The Alentejo Region: Mértola, Monsaraz, Herdade de Monte

Alentejo is the grounding heart of Portugal; a vast region shaped by openness, history, and a deep connection to the land. For centuries, it has been a crossroads of civilizations, from Roman settlements and Moorish rule to medieval Christian kingdoms, each leaving visible marks on its towns and traditions. 

The landscape stretches wide and open, with rolling plains, cork oak forests, olive groves, and whitewashed villages that stand like landmarks in time. Alentejo is best known for its slow pace of life, agricultural heritage, and authenticity. This is where bread is still baked in communal ovens, where wine and olive oil are part of daily life, and where traditions endure.

Among its many treasures, places like Mértola and Monsaraz stand out as living stories. Mértola rises above the Guadiana River, a town shaped by Roman trade and Moorish influence, where a former mosque now serves as a church. Here, layers of history coexist within the stone walls. 

Perched above Alqueva Lake, Monsaraz is defined by narrow cobbled streets, medieval fortifications, and wide-open views that extend across the surrounding landscape. It is a place that feels almost suspended in time.

Nearby, estates such as Herdade de Monte offer a glimpse into the Alentejo's rural soul. Here, vineyards, olive groves, and open landscapes invite visitors to experience the region through its flavors, silence, and sense of space.