Your Guide to the Alentejo: 5 Must-See Places & Where to Eat, Stay, and Explore

Alentejo: 5 Must-See Places & Where to Eat, Stay, and Explore

Welcome to the Alentejo, Portugal’s most soulful and sun-drenched region. Often overlooked in favor of its flashier coastal cousins, this timeless land is where authenticity, tranquility, and refined taste come together in perfect harmony.

From Michelin-starred restaurants to boutique wine estates and medieval hilltop villages, discover five must-see destinations across the Alentejo — along with where to stay, what to savor, and how to immerse yourself in one of Europe’s most enchanting hidden gems.

Where to Eat

1. Restaurant Food Circle - Sublime Comporta 

Set in the heart of an organic garden, Food Circle is Sublime Comporta’s intimate outdoor restaurant, where just 14 guests gather around a live fire for an immersive, open-air dining ritual. Led by Executive Chef Pedro Calhau, the experience celebrates ancestral cooking methods, local ingredients, and a deep connection to the land.

2. Cavalariça Comporta/ Évora

Where Alentejo’s rich heritage meets refined creativity, Cavalariça offers two MICHELIN-recommended experiences—Comporta, led by Chef João Carlos Monica, set in a former stable; and Évora, helmed by Executive Chef Catalina Viveros and Chef Manager Tomoe Hayase, inside a 14th-century palace.  

3. Degust’AR – Évora

Housed in the historic Sepúlveda Palace, Degust’AR blends Alentejo tradition with Mediterranean flair under the creative direction of Chef António Nobre. In a refined and intimate setting, vaulted ceilings frame a menu rooted in regional flavors, paired with an exceptional wine list featuring labels from across Portugal.

4. Dom Joaquim 

Since 2007, Dom Joaquim has been a local favorite, blending traditional Alentejo cuisine with the chef’s unique vision. Known for its warm hospitality and carefully paired regional wines, this intimate restaurant invites guests to savor authentic flavors in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

5. Tua Madre

This laid-back eatery champions organic and regenerative farming, working closely with small local producers. The ever-changing menu depends on what’s fresh and available, offering guests a delightful surprise with every visit.

Where to Stay 

1. Spatia Comporta

Tucked between pine forests and endless golden beaches, Spatia Comporta offers a serene blend of contemporary architecture and natural harmony. With its minimalist elegance, spacious design, this retreat invites guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse themselves in the timeless rhythm of Comporta.

2. São Lourenço do Barrocal 

Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, São Lourenço do Barrocal is a restored 200-year-old estate. With views over Monsaraz and cuisine rooted in Alentejo traditions, this boutique retreat offers an authentic, slow-paced escape in the heart of the region.

3. M’AR De AR Aqueduto 

Set within Évora’s historic city walls, M’AR De AR Aqueduto is a five-star retreat housed in a 16th-century palace. Blending Renaissance charm with contemporary elegance, a full-service spa, and refined dining at Degust’AR restaurant, where Chef António Nobre reimagines Mediterranean flavors.

4. Torre de Palma Wine Hotel 

In the heart of Alto Alentejo’s wine region, Torre de Palma blends minimalist elegance with deep-rooted tradition. This boutique estate offers signature wines, refined comfort, and immersive experiences from vineyard tastings to stargazing, making it an authentic escape for wine and nature lovers alike.

5. Quinta da Comporta

An ode to the cultural heritage of Comporta, Quinta da Comporta blends traditional architecture with contemporary serenity. Overlooking endless rice fields, this eco-conscious retreat features sun-heated infinity pools, the holistic Oryza Spa, and refined accommodations designed for deep relaxation—all in harmony with the natural surroundings.

Where to Explore

1. Temple of Diana - Évora

A UNESCO World Heritage city, Évora is a living museum where Roman temples, medieval cathedrals, and Moorish courtyards coexist in perfect harmony. Stroll through its cobbled streets to discover the iconic Temple of Diana, the haunting Chapel of Bones, and vibrant squares filled with local cafés and wine bars. At once historic and effortlessly elegant, Évora is the cultural soul of the Alentejo and the perfect base for deeper exploration of the region.

2. Elvas

Just a stone’s throw from the Spanish border, Elvas is a UNESCO World Heritage city famed for its massive star-shaped fortifications, some of the best preserved in Europe. Wander through cobbled streets framed by whitewashed houses, visit the grand Amoreira Aqueduct, and explore centuries-old military architecture that tells the story of Portugal’s strategic frontier. Rich in history but refreshingly untouristed, Elvas is a captivating blend of cultural depth and quiet charm.

3. Alentejo Coast 

The Alentejo Coast is one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets—a stretch of unspoiled shoreline where dramatic cliffs meet hidden coves, and golden beaches stretch for miles without crowds. From the bohemian vibe of Vila Nova de Milfontes to the tranquil charm of Porto Covo and the surf-friendly waves of Zambujeira do Mar, this region offers a wilder, more authentic seaside escape.

4. Cais Palafítico da Carrasqueira

Built by local fishermen in the 1950s, this unique stilt pier in Carrasqueira is a rare example of traditional palafitic architecture in Europe. Stretching into the calm waters of the Sado estuary, its crooked wooden walkways offer one of the most photogenic and peaceful sunset spots in the Alentejo—where time seems to stand still.

5. Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede 

Tucked away in the northern Alentejo, the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park offers a dramatