Warm and wide-horizoned, Alentejo's beautiful rural scenery, which changes colour dramatically with the light, is one of the big draws. Reeling you in to the slow, relaxed pace of life here amongst the vineyards, white towns (where many of the best places to stay in the Alentejo can be found) and the megalithic monuments.
Alentejo covers almost a third of Portugal, from the Atlantic coast to the Spanish border and the Algarve, but it has only about seven percent of the population. The charming old white towns, where nothing has changed for decades are sparsely dotted amongst olive groves and cork forests. Alentejo's beaches are beautiful and on a road trip along white cliffs and virginal coasts you'll feel like you're the only people in the world.
It is a relative unknown but vast, so there are plenty of accommodation options. Some of the best places to stay in the Alentejo are the wonderful old farmhouse complexes. Whitewashed and traditional, many now boast all the mod. cons. and have been chicly styled, but are still inexpensive. The Pousadas de Portugal hotels are good options too. These state run hotels occupy stunning old buildings often religious buildings or castles and are priced affordably.
Although quieter than other areas of Portugal, many of the best places to stay in Alentejo are very popular so do plan ahead and make your booking early.
The best way to sell it is to say the Alentejo is like Tuscany before everyone visited. But much, much bigger. Places here feel, and treasure, their rural heritage. If you're here looking for a beach just for two, have no fear, there will be plenty to choose from. One of the best places to start looking from is Vila Nova de Mil-Fontes.
Vino verde accompanied by sardines and shellfish on the barbecue, Alentejo's cuisine is a pleasant surprise to many. Yes, it's rustic, not fancy, but it's fresh, local and original. If you're here for the wine follow the Rota dos Vinhos do Alentejo, or Alentejo Wine Route through the vineyards.
As well as being UNESCO listed, Evora is the largest town in the region. Its two thousand year old Templo Romano is an exceptionally fine Roman monument, and it has a chapel of the bones featuring the skulls of around five thousand former locals. Just out of town is the Cromeleque dos Almedres, one of the largest megalithic structures in Europe: an oval of around one hundred granite monoliths.
The ancient walled town of Marvão, with a wonderful castle and museum, is also worth visiting.
The flat countryside makes hiking and biking a pleasure, though the more traditional way of exploring the place is on horseback…
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Reguengos de Monsaraz
A rustic inn perched on a mountain ledge with stunning valley views. Charming rooms and suites have stone floors, wooden furnishings, and private balconies. Lovely terraces, swimming pool, gardens, and restaurant. Great for families or couples on a budget.
Alentejo (Cerro da Fontinha)
A charming country house B&B with a communal kitchen, gardens, pool, and children's playground. Farmhouse chic bedrooms are excellent value and extra beds can be included. Within striking distance of beaches. A great choice for a budget family beach holiday.
Alentejo
A luxurious mansion of Five Star status. Elegant bedrooms centred around a balustraded garden, swimming pool, and excellent traditional cuisine. A very special spot ideally suited to couples and families.
Alentejo
A collection of boutique suites set on a working vineyard next to the slopes of the S. Mameda mountain. Contemporary and chic the suites offer all the mod cons, complete privacy and plenty of space. Unwind by the glorious pool, sample the estate's produce and take long walks through the countryside.
Alentejo
A lovely country house hotel, formerly a convent, surrounded by vineyards. Elegant rooms and suites have white washed walls, killim rugs, and antique furniture. Pool, restaurant, bar and children's activities. Family friendly and great value.
Evora
A luxury eco-hotel occupying a secluded and picturesque spot near historic Évora. Smart contemporary suites have a chic white-on-white style offset by cork features (it is locally produced). Featuring both a spa and excellent Portuguese restaurant this is the ideal spot to come and unwind.
Alentejo (Santa Maria de Marvão)
A seriously charming small hotel set in four converted houses in the picturesque medieval hamlet of Marvão, with views over the plains of the Alentejo and Spain beyond.
