1. Alentejo
Elvas, Estremoz, Évora, Monsaraz & Vila Vićosa
2. Algarve
Albufeira, Faro, Lagos, Portimão & Tavira
3. Douro Valley
Barcos, Miranda do Douro, Pinhão & Ucanha
4. Lisbon & Surroundings
Cascais, Ericeira, Estoril, Lisbon, Óbidos, Peniche, Ribatejo Region & Sintra
5. Porto & North of Portugal
Braga, Guimarães, Ponte de Lima & Porto
Best time to visit: May-October
Go for this: It’s like traveling back in time 40 or 50 years. Small ancient hilltop villages like Evora -- the heart of Alentejo -- a UNESCO World Heritage town still surrounded by the medieval walls and hiding Roman ruins. It will charm you with its narrow cobblestone streets and medieval appearance. Don’t miss the Roman Temple from the 1st century.
But try this: Stargazing in Monsaraz. The magnificent night sky of Monsaraz is a wonderful place to see the stars, constellations, the Milky Way and distant galaxies, thanks to very low light pollution (hence the name of this protected area, the Dark Sky Reserve). You can identify the majestic Milky Way with the naked eye, learn the orientation by the North Star, and locate various astrological signs.
Favorite guest experience: The magnificent Ducal Palace in Vila Viçosa, a former residence of the Dukes of Bragança, built in Mannerist style, with 17th century frescoes, azulejos, paintings, tapestries and sculptures.
Favorite hotel: Sao Laurenço do Barrocal Hotel, a farm estate / rustic retreat in the foothills of the medieval Monsaraz and the nearby Alqueva Lake, set amidst ancient oaks, olive groves, and vineyards. Family-owned; it’s been in the same family for over 200 years.
Favorite restaurant: Botequim da Mouraria, a tiny hole in the wall in Evora’s Moorish quarter with just 10 bar-facing stools, with richly flavorful Alentejo dishes prepared right in front of your eyes.
Foods:
- Sopa de Tomate Alentejana (tomato bread soup)
- Açorda (Alentejo soup-like dish made with
bread, eggs, and herbs including coriander)
- Bacalhau Fresco (fresh cod)
- Carne de Porco à Alentejana (pork with clams
and cilantro)
Wine:
- Alicante
- Bouschet
- Tempranillo (Aragonez)
- Trincadeira
- Alfrocheiro
- Touriga National
Best time to visit: May-October
Go for this: It’s like traveling back in time 40 or 50 years. Small ancient hilltop villages like Evora -- the heart of Alentejo -- a UNESCO World Heritage town still surrounded by the medieval walls and hiding Roman ruins. It will charm you with its narrow cobblestone streets and medieval appearance. Don’t miss the Roman Temple from the 1st century.
But try this: Stargazing in Monsaraz. The magnificent night sky of Monsaraz is a wonderful place to see the stars, constellations, the Milky Way and distant galaxies, thanks to very low light pollution (hence the name of this protected area, the Dark Sky Reserve). You can identify the majestic Milky Way with the naked eye, learn the orientation by the North Star, and locate various astrological signs.
Favorite guest experience: The magnificent Ducal Palace in Vila Viçosa, a former residence of the Dukes of Bragança, built in Mannerist style, with 17th century frescoes, azulejos, paintings, tapestries and sculptures.
Favorite hotel: Sao Laurenço do Barrocal Hotel, a farm estate / rustic retreat in the foothills of the medieval Monsaraz and the nearby Alqueva Lake, set amidst ancient oaks, olive groves, and vineyards. Family-owned; it’s been in the same family for over 200 years.
Favorite restaurant: Botequim da Mouraria, a tiny hole in the wall in Evora’s Moorish quarter with just 10 bar-facing stools, with richly flavorful Alentejo dishes prepared right in front of your eyes.
Foods:
- Sopa de Tomate Alentejana (tomato bread soup)
- Açorda (Alentejo soup-like dish made with
bread, eggs, and herbs including coriander)
- Bacalhau Fresco (fresh cod)
- Carne de Porco à Alentejana (pork with clams
and cilantro)
Wine:
- Alicante
- Bouschet
- Tempranillo (Aragonez)
- Trincadeira
- Alfrocheiro
- Touriga National
Let’s start planning
We’d be delighted to discuss designing a customized travel program for you.
Give us a call at +1 917-868-4712
Or write to us at info@authentic-explorations.com
More to explore in Portugal
