Sandwiched between the sunny Algarve and the capital city of Lisbon, Alentejo is Portugal’s agricultural heartland and is responsible for some of the country’s finest produce. The landscapes of Portugal’s largest region are rife with vineyards, olive groves, wheat fields, and cork forests, so it’ll come as no surprise that most things to do here revolve around eating and drinking. But Alentejo’s highlights aren’t just limited to food: The historic town of Évora is home to Roman ruins and a medieval chapel made from bones, while Sado Estuary Natural Reserve and its four other national parks harbor a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Alentejo is nicknamed the “Frying Pan of Portugal,” so it’s best to avoid the region during the summer months of June, July, and August—temperatures can reach a scorching 113ºF (45ºC). The best times to visit Alentejo are spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) when temperatures become more comfortable and the crowds quiet down. But if you can take the heat, in August, the gorgeous fishing town of Zambujeira do Mar hosts one of the biggest summer festivals in Portugal, the Sudoeste Festival, a 5-day music event.
While getting to Alentejo is easy enough (regular trains from Lisbon and Faro stop at towns such as Portalegre, Évora, Beja, Alcácer do Sal, and Sines), getting around the rural and rugged region itself isn’t so easy without your own transport. Renting a car will enhance your experience of Alentejo twofold, as you’ll be able to explore the countryside and coast and travel between towns without being restricted to the sometimes irregular train schedules.
While Portugal is usually associated with beaches and cities, Alentejo is famous for its stargazing. Right in the center of the region, the tiny town of Alqueva is a certified Dark Sky Reserve because of its low light pollution. And if you’d rather gaze at storks rather than stars, Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park is home to a pristine stretch of European coastline that harbors multiple bird species.