Alentejo
Fabulously remote and romantic lakeside guesthouse. Boutique rooms and one enormous suite. Stunning views over the lake, sumptuous day beds, and lots to do around; nature, wine tasting, sights. Ideal for a romantic rural retreat, great value too.
Alentejo (Maria Ruiva)
Wonderfully rustic retreat with romantic gardens and rose draped terraces. White washed on the outside and splashed with pastels on the inside. Giant rooms and suites, lovely pool and deck area, and vineyards nearby. Perfect for a romantic retreat.
Alentejo
An elegant hotel in the heart of a beautiful winery with cool wine cellar and contemporary bedrooms decorated to complement the natural surroundings. A large terrace with bar, and sitting room with magnificent views are both ideal sundown locations. An intimate hideaway, just 15 mins from the beach.
Alentejo (Alentejo )
Set within the charming landscapes near historic Vila Viçosa, this former convent offers an elegant escape. Rich with heritage, the decor blends 16th-century details with warm tones and marble finishes. Guests can dine on regional Alentejana cuisine or unwind by the pool or terrace. A tranquil stay.
Alentejo
Sophisticated townhouse B&B with lovely gardens and a pool. Classically elegant rooms, suites and one family apartment with eclectic touches. A sweet terrace and lemon tree lined courtyard. Ideal for families and local exploring.
Alentejo
Wonderful and colourful rural country house. Bright, cheerful suites and apartments, perfect for families or groups of friends. Lovely pool and communal dining area. Plenty to do in the area; cycling, fishing, riding, golf etc. Exclusive use only
Alentejo (Santiago do Cacém)
Santiago Hotel is a stunning contemporary property overlooking Santiago do Cacém. It boasts chic whitewashed rooms with wonderful views of the area. Dine out on the terrace and spend your days lounging by the pool. A charming stay - perfect for countryside exploring or simply relaxing in the sun.
Alentejo
An idyllic lakeside hideaway, for complete peace and tranquility in beautiful surroundings. A eco friendly building with charming rustic-chic rooms in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The perfect destination for families with a whole host of outdoor activities.
Alentejo (Crato)
Pousada Mosteiro do Crato is set in a rural 14th-century convent in Alentejo. This classy spot offers sleek and contemporary accommodation featuring plenty of warm hues. Make use of the outdoor pool - perfect for a refreshing dip - or simply meander around the gardens. An upmarket rural escape!
Beja
A charmingly traditional pousada in the centre of Beja. Large rooms and suites, simply furnished, offer lots of space and excellent value. Sprawling gardens, pool area, tennis court, wonderful restaurant. Romantic, family friendly and good value.
Alentejo (Beja District)
A beautifully restored 15th-century castle in the heart of Alvito, this hotel offers a serene escape. The interiors blend Gothic, Moorish, and Manueline influences, creating an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. There are lush gardens, a refreshing pool, and regional cuisine. A peaceful retreat awaits.
Evora
A Five Star design hotel and spa in the centre of Evora. Phillipe Starke elements, dome ceilings, chrome bedrooms and suites, lots of natural light, and huge bathrooms. Extensive meeting rooms and conference facilities. A luxurious spa spot suited to any city or business traveller.
Alentejo (Cercal do Alentejo)
A delightful family-run country house surrounded by verdant hills and not far from the beach. Fabulous farm-fresh food and summer lunches are the hub of the house. Simple but chic rooms with terraces, a swimming pool, gardens, and horses to explore the area on. The perfect country escape.
Alentejo (Alentejo)
A boutique hotel deep in Northern Alentejo's peaceful countryside. Minimalist decor with white linens and sunlit spaces welcomes relaxation and escape from digital noise. Explore Portuguese flavours at communal dinners complemented by local wine pairings. The ideal spot for a refreshing retreat.
Alentejo (Alentejo)
Set within a 13th-century castle in the heart of Estremoz, this elegant hotel merges royal heritage with panoramic views over the Alentejo plain. Rooms blend 18th-century character with stately charm, while the on-site restaurant and bar offer a true taste of Portugal. Ideal for history lovers.
