Alentejo is home to some of the most elegant holiday accommodation in Portugal. From boutique hotels to grand manor houses, Alentejo has the country's biggest concentration of historic hotels, known as Pousadas, and they are invariably steeped in atmosphere. Converted farmhouses, many of them with pools, are a good self-catering option too.
Alentejo's quiet roads make it a perfect fly-drive option and there are several scenic themed routes. The beautiful town of Castelo de Vide is one suggested stop on the Castle Route, which also includes the equally stunning towns of Nisa, Portalegre and Alter do Chão.
Traditional house, detail - Campo Maior, photo by Francisco Almeida Dias
The Convento de São Paulo is another good option. The converted covent sits near Estremoz and is located on a 600 hectare estate on the slopes of the Serra d'Ossa mountain range. Originally constructed in 1182 by monks seeking a spiritual place to live and pray, it was restored in 1993 into a refined and comfortable country hotel. The original Portuguese tiles, bas reliefs and frescoes have been restored and the ancient church on the site has been declared a national monument.
Its history is fascinating, having hosted many illustrious figures over the centuries, including King Sebastian, King John IV and Catherine of Braganca. The hotel's O Ermita restaurant specialises in traditional Alentejan cuisine and the grounds include gardens and a lovely swimming pool. The rooms are comfortably furnished and decorated and have every modern comfort. Some rooms are smaller than others (these used to be the Monks' cells) but all rooms have full bathrooms fitted with locally produced Estremoz marble, air conditioning, satellite television, and direct dial telephones.
If you want to live like a king during your stay, try Pousada do Crato Flor da Rosa castle. This former Knights of the Order of Malta Monastery, is immersed in with ambiance of medieval mystery. The hotel manages to combine the original characteristics of the old with some wonderfully modern architecture and the rooms are spacious, bright and well equipped with television, hairdryer, safe and minibar. The restaurant is also good serves a regional menu with a good winelist. There is also horseriding and several golf courses in the vicinity.
ATOP members: Castaways Unicorn Holidays, Destination Portugal, Keytel International, Leisure Link Golf Holidays International, Pousadas de Portugal, PTG Tours Ltd, Someone2travelwith, Sunvil Discovery, The Villa Agency
