Alentejo Coast
This is a land with an infinite horizon, rich in light and sun, blessed by the waters of the Sado and Mira Rivers and the numerous streams and lagoons which adorn the landscape here. It is a place of rare beauty, dressed in yellow, white and blue, stretching across to the sea, with its warm waters hugging the beaches of fine, golden sand, which “scream” relaxation and peace.
Nature’s generosity is clearly visible here, with nature dictating a unique rhythm to the planting and harvesting of the products which define and enrich its gastronomy. This includes the wheat, olives, grapes and vegetable which thrive in the land, but also the animals, such as cattle, goats, and swine, especially the black Iberian pig. Naturally, the wild game must also be mentioned, such as wild boar, rabbits, hares and partridges. And in coastal areas, there are other specialties, like seafood, squid, octopus, and fish, such as sea bream, grouper, sea bass, horse mackerel, sardine, flounder, eel and largemouth bass. All of these pair well with the best bread and herbs and the best olive oils and wines. Do not forget to try the vegetables and rice, which are also exceptional.
This is a place where the homes, be they rich or poor, always have the table set with a thousand flavours, generously accompanied by the region’s great wines. Everything is worth discovering, across hills and through villages, towns and cities, populated by a unique people who defend, as no one else does, their customs and traditions, who sing life with their hearts.
We suggest that you start with Alcácer do Sal, where life is still navigated aboard traditional boats. Next, visit Santiago do Cacém, where the plains melt into mountains which then melt into the sea. Not too far from here is Sines, the birthplace of one of the greatest men of the sea – Vasco da Gama – and home to people of the sea. Continuing along the Alentejano and Vicentino Coast, stop in the picturesque towns of Vila Nova de Mil Fontes, Zambujeira do Mar and Azenha do Mar. These are only some of many possible suggestions, as Central and Northern Alentejo are also rich in flavours worth discovering; do it for you. Our only recommendation is that you do it slowly!
