The Alentejo is a charming southern Portugal region covering approximately one-third of the country's territory. Renowned for its tranquil and sleepy villages, the Alentejo also boasts an expansive coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The regions of Central Portugal border it to the north and the Algarve to the south.
The Alentejo region is renowned for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, traditional gastronomy, and excellent wines, all of which contribute to its allure as a captivating destination in Portugal. We adore its picturesque hill towns with white-washed houses, golden plains, rolling hillsides, ancient ruins, and wild, rugged beaches. Overall, the Alentejo has a unique laid-back vibe that invites you to unwind.
The ideal time to visit the Alentejo region is spring and early summer (April to June) and autumn (September to October) for pleasant weather and vibrant landscapes. These seasons provide comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. In July and August, particularly in inland Alentejo, temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F) during heatwaves.
The best way to get around Alentejo is by car, which provides flexibility and allows you to explore rural areas and smaller towns at your own pace. The region also has a public transportation network, including buses and trains, which can be used to travel between major towns and cities.
Alentejo is known for its hearty and flavorful cuisine. Typical dishes include Açorda Alentejana (bread-based soup), Ensopado de Borrego (lamb stew), Carne de Porco à Alentejana (pork with clams and garlic) and Sopa de Cação (dogfish soup). These dishes showcase local ingredients, such as bread, olive oil, herbs, and meats. The Alentejo also produces excellent red wines.
The Alentejo region is not directly served by a major international airport. However, the closest airports to Alentejo are Lisbon Airport (LIS) and Faro Airport (FAO). Depending on your location within the Alentejo region, Lisbon Airport can be as close as one hour away or up to 2.5 hours away. Faro Airport is located further to the south, and its distance will also depend on your location within Alentejo.
The weather in the Alentejo region of Portugal features a Mediterranean climate characterised by long, hot summers and mild, rainy winters. During the summer, temperatures can soar to high levels, often surpassing 30°C (86°F) and exceeding 40°C (104°F) during heatwaves in inland Alentejo.
In our opinion, the best hotels in Alentejo are about more than just stars. When searching for the best hotels in Alentejo, we always aim to find special places – a luxury hotel embraced by the rolling hills, boutique hotels near the wild surfing beaches, a simple guesthouse in a picturesque Alentejo village, or a countryside sanctuary that captures the spirit of the region. On JO&SO, you can browse the best hotels in Alentejo by area, or you can categorise by type: best hotels in Alentejo with unique design elements, best hotels in Alentejo with a swimming pool, boutique hotels near the vineyards of Alentejo, best five-star hotels in Alentejo, best spa retreats in Alentejo, and so on. We hope you find the perfect hotel in Alentejo for your stay.
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