Alentejo (Caixa Postal 209, -114)
Brimming with style and modernity, Villa Extramuros is a delightful retreat in rural Portugal. Its whitewashed rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated with modern art. In the evening enjoy Mediterranean cuisine in the villa's restaurant. Perfect for a romantic escape.
Alentejo (Alentejo)
A farm hotel on the Alentejo plains, near the historic city of Évora. Interiors blend modern minimalism with local artisan touches, creating a serene, light-filled ambience. There's an eco spa, gourmet farm restaurant, and 5 pools to choose from. Child friendly but plenty of adult-only areas too.
Alentejo (Monforte)
Torre de Palma Wine Hotel is set in an historical building dating back to the 14th-century, typical of Alentejo in its whitewashed façade. The boutique modern interiors belie the hotel's exterior and are filled with an array of colourful furnishings and pieces of artwork. A fantastic rural escape!
Evora (Alentejo)
A luxury escape in the heart of the Alentejo region. Chic décor blends earthy tones and contemporary design - think whicker lamps and bold art. With a teaching farm, 3 pools, spa, sauna, gym, farm-to-table restaurant and fire-pit warmed cocktail bar, this has it all! A great getaway for any age.
Alentejo
A simple, but utterly charming, six bed roomed property with pool set within olive grove-filled fields within sight of the magnificent white-washed town of Estremoz. A chic and romantic rural escape.
Alentejo (São Teotónio)
An enchanting farmhouse, comprising 38 self-contained cottages surrounded by pygmy goats and pigs, horses, donkeys and chickens, cats and dogs, offering urban families an escape into a rural paradise.
Alentejo
Herdade da Cortesia enjoys a lovely location - situated in between Maranhão Lake and the charming town of Avis. This sleek 4* boasts understatedly classy accommodation with lovely views of the area, as well as a splendid restaurant and plenty of activities for the whole family to get stuck into.
Comporta (Alentejo)
Tucked between Comporta and Melides, this hotel with villas blends seamlessly into the sandy Portuguese forests. The decor is a thoughtful nod to local craftsmanship, featuring handmade ceramics and woven rugs. With a chic pool, two standout restaurants, and a serene spa, it's an inviting retreat.
Evora
A wonderfully luxurious old mansion in the town centre. Romantic opulent rooms and suites have high ceilings, golden decorations, stone floors, creamy bedding and big bath tubs. Excellent restaurant serving traditional thoroughfare, gardens and swimming pool. A great choice for couples.
Evora (Alentejo)
A renovated Portuguese farmhouse turned boutique hideaway just outside Evora. Spacious, light-filled suites boast private terraces & chic minimalist design. The restaurant champions local products in traditional dishes. Beautiful gardens, two swimming pools & superb service. Total rural relaxation.
Reguengos de Monsaraz (Monsaraz)
A beautifully refurbished farm which has raised the bar in the Alentejo for luxury lodging with its low-lying, white-washed outhouses and barns with rural chic interiors. The perfect place to relax and unwind.
Alentejo (Cercal do Alentejo)
A colourful chic B&B 10 miles from the best surfers beach. Hip bedrooms and huge suites with stone walls decorated in colourful paint. Lovely infinity pool and garden. Laid-backed, family friendly, and full of options for an active holiday.
Evora (Alentejo )
Set between a Gothic cathedral and Roman ruins, this former convent radiates historic charm. Its vaulted ceilings, and monk-cell rooms capture an authentic monastic vibe with modern comforts. Guests can relax by the courtyard pool or enjoy Alentejo cuisine in the restaurant. A truly historic escape.
Alentejo (Alentejo )
This boutique hotel is located in the countryside outside of São Teotónio, Portugal. Rooms are divided into three colour schemes with unique artworks, luxurious linens and either pool or garden views; book the Blue Room for a private terrace. Relax by the pretty outdoor pool; a chic country escape.
