Wine and Olive Trails: Discovering Alentejo's Culinary Heritage

Alentejo

The vast region of Alentejo is one of Portugal’s hidden gems. Even though you can find splendid beaches, rugged landscapes, golden plains, rolling hills, and some of Portugal’s best wineries, it is still little known to an outsider. Let SVP Tours take you to one of our favorite regions in Portugal!

We suggest arriving in Lisbon to begin your journey in the Alentejo. You need a minimum of 5-7 days to truly immerse yourself in this region.

Alentejo, with its tranquil countryside, charming towns, and rich cultural heritage, offers several unique and immersive experiences for travelers seeking something different. Here are some distinctive experiences to enjoy in Alentejo:

Day 1
Hot Air Balloon Ride

Soar above the Alentejo landscapes in a hot air balloon, taking in the sweeping views of vineyards, cork oak forests, and rolling plains. This peaceful and scenic adventure offers a bird’s-eye perspective of the region’s beauty.

Day 2
Stargazing

Alentejo is home to some of the darkest skies in Europe, making it an ideal destination for stargazing. Join an astronomy tour or simply find a quiet spot away from city lights to observe the night sky and constellations.

Day 3
Cork Oak Forest Tour

Discover the cork oak forests that are characteristic of Alentejo. Join a guided tour to learn about the sustainable cork harvesting process, and even participate in cork extraction if you visit during the right season.

Day 4
Cultural Festivals

Experience traditional Alentejo festivals, such as the “Entrudo” carnival celebrations in towns like Podence, known for its unique Caretos masks and traditions. These events offer a glimpse into the region’s folklore and cultural heritage.

Day 5
Wine Tasting and Vineyard Stays

Alentejo is renowned for its vineyards and wine production. Consider staying at a vineyard or wine estate and participating in wine tastings and vineyard tours. Taste regional wines like Vinho Verde and Alentejo reds.

Day 6
Olive Oil Tasting

Sample high-quality olive oils produced in Alentejo. Many olive oil producers offer tours and tastings where you can learn about olive cultivation and the oil extraction process.

Day 7
Traditional Handicrafts Workshops

Participate in workshops where you can learn traditional Alentejo handicrafts like pottery, weaving, and cork crafts, allowing you to create your own unique souvenirs.

Day 8
Birdwatching

Explore Alentejo’s natural parks and wetlands, such as the São Mamede Natural Park, to spot a diverse range of bird species. Birdwatching enthusiasts can take guided tours to maximize their sightings.

Day 9
Stay in a Historic Pousada

Alentejo boasts several historic pousadas (luxury hotels often housed in former monasteries, castles, or palaces). Staying in one of these unique accommodations allows you to experience history firsthand.

Day 10
Traditional Bread Baking

Learn the art of baking traditional Alentejo bread, known for its rustic and hearty qualities. Join a workshop with local bakers to knead, shape, and bake your own loaf.

Day 11
Alentejo Goat Herding

Experience a day in the life of an Alentejo goat herder. You can join shepherds as they tend to their herds and learn about the region’s pastoral traditions.

Day 12
Visit Marble Quarries

Explore the marble quarries of Vila Viçosa and see the extraction of this famous marble used in sculptures and architecture around the world.

Day 13
Visit Évora's Bone Chapel

In Évora, visit the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), a macabre yet fascinating chapel adorned with human bones, a reflection on the transient nature of life.

Some of our favorite places to visit in Alentejo

Day 14
Monsaraz

Monsaraz is one of the best places to go for some rest and relaxation. Standing majestically atop a hill and dominating the Guadiana River, Monsaraz is an open-air museum with 14th-century churches, a medieval castle, and a labyrinth of lanes of wrought iron balconies. Don’t forget to do some stargazing from the Observatorio de Loga Alquera.

Day 15
Evora

The village of Evora is a UNESCO heritage site located in the north-east of Alentejo province. Its landmarks include the 12th-century Gothic Cathedral of Evora, a Roman-built temple, and its historical city center featuring sites from every era, built by Celts, Visigoths, Lusitanians, and Moors. Of course, there is its Chapel of Bones, a house of worship lined with human remains, or Almendres Cromlech, a Neolithic monument, known as Portugal’s Stonehenge.

Day 16
Marvao

These are two of the most stunningly scenic villages in Alentejo. Marvao boasts a medieval castle, a Gothic convent, and the lovely Santa Maria Church. Home to three art events, a festival of classical music, and an international film festival, Marvao is a “must-see” in the summer.

Day 17
Portalegre

Portlagere is known as one of the most beautiful cities in all of Portugal. Sprinkled with historic landmarks, a towering medieval castle, and the Sant Bernard Convent, our guests rave about their visits here. It is also known for its hand-woven tapestries and its Parque Natural de la Sierra de San Mamés, a protected mountain range with walkable paths and a panorama that is worth the walk.