Alentejan

An Alentejan is a person from Alentejo, a broad geographic and cultural region in southern Portugal. The Alentejo spans inland and coast from the Tagus River in the north to the Algarve in the south, and includes the districts Beja, Évora, and Portalegre with subregions such as Alto Alentejo, Baixo Alentejo, and Alentejo Litoral.

Economy and landscape: The region is known for its expansive plains, cork oak forests (montado), olive groves, and vineyards. Cork production is a key industry, with Alentejo among the world’s main sources. Agriculture, livestock, and growing renewable energy are important economic activities. The coastline supports fishing and tourism as well.

Culture and language: The Alentejan dialect of Portuguese is a recognized regional variant. Cultural traditions include regional crafts, music, and cuisine centered on bread, olive oil, soups such as açorda, and pork dishes.

Heritage: The region hosts historic towns and monuments, including Évora, whose historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Landscape and rural architecture—white-washed farmhouses, windmills, and hilltop villages such as Monsaraz and Marvão—are notable features of the Alentejo.