The Alentejo, Portugal

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

Horse-Riding

Horse Riding and Walking in Beautiful Alentejo Hills. For an unforgettable taste of rural Portugal come to our family owned centre with experienced, qualified staff and a selection of horses, ponies and mules. We are open all year round and our rides and walks take in some of the most beautiful and spectacular scenery in Southern Portugal. Read more...

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. Read on...

Walking Tours in Portugal, Madeira and the Azores 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 day tours in Lisbon, the Algarve and Madeira and relaxing guided and self guided walking holidays throughout Portugal, Madeira and the Azores. Read more...

Walking Holidays in A Stunning Rural Location. We'll take you to the heart of the Portuguese countryside for a week of great walking in a Natural Park, along ancient drovers' routes, and through villages lost in time. With ensuite accommodation in a renovated ‘chateau’, a pool, good company and much more, this is a real ‘spoil yourself’ holiday. Visit our website www.portrek.com or call 01787 220 070.