The Alto Alentejo sub-region

Alentejo is known for being the largest region in Portugal, being mostly rural and occupying about a third of the national territory. Due to its extensive area, Alentejo is divided into sub-regions: Alto Alentejo, Central Alentejo, Baixo Alentejo and Litoral Alentejo. Its beauty is due to its beautiful fields and stunning landscapes, full of leisure options and breathtaking views. In addition, the typical gastronomy of this region is one of the most authentic in Portugal, and is directly linked to products from the countryside, which originate fresh meals, rich in flavor and tradition.

Our sub-region, Alto Alentejo, is considered a prestigious region that stands out for its mild climate, fertile soil, strategic geographic location, historic cities and intriguing curiosities. Located in south-central Portugal, Alto Alentejo offers enchanting experiences for visitors looking to immerse themselves in a journey full of tradition and authenticity.

Geographically, Alto Alentejo is limited to the north by the central region of the country, bordering the district of Castelo Branco, to the east by Spain, to the south by the sub-region of Baixo Alentejo and to the west by Ribatejo. This strategic location gives our sub-region a prominent position, allowing easy access from various directions and contributing to its historical, cultural and economic development.

The predominant climate in Alto Alentejo is the Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters. Our sub-region enjoys a mild climate throughout the year, with excellent sun exposure. These favorable climatic conditions are responsible for creating a favorable environment for the practice of agriculture, with emphasis on the production of wines, olive oils and vegetables.

Fertile soil is also another great ally, being a valuable resource for local agriculture. Composed predominantly of a combination of clayey, limestone and granite soils, we take advantage of this natural advantage to originate unique grapes and produce our distinctive wines, in addition to resulting in a stunning landscape where the vineyards are lost to the horizon and create a true scenario not to be missed. .

In addition, Alto Alentejo is dotted with historic cities and charming villages, which bear witness to the rich cultural heritage of this sub-region. Our beautiful Vila do Crato, located about twenty minutes from Portalegre, capital of the Portalegre district, is a small Portuguese village full of history. In the heart of Alto Alentejo, the history of Vila do Crato goes back to pre-Christ times. Over time, the village has undergone numerous transformations, especially in its architecture, which perfectly combines modernity with medieval times, with churches, hermitages and an imposing castle, as well as old houses and a timeless gastronomic tradition. Tecolameco, a typical sweet from Crato, is a traditional Alentejo cake from Portuguese convent sweets, made with sugar, eggs, almonds and cinnamon, a great option for desserts.

As a curiosity, around Crato, there are several megalithic monuments, which are characterized by ancient constructions that justify the ancient local human presence. Anta do Tapadão, for example, located in Aldeia da Mata, attracts countless tourists annually due to its intriguing shape, conservation and age, having more than three thousand years of history.

Among its many peculiarities, our sub-region is a unique and unmissable destination, which holds a rich cultural heritage, passed down from generation to generation. In addition, Alto Alentejo holds authentic experiences for all those who seek the perfect balance between nature, tranquility, history, stunning views, peculiar cuisine and of course, good wines!