Beautiful Alentejo's light-filled landscapes span almost a third of Portugal. Famously laid-back, the region has long been popular with relaxed holidaymakers seeking heritage charm, outdoorsy adventures or tranquil rural bliss. The best places to stay in Alentejo range from restored farmhouses to hip boutique boltholes — all offering a warm Portuguese welcome.
Begin your explorations in Coimbra, formerly Portugal’s capital city. Studded with grand historic buildings, the Moorish-era Old Town is fascinating — as is the university, built on the grounds of an impressive palace. Art and architecture aficionados will also delight in discovering Évora, with its Roman ruins, medieval walls and gorgeous centre. Expect sensational regional cuisine, buzzy wines bars, excellent museums and chic boutiques.
Stretching from the white cliffs of the Atlantic coast to the Spanish border and the Algarve, Alentejo is home to just 7% of Portugal’s population. Walk, horse ride or cycle between olive groves, ancient cork forests and family-owned vineyards, all drenched in the region’s pure, soft light. Comporta, to the north, is an ideal springboard for off-the-beaten-track trips, with whitewashed buildings promising an atmosphere of splendid isolation for couples, friends or families. The best places to stay in Alentejo await!