The Alentejo, Portugal

The Alentejo is one of Portugal's best kept secrets for adventurous and inquisitive travellers.

The region covers a third of Portugal embracing ancient towns, craggy mountains, orchards of gnarled cork and olive trees, the wide sweep of the River Guadiana and swathes of rugged, untamed coast. Despite the Alentejo's vastness and austere beauty only three-quarters of a million people live there and it is still relatively undiscovered by tourists. So why visit the Alentejo?

Among others, the Alentejo appeals to:

Exploring the Alentejo, Portugal
The coastline is frequently dramatic and unspoilt and much is protected by the Parque Natural du Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. It is popular with savvy Portuguese tourists, surfers, divers and nature lovers. The pretty, seaside town of Vila Nova de Milfontes could make a good base for exploring the coast of the Alentejo. While every year the nearby fishing village of Zambujeira do Mar shrugs off its customary quiet to host one of Portugal's largest music festivals: the Festival do Sudoeste.

Europe's largest man made dam at Alqueva is also an up and coming water sports destination.

The Alentejo is a great destination for horse-riders, cyclists and walkers who will appreciate the region's peace, quiet and wide open spaces. The countryside is characterized by wide open spaces and primary colours- bright blue skies, undulating, golden fields of wheat, pea green rolling hills and wide plains with ochre-red soil and white-washed villages.

Finally for adventurous travellers, Alentejo is one of the most popular destinations for paragliding, hang-gliding and hot air ballooning in Portugal!

Hot Air Balloon Flights Join us for a trip you'll never forget. Take to the skies and soar over the sea and beaches, green and tranquil countryside, historic villages and bustling towns... A romantic, exhilarating, extraordinary experience! All ages are welcome and VIP flights are available.

Sky Diving! The adventure of a lifetime! Come and throw yourself out of a plane in the Alentejo's sunny skies. Easy to get to from Lisbon.

Cycling

Alentejo Cycling Tours Alentejo cycling tours are a fantastic way to explore this diverse and beautiful region with relaxed, easy cycling, spectacular coastal and country scenery, fascinating historic towns and villages and of course excellent food and wine! Guided and self-guided tours are available.

Horse-Riding

Coast and Countryside Trail Riding Riding holidays in the Serra da Grandola, a region of unspoilt natural beauty looking over the Atlantic Ocean with a selection of gorgeous rides on the beach, by a lagoon and in the forests.

Baixo Alentejo Horse Riding and Activity Holidays. Explore the beautiful Baixo Alentejo on horse back, foot or cycling! This new British run and approved centre is perfect for you to enjoy a wonderful riding holiday in Portugal's rural heartlands. Rides out in the countryside or lessons in dressage or jumping on well-schooled Lusitano or Portuguese Cruzada horses.

Kayaking

Kayak Tour of Arrabida A kayak tour is a fun and memorable way to explore the dramatic coastline of the Arrabida Natural Park with its towering cliffs, secluded beaches, spectacular rock formations and hidden coves. Transport from Lisbon can be provided.

Surfing

Alentejo Surf Camps Come and discover why the Alentejo is considered one of the best surf spots in Europe with great surf conditions, crystal clean water and beaches sheltered from the wind, stunning sunsets and music festivals! At the Alentejo surf camp you'll meet like minded people, have lots of time on the water and plenty of laughs

Walking

Walking Tours in the Alentejo Our walks are designed and led by experienced, enthusiastic walkers who want to show you each region's most beautiful scenery and give you a taste of its history, culture, wildlife and gastronomy. We offer relaxing guided and self guided walking holidays in the Alentejo.