Another successful staff trip took place this month, this time off to Alentejo, Portugal with Megan! 3 fantastic nights uncovering all that this beautiful and lesser-known region has to offer. Here's what she had to say about it!
Alentejo is nestled between the Algarve and Lisbon, full of beautiful vineyards and rich with olive and almond trees. The landscape is flat with a few rolling hills dotted throughout. The region is full of quaint villages such as Evora and Monsaraz. Known for its easy-going, relaxed lifestyle, this is the perfect destination for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.
This is a fly/drive holiday. It would be perfect for people who are looking to do something a little different and off the beaten track. There is no shortage of good wine and food throughout the area and plenty of lovely beaches and walks to explore.
Places to visit
Evora City (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Capila Dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) - full of history
Monsaraz village - full of history
Porto Covo - beautiful seaside village
Beja City - full of history
Sharish Gin distillery - beautiful Portuguese gin
Gerações da Talha winery - beautiful traditional wine
Best times to visit
Alentejo is known for its scorching hot summers. Somewhat removed from the exposed, breezy coasts of the Algarve, it experiences pretty serious heat in high-summer. With this in mind, the months of May, September or October make for a great time to visit, with much more pleasant temperatures for you to relax and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle.
Food to try
It wouldn't be a complete trip to Portugal, and in particular, Alentejo, without indulging in the local cuisine. Some iconic foods to try in Alentejo include:
Black Pork (Porco Preto): Savory and succulent, Alentejo's black pork is known for its rich flavour resulting from the acorn-fed diet of the pigs.
Pastel de Nata: While this custard tart is famous throughout Portugal, Alentejo has its own delightful variations of this sweet treat.
Local Bread (Pão Alentejano): This traditional bread is characterized by its rustic crust and soft, airy interior. It pairs perfectly with local cheeses and olive oil.
Queijo de Serpa: A sheep's milk cheese with a semi-soft texture and a distinctive flavor, Queijo de Serpa is a beloved specialty of the region.
Where to stay
This hotel is in a rural setting surrounded by vineyards. The aim of this hotel is for people to relax, focusing on good sleep and wellbeing. The hotel offers an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, spa and gym. The hotel is also centred around good food from local suppliers. The rooms are located outside the central area of the hotel, which creates a peaceful atmosphere and fits with the hotel's mission. Personally, I wish we had spent more time here to get a fully immersive experience of this relaxing resort. This is definitely somewhere more suited to couples and singles.
This hotel is located on a vineyard, in the peaceful countryside. It caters more for families, with activities for children in the evenings, an animal petting farm, playground, children's pool and a tennis court.
This hotel is located close to Santiago de Cacem, with a view of the village from the outside areas at the rear of the property and some of the rooms. This is a modern and fresh hotel with an outdoor pool, 24-hour gym, 24-hour living/chill room, mini shop full of local produce and a restaurant. The restaurant gives you the opportunity to watch your food being prepared with an open kitchen with cameras which are displayed on a screen above the main dining area. The hotel wants guests to have a leisurely stay, serving breakfast throughout the day and with access to various amenities 24-hours a day. This is a suitable accommodation for all guests. For me, this accommodation was my favourite of the trip and I will certainly be recommending it to clients!
