The region ‘beyond the Tejo’, which stretches south from Lisbon to the Algarve, offers a place to take a deep breath with its vast, sparsely populated landscapes and deserted beaches that you won’t find anywhere else in Portugal. Beautiful villages – some of the most beautiful in the country – as well as honest, diverse cuisine and fantastic wines also await travellers on their individual round trip. We reveal even more reasons why the Alentejo is our absolute favourite Slow Travel region and a wonderful round trip destination.

“‘Off the beaten track’ is not just an empty phrase in the Alentejo. Here, the clocks tick a little slower than elsewhere. You will look in vain for big, impersonal hotels, instead you will find accommodation in beautifully restored castles or monasteries, family-run wineries and sustainable design hotels and b&bs in the midst of unspoilt nature. There is no better way to switch off than in the retreats of the Alentejo. The gastronomy is just as authentic and typical of the region. From simple, home-style cooking to Michelin-starred restaurants, slow food lovers will be in their element in the Alentejo. Fantastic local wines, which are also affordable here, make the enjoyment perfect.

With almost 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, the Alentejo also has good weather in autumn and winter. Although the temperatures get cooler from October onwards, depending on the region, this is ideal for enjoying nature, hiking or sightseeing through quiet villages and towns. In summer, it can get very hot, especially in the hinterland – yet another reason why spring and autumn are perfect times to visit the Alentejo . And something else is possible all year round in the Alentejo: stargazing. Due to the low air and light pollution in the sparsely populated region, you can enjoy a particularly clear view of the night sky. The ‘Reserva Dark Sky-Alqueva’, which extends over more than 3,000 km2 around the Alqueva reservoir, is the best-known light reserve in the Alentejo. This area was even declared the first star tourism destination in the world – certified by the Starlight Foundation together with UNESCO and UNWTO.

Whether you like to be active on holiday or simply want to relax and unwind: The nature of the Alentejo offers something for everyone. The Costa Alentejana is almost 140 kilometres long and, with its sandy beaches framed by rocks and turquoise waters, is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt stretches of coastline in Europe. Take endless walks or cool off in one of the bathing bays. The numerous reservoirs in the Alentejo hinterland are also ideal for swimming. The nature parks in the hinterland invite you to explore from village to village, on hikes or cycle tours. The Serra de São Mamede Nature Park or the UNESCO Castro Verde Biosphere Reserve await interested visitors with numerous routes and a diverse flora and fauna. Wine regions with picturesque hills are also part of the Alentejo landscape. Variety is guaranteed on a round trip through the region.

The contemporary witnesses in the Alentejo take you on an exciting journey that leads you back to the first humans. Nowhere else on the Iberian Peninsula are there so many dolmens and menhirs; in the district of Évora alone, there are numerous megalithic structures that are often discovered by chance during a round trip . Cultural and historical WOW moments await around virtually every corner in the Alentejo. This is also the case in the region’s most famous and largest city, Évora. In addition to the Roman temple and the imposing cathedral, you should take a look at the winding Moorish alleyways. Or let the Chapel of Bones send a shiver down your spine. Because the Alentejo is also a truly mystical place in Portugal , full of magic and secrets.

They epitomise the Alentejo like hardly anything else: romantic, white medieval villages, usually crowned by a castle, spread across the hills of the hinterland. The villages not only contribute to the beautiful landscape, but also preserve numerous traditions and culinary specialities. Travellers can immerse themselves in dreamy Portugal in the small alleyways and also enjoy wonderful views. Monsaraz is a true picture-book example of the villages of the Alentejo. In addition to the castle, you can also visit the Matriz church here. In July, the village is transformed into an open-air museum where you can learn about the customs and traditions of the Alentejo. But the lesser-known and therefore quieter villages are also worth a visit.

Header photo: Montimerso Skyscape Country House, Monsaraz