Comporta
Tranquility is the order of the day at this heavenly retreat. Minimalist rooms and villas with pools are designed for comfort and relaxation and are complemented by the hotel's deluxe wellness centre. Relax in the stunning outdoor pool area and in the evening enjoy delicious regional cuisine.
Alentejo (Vila Viçosa)
Alentejo Marmoris is located in the quaint town of Vila Viçosa. Chic rooms are contemporary in design with monochrome tones, clean lines and elegant marble bathrooms. Feast on exquisite cuisine, lounge by the enormous pool and spend days exploring the cultural attractions of the region.
Reguengos de Monsaraz (Alentejo)
A family run, eco-retreat in Monsaraz. The interiors boast a sleek Scandi-Alentejano fusion: crisp lines and contemporary touches amidst rustic, local artistry. Featuring an inviting pool, garden terrace, and a lake-view restaurant serving traditional fare - relaxation meets culinary delight.
Comporta (Alentejo )
This boutique hotel offers a peaceful retreat tucked away in the coastal village of Comporta. The interiors blend rustic charm with contemporary design, featuring warm wood, natural fibres, and elegant stone accents. There's relaxed dining, a laid-back bar, a spa and a pool. A tranquil escape.
Alentejo (Evora)
L'And Vineyards is a design-driven hideout with an exclusive feel made up of a cluster of low-lying, white modernist buildings, with interiors by Brazilian designer Marcio Kogan. The tranquil retreat has a formal garden and a swimming pool with lakeside views. Michelin-starred cuisine.
Alentejo (Alentejo)
This farm stay in Barrancão village has charming minimalist rooms with terraces; some boast fireplaces. Sustainability is a key ethos, demonstrated by the natural products and organic food. Pet animals roam freely, plus there's a pond, a pool and lovely views. A perfect choice for nature lovers.
Alentejo (Albernoa)
A restored farmhouse and gourmet restaurant set on a 450 hectare family-owned wine estate. Contemporary rooms and excellent spa facilities. An ideal choice for foodies, winos and romantics who want to indulge in the latter.
Alentejo (Alentejo)
A charming retreat which blends effortlessly into the Alentejo countryside. A main villa, bungalows-on-stilts & stylish suites are spread around the property. Interiors are elegant and understated, plus there's a pool, garden and farm-to-table dining, with much grown on site. Relaxation guaranteed!
Alentejo (Outeiro das Freiras Santo Estêvão)
A place of utter stillness set within the raw, authentic countryside of the Alentejo which will pull you back time and time again.
Evora
A beautiful Five Star hotel with state of the art facilities. Contemporary classic rooms and suites with private balconies and all the mod cons. Lovely terraces with views, top of the range spa, kids club, and excellent restaurant. A holiday spot for the luxury traveller.
Comporta
This chic lifestyle hotel is located alongside the rice fields of Comporta. Inside the stylish suites and private villas, designer Miguel Cåncio Martins has made his mark with an emphasis on natural materials and a nod to the history of this old farm, plus a sleek spa and an excellent restaurant.
Comporta (Alentejo)
A laidback resort near the coast south of Lisbon. Understated rooms feature wicker and wood, with lots of natural light and terraces looking out to the garden and pine forest beyond. There's a superb restaurant, large pool, firepit and hammocks for lazy days. Great facilities and family-friendly.
Alentejo (Alentejo)
A 5-star oasis in the quaint village of Melides. Inside, it's a visual feast: Portuguese tiles meet French lattice, artful decor underpinning a serene, luxurious ambience. Dine at the exclusive Xtian, that blends local flavours with a global twist, or unwind by the pool with a cocktail in hand.
Comporta (Alentejo)
A stunning retreat in the Comporta region near the Sado River, made up of 4 beach houses. Think thatched roofs, sandy floors (heated in winter!), and the simplest of pristine white bed linen. There's a pool facing the rice fields and views of surrounding nature. A secret Portuguese paradise.
