About the Southern Alentejo

Enjoying a mild climate and a landscape full of contrasts – valleys, hills and mountain ranges, rivers, dams; lakes and reservoirs; – it is no wonder that the Southern (Baixo) Alentejo has become a popular destination. 

There are a number of Barragems and Lakes in the Southern Alentejo, including:

  • Barragem Monte da Rocha
  • Barragem de Santa Clara
  • lakes near
    • Ourique
    • Barrancos
    • Alvito
    • Mertola on the River Guadiana

Other outdoor activities in the Southern Alentejo include:

  • hiking
  • bird watching
  • pony trekking
  • horse riding

The Southern Alentejo is well-known for its handicrafts which can be found in the outdoor markets that are held in local towns and villages throughout the year. 

A good way to discover more about local wines is to follow the Alentejo wine route which is centred around Beja (Southern Alentejo) and Evora and Portalegre (both in the Northern Alentejo).  Traditional Alentejano cuisine can be found in the plentiful restaurants and cafés and we recommend that you sample the local cheeses, homemade breads, olives, pork, barbecue chicken and fish.

 

Towns and Villages in the Southern Alentejo

 

ALVITO

Alvito has pre-Roman origins and is home to the only castle in Portugal that was not built as a residence for the King - the Barons and Marquises of Alvito, and the Counts of Oriola, enjoyed such influential favour in the royal courts during the 15th and 16th Centuries that they were permitted to construct a palace – which is now a charming Pousada. The town itself dates back to Roman times.  It has several interesting buildings and places particularly worth visiting are:  the Chapel of São Sebastião; the 13th Century Parish Church and the Sanctuary of Santa Águeda.

Approximate Driving Time to Airports:

  • Lisbon - 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Porto - 6 hours
  • Faro - 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Badajoz (just over the Spanish Border) - 1 hour 15 minutes - currently an internal airport, Badajoz has applied for an International Licence - the outcome is still awaited.
  • Seville (Spain) - 2 hours 15 minutes

 

BEJA 

During the rule of Julius Caesar, Beja became a Roman capital and the Praca de Republica now marks the site of the Roman forum.  The remains of a fine Roman villa have been unearthed at Pisoes, 10km south west of the town.
 
Beja was occupied by the Moors from 711 to 1162, and is now the capital of the Baixa Alentejo District - an important agricultural centre specialising in wheat, olives and cork.  
 
The 36 m 13th century tower, Tore de Menagem, served as the keep for the castle and is now a wonderful vantage point to see the town and the rolling Alentejano countryside beyond.
 
Beja has a small airport which currently has an application pending for an International Commercial Licence.
 
Approximate Driving Times to Airports:
  • Lisbon - 2 hours
  • Porto - 6 hours
  • Faro - 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Badajoz (just over the Spanish Border) - 1 hour 30 minutes - currently an internal airport, Badajoz has applied for an International Licence - the outcome is still awaited.
  • Seville (Spain) - 2 hours

OURIQUE  

This is a lovely rural town set in the Southern Alentejo's countryside and with good road access the unspoiled west coast beaches and about 1 hour’s drive from the bustling tourist resorts on the Algarve.  There are Lakes nearby with canoing.
 
 Approximate Driving Time to Airports:
  • Lisbon - 90 minutes
  • Faro - 55 minutes
  • Porto - 5 hours 30 minutes
  • (Beja  - 40 minutes - this is currently a small airport which has an application pending for an international commercial licence pending)

 
Golf in the Southern Alentejo
 
I understand that a new Golf Course is due to be built approximately 10 minutes drive from Beja – in the meantime, Golfers can take advantage of the great choice of courses on the Algarve or travel a little further and discover the courses in the Lisbon area. 
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