The Alentejo region an hour's drive east of Lisbon seems like a different country some times when you visit. Famous for its wines, its local cuisine, Roman ruins, castles, and cork oaks.

This part of the country is named for the term "Beyond the Tagus", due to its position of the Tagus River. There are contrasting high and low lands, and it consists of about 31,152 km. Within its borders are several nature parks, such as the Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede (including lovely medieval villages), Parque Natural do Vale Guadiana (near the port of Sines ), and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, to name a few. There are also many historical and religious monuments, astounding architecture, and breathtaking scenery. Other tourist interests are its culinary and wine offerings; polyphonic singing groups are a unique local entertainment. Investments in the golfing industry has also turned Portugal into a golfing haven, and it was named "Best Golf Destination 2006" by readers of Golfers Today, a British publication. (Fourteen of Portugal's courses are rated in the top 100 best in Europe.) However, any guest on holiday will find that there is always plenty to do and see!

Cities and landscapes
Évora With its walls of the Roman, Moorish and later periods, still largely preserved, and its narrow lanes, sometimes lined with arcades, Évora's townscape still has a Moorish and medieval appearance, hence its entitlement to the term "cidade museu" museum city. In 1986 UNESCO declared Évora a world cultural inheritance site there is no question that the chief town of the Alentejo, with its many important buildings in the old town center, is well worth a visit.
Arraiolos The ancient little town of Arraiolos about 20km/12min. north of Évora, referred to by the Alexandrian geographer Ptolemy under the name of Arandia, is set in delightful surroundings on a low hill above the wide Alentejo plain, with magnificent views. The town is noted for its brightly colored woolen carpets which are made in a kind of cross-stitch.
Monsaraz, 50km/31mi east of Évora, near the Spanish border, still has a very medieval look, and is worth a visit. Its fortifying walls date from the 16th C., and a walk round the sleepy little town should take in the Gothic parish church, the 17th C. pelourinho, the Gothic palace of justice and, above all, the castle, built in the early 14th Century, during the reign of King Dinis.