This little-known region produces a wonderful array of regional delicacies and rustic dishes, from sheep’s milk cheeses, acorn liqueur and organic asparagus, to Alentejo black pork, chestnut specialities and egg-based desserts. It’s known as the breadbasket of Portugal, holds food festivals all year round and produces almost half of Portugal’s wine. Our suggested itinerary below is not set and can be amended to suit individual requirements.
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Day 1 - Day of arrival
On arrival at Lisbon airport, collect your hire car and drive inland to the Torre de Palma Wine Hotel in Monforte (193km/c.2 hours).
The location affords beautiful panoramas and a wealth of places to explore including the Torre de Palma Roman Villa, an important archaeological site.
Enjoy dinner at the hotel’s ‘Basilii’ restaurant which offers some of the best Alentejo delicacies. The hotel has a separate bread-oven house, regional products shop and wine cellar with tasting room. Cooking lessons are also provided locally.
Overnight at the Torre de Palma Wine Hotel.
Torre de Palma Wine Hotel, Alentejo
Day 2 - Day of exploring
Today , take a scenic drive to the hilltop towns of Estremoz and Vila Viçosa. For those interested in learning more about the local wine production, we would recommend a visit to the José de Sousa Winery in Reguengos de Monsaraz – a DOC accredited sub-region (96km / 1 hour).
Overnight at the Torre de Palma Wine Hotel.
Estremoz, Alentejo
Day 3 - Day of travel
After breakfast, drive southwest (78.5km / c.1 hour) to Évora. This walled town is an excellent destination for a gastronomic break. Not only will you find regional specialities and delicacies but also a number of restaurants offering modern twists of Alentejano classical dishes and innovative cuisine.
Favourite eateries of the Sunvil team in Évora include Mr Pickwick and O Fialho. Both restaurants offer a set three-course menu, including a glass of wine, for c.20-25 Euros per person. The menu is based on the regional and seasonal specialities.
Overnight at the Pousada Convento de Evora.
Evora, Alentejo
Day 4 - Day at leisure
Day at leisure in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Évora. With its palaces, twenty-two churches and marble buildings, the town is an architectural gem.
Within the walls of the city is the Gabinete da Rotas dos Vinhos do Alentejo, a visitor centre providing information about the region’s wine industry. The Alentejo boasts 22,000-hectares of sun-drenched vineyards, eight separate DOC accredited sub-regions (Denominação de Origem Controlada – Registered Designation of Origin) and 250 independent wineries. Currently, one in every two bottles of wine consumed in Portugal is produced in the Alentejo.
Overnight at the Pousada Convento de Evora.
Vineyards of the Alentejo
Day 5 - Day of travel
After breakfast, drive southwest (108km / c.1 hour 20 minutes) towards Albernoa and the Herdade da Malhadinha Nova. The estate produces traditional, regional products of the highest quality including award-winning wines, the famous Alentejo black pork and pureblood Alentejo beef.
Overnight at the Herdade Da Malhadinha Nova.
Food and wine of the Alentejo region
Day 6 - Day at leisure
Day at leisure. Explore the Atlantic coastline with its sandy coves, steep cliffs and fishing communities. The coastal region boasts many excellent seafood restaurants, most offering the ‘catch of the day’.
Overnight at the Herdade Da Malhadinha Nova.
Atlantic coastline of the Alentejo region
Day 7 - Day at leisure
Day at leisure. Take a ride on one of the property’s bikes (free of charge) around Herdade da Malhadinha Nova’s extensive estate.
Overnight at the Herdade Da Malhadinha Nova.
Cycling around the Herdade da Malhadinha estate
Day 8 - Day of departure
After breakfast, drive to Faro airport (127km/c.1 hour 15 minutes) for your return flight home.