The Timeless, Laid-Back Appeal of Portugal’s Alentejo Region

It is a rarity to find a place where time seems to stand still. Where the streets look much as they always have, where artisans ply their trades and continue to pass them down through the generations, and where families are known by their villages. Portugal’s Alentejo is one of those places — ready to charm and welcome guests and invite them to slow down.

Encompassing a large swath of Portugal east of Lisbon and stretching south until it meets the Algarve, the Alentejo region is easily accessible by transport links. It’s home to a tremendous amount of culture and history in the form of Roman temples and Gothic and Baroque architecture, particularly in Évora, the capital in central Alentejo.

What to See and Do in the Alentejo Region

Families will be eager to get out to the many hamlets dotting the landscape to appreciate Iberian village life. Picture mules pulling carts, social circles centered around the local hunting lodge and humble, hearty fare like lamb stew that typifies the region. Much of the beauty of the Alentejo lies in getting off the beaten path via authentic local experiences, like time spent with skilled craftsmen to learn about pottery, weaving or olive farming. Hands-on opportunities abound with the chance to throw pottery at a wheel or join in the olive harvesting and oil pressing process. (Ciao Bambino’s preferred Portugal travel partner can arrange these and other immersive Alentejo activities according to your interests — get in touch to find out more.)

There are leisurely country lunches to be enjoyed with each element shining on its own, and you might even get the chance to glimpse the production of staples like local honey and cheese. There’s also plenty of wine to enjoy: The region is known for its traditional vinho de talha method of aging wine in ceramic vats, lending earthy notes to the expressive red blends.

Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage city, noted for its Roman, Moorish and Portuguese influences, complete with cobbled streets, a historic Old Town and medieval walls. Don’t miss the well-preserved Roman Temple and the 16th-century Chapel of Bones, created by Franciscan monks who decided to remove bones from cemeteries to free up valuable land and create a chapel from the remains (more than 5,000 bodies!) rather than reinter them.

In addition to Évora, smaller towns to seek out include:

Monsaraz — Close to the border of Spain, this cobblestoned medieval village affords fabulous views over the countryside and makes for a great day out with its quaint local shops and cafes.

Comporta — Historically home to fisherman and rice farmers, this seaside enclave attracts well-heeled visitors with its beachy and upscale art vibe. Those in the know come to Comporta for its high-end design shops and eateries that ooze laid-back luxury.

Estremoz — Known for its whitewashed houses, Estremoz is also famous for its deposits of white marble that are exported around the world. The newer Museu Berardo Estremoz that highlights azulejos (Portuguese ceramic tiles) is a draw, as is the Castle of Estremoz.

Marvão — This striking medieval village was originally a border town on the route to Spain. Enjoy strolling the atmospheric streets and be sure to visit the well-preserved Castle of Marvão and its gardens.

The Alentejo region is somewhat sparsely populated and while the pace is leisurely, there are plenty of activities beyond sightseeing to keep everyone satisfied. Get under the skin of local culture with a visit to an Iberian pig farm or a day of exploration at a cork farm. Adrenaline-fueled pursuits range from ziplining between Spain and Portugal to swimming and enjoying the natural beauty of the area with hikes or guided walks.

Where to Stay

Families will be captivated by the area’s focus on sustainability, meaning that slick and relatively new rural properties are designed from the ground up to make use of existing buildings and infrastructure rather than razing and building from scratch.  The results are spaces that feel inviting, intentional and filled with pride of place.

São Lourenço do Barrocal

Enjoy thoughtfully designed rooms at this luxurious hotel near the border with Spain, including some on the original site of the property’s winery as well as expansive multi-bedroom cottages. On-site activities like beekeeping and wine making round out a memorable stay.

Herdade da Malhadinha Nova

An award-winning property for its sustainability initiatives, Malhadinha is a quietly lavish property with extensive programming for families, including archery, visits to the animals of the estate, arts and crafts, cooking classes, horseback riding and wine tasting for the adults. There is also a lovely spa and, unique to the property, a Lusitano horse breeding program onsite.

When to Go

Plan on at least three to four nights in the Alentejo region to have time to relish the area. In terms of timing, the Alentejo is mild and enjoyable throughout the year. Spring break is an ideal time to visit, along with late spring, early summer and fall. Avoid visiting in the height of the summer, as it can get quite hot with temperatures reaching above 100 degrees.

Relevant Links:

Browse all accommodations and activities in Portugal on Ciao Bambino

Where to go next in Portugal: Exploring Porto with kids

Best things to do in Lisbon with kids

Off-the-grid adventure during an Azores vacation in Portugal

Portugal with kids: Top Douro Valley wine tours and activities

Cascais, Portugal: A beach haven perfect for young kids

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.