Alentejo

Alentejo is a geographic and cultural region of Portugal, occupying a large portion of the mainland in the south-central part of the country. It lies largely inland, bordered by the Tagus River to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Algarve to the south, and the border with Spain to the east. The name derives from "além do Tejo" or "beyond the Tagus." The region includes the districts of Beja, Évora, and Portalegre, with coastal areas grouped in the Alentejo Litoral.

The landscape is characterized by vast plains and rolling hills, extensive cork oak woodlands (montado), olive groves, and vineyards. The climate is hot and dry in summer with mild, wet winters. Cork production has long been a traditional mainstay; agriculture dominates the economy, including cereals, olives, and wine production, notably in the Alentejo wine region (DOC). Tourism has grown, driven by rural scenery, historic towns, and beaches along the Costa Vicentina.

Historically, the region was part of the Roman province of Lusitania, later ruled by the Moors, and was reconquered in the 12th and 13th centuries as part of the Kingdom of Portugal. Towns feature whitewashed houses and a mix of Roman, medieval, and Baroque influences. Évora’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting the area’s long architectural heritage.

Key towns include Évora, Beja, Portalegre, and Monsaraz, with coastal centers such as Sines, Zambujeira do Mar, and Vila Nova de Milfontes attracting visitors for beaches and outdoor activities. Regional gastronomy emphasizes porco preto, açorda, migas, seafood, and regional wines and olive oil.