In Alentejo there is always something new to discover or prove. In addition to the bucolic landscapes, the most authentic Portuguese region reserves unique enogastronomic experiences to its visitors. And to make your trip unforgettable, the destination has designed the series Da Terra à Mesa, with complete itineraries that invite you to exclusive places and outside the traditional tourism circuit to taste the cuisine and the unique wines of the destination.
How about we start the itinerary along its expressive coastline? Do not think that the main attractions here will be the beaches. They will only serve as scenery to experience the heritage, wines, olive oils, cheeses and other attractions that only the Alentejo coast can provide. Then rent a car and hit the road.
Drive to the Troia Peninsula, accessed by ferry boat from Setúbal and through the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve. Take a guided tour of the Roman Ruins with the “Émenta Ruínas” program. The tour includes a truly Roman meal with seasonal dishes. 20 minutes away, visit Herdade da Comporta, one of the largest agricultural estates in Portugal, with more than 12 thousand hectares. After a walk on the plantations and visit the Rice Museum, it’s time to sample the tasty wines during the tour of the winery.
The next day, visit the Carrasqueira Palafitic Pier, a labyrinth of stakes and wooden boards built by the locals to guarantee access to fishing boats even in low tide. Sample typical delicacies such as fried cuttlefish and clams in small village restaurants. In Alcácer do Sal, discover the rich historical heritage on the banks of the River Sado, such as the Archaeological Crypt and its Historical Center, and taste the famous local jams made with pine nuts.
If you also want to know more about the production of another Alentejo delicacy, olive oil, take a guided tour of the Herdade do Vale da Arca, with its olive groves of 600 hectares and a mill with state-of-the-art infrastructure. The farm is located in Torrão, a nice Alentejo village very well known for the typical local bread recipe, of singular texture, which can be enjoyed with dishes such as stews and migas. You can still learn the art of Portuguese confectionery at a workshop promoted at Carapinha Pastry.
Between the villages of Torrão and Grândola, one finds the dam of Gaio Valley. With cinematic landscape, it has 509 square kilometers and is surrounded by beautiful green areas, a perfect place to practice water sports. Also worth visiting is Grândola, which in summer has the Tabernas Route, as well as other gastronomic events such as the Chocolate Fair, promoted in November. The hotel and winery A Serenada, in the heart of the Serra de Grândola, offers not only proof and visits to the winery and vineyards, but also picnics and other activities to delight travelers with the beauties of Alentejo.
Photo: Press Release