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Peaceful PORTUGAL

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DITCH THE HARSH WEATHER FOR SOME R&R IN LAID-BACK ALENTEJO
By Jared Johnson Afro Love editor, Fashiontribes.com
Photo: InsidePortugalTravel.com

Boisterous crowds, inflated prices, and a noticeable lack of locals – all great reasons to give touristy spots a miss on your next vacation, and head for the less well-worn path. This year, follow the wayward road to relaxation heaven: Alentejo, Portugal. Located amidst mountains, flowy plains, and the sun- & shadow-filled cork forests (some of the largest in the world), Alentejo is also on an island which physically occupies one-fifth of the nation’s surface space; thanks to the miniscule population, it’s a true get-away.

The huge countryside and many rural areas make for blissfully quiet days filled with great exploration. Wine estates and olive groves dot the plains, and towns perch high upon hilltops, offering serene walking trails, breathtaking views of the grassy surroundings, and the remains of castles which stand as a reminder of the ancient city’s storied history. “While the Alentejo flourished under centuries of Roman rule, it thrived in the 400 years that the Moors held it,” explains Jayme Henriques Simões of the Portuguese Trade and Tourism Office. “They left behind cultural and architectural ties, a Mosque at Mértola, and legends. By 1249 a young Portuguese nation had incorporated the Alentejo, and strong castles arose to guard the plains.”

Winter in Alentejo is marked by the harsh cold typical of any Atlantic coastal location, and the summers are equally unbearable for many due to the heat, so early autumn and late spring are the best times to visit. For a charming mix of silence and relaxation, archeological exploration, abundant history, and untouched nature, Alentejo won’t disappoint.

For more info, visit InsidePortugalTravel.com.

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