond the Tagus River'), is a beautiful,mostly agricultural region, remarkable for its wide horizons, filled with soft hills that change color along the year, from deep brown to green with white, red and purple, to golden. Sunsets and the light play are stunning. As the warmest weathered region in Portugal, its inhabitants are known for their slow-paced, easy-going lifestyle and song-like accent, that are in great harmony with the Alentejo's calm-inducing topography. So, if you are there, do like the Alentejanos, and do it slowly. No stress, please.

The main city is Evora ,in Central Alentejo ,with hisoric monuments,churchs and museums. Also in Alentejo, in the Évora region, was one of the development centers of early european megalithism (standing stones).

[edit] Regions (cities within)

  • Alto Alentejo ,around the cities of Portalegre,Campo Maior Arronches, Elvas);

[edit] Cities/towns

  • Alcácer do Sal - A very old town on top of a hill, by the Sado river.
  • Beja, historic city,district capital.
  • Elvas, city near Guadiana river,across from Badajoz.
  • Évora regional capital,district capital,university city with Roman(Templo de Diana) ruins at the top of a commanding hill.
  • Portalegre ,a capital district city by the serra de Sao Mamede.
  • Campo Maior, a beautifull white town,with a nice castle, capela dos ossos,a big lake Barragem do caia
  • Mértola - A lovely town on a hill, overlooking the Guadiana river, with ancient ruins.
  • Serpa ,another historic city thy the Guadiana , Home of the Serpa cheese, also hosts many great places to eat and drink.
  • Castelo de Vide ,a beautiful fortified castle town on an adorable mount.
  • Marvao ,another beautuful castle town.
  • Vila Vicosa , an historic, monumental town.
  • Borba ,malble(marmore)town.
  • Mifontes ,a town near a bay and the sea.
  • Odemira ,the largest municipality in Portugal by area.
  • Grandola ,a town known for singer Zeca Afonso as "Vila Morena" (tawny town),with a serra(mount)homonomous.

[edit] Other destinations

Others destinations include all the Alentejo Beach Coast, most of it untouched (so far) and with small beautiful beaches. Santiago do Cacém,Vila Nova de MilFontes,Zambujeira,Porto Covo,Trioa,Arraiolos,Ourique,Castro Verde,etc. Alto Alentejo also includes the great marble towns of Estremoz, Borba and Vila Viçoca - and the spectacular mountain villages of Castelo de Vide, Marvão. In Central Alentejo Evora city and the castleMonsaraz,in Baixo Alentejo the golden praries(planicia dourada)and Alentejo Litoral the extensive beaches of Sudeste Alentejano and Costa Vicentina.

[edit] Understand

[edit] Talk

[edit] Get in

[edit] Get around

Most places may be reached by bus from Evora but for some of the mountain areas including Marvão and Castelo de Vide you will need to get first to Portalegre.

[edit][add listing] See

  • Neolithic ruins are spread across the countryside near Évora. Cave paintings and Stonehenge-era structures are scattered around the regions. Tours can be arranged in the tourist office of Évora.
  • More than 1000 megalithic monuments are found in Alentejo. The most important can be visited.
  • Alqueva dam on the Guadiana

[edit] Itineraries

District capital cities of Evora,Portalegra,Beja,plus other historic cities and towns as well,the coast.

[edit][add listing] Do

  • The west coast is one of the most beautiful beach zones, that has (so far) survived without the savage tourism industry that destroyed the Algarve. Be sure to visit Vila Nova de Mil-Fontes or one of the little towns around.
  • In the summer (august), if you are a rock fan, try to catch the Sudoeste Rock Festival, near Zambujeira.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

  • Montes do Telheiro, ☎ +351 283 322 223, [1]. Os Montes do Telheiro are situated in one of the largest estates of Odemira, two hours away from Lisbon and just a few minutes away from the wonderful Costa Alentejana. Very easy to find, the Telheiro Estate offers a wonderful and quiet resort in a typical rustic environment.  edit
  • Turismo Rural Monsaraz - Casa D. Antónia (Casa D. Antónia), Rua Direita, 15, ☎ +351 266 557 142, [2]. checkin: 16:00; checkout: 11:30. In the main street of Monsaraz you will find the Casa Dona Antónia, memorable and unmistakable with its original and highly characteristic features - its main façade, its three broad chimneys and its massive bougainvillea which, when in flower, adds colour to this marvellous building. At the beginning of the 1970's it opened its doors to offer a traditional family welcome to visitors. As time passed these visitors spread the reputation of Casa D. Antónia, not only in Portugal but also in the world beyond. from € 50. (38.443842,-7.38042) edit
  • Camping Os Anjos, parque campismo rural 800 mtr from the beautifull white town Campo Maior, 15 km from Badajoz(Spain) and 20 km from Elvas.

A small actractive campsite. The campsite is partly terraced with beautiful rural views over the olive groves, wheat fields and grasslands. The pitches are spacious ± 100m² some of them with electricity. Suitable for motor-home,caravan and tent.A holiday destination for those who like a quiet, peaceful location nature and culture.Relaxed and friendly atmosphere. One can visit various towns and villages and make beautiful walks or do some biking. website http://www.campingosanjos.com >

  • Monte Horizonte, Santiago do Cacém (Halfway between Lisbon and the Algarve, 15 minutes from the beach and five minutes of the historic city Santiago do Cacem), ☎ +351 269 825 383, [3]. checkin: 4PM; checkout: 10AM. Run completely on solar and wind energy. On 20 hectares of land and partly in a national eological reserve. Surf camps are close by. Outdoor swimming pool available.  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit][add listing] Drink

Wines from the Alentejo region are very popular among the Portuguese people, so take the chance to know them!

[edit] Stay safe

[edit] Get out

Lisboa,Faro,Tomar. Follow one of the motorways or the IP2.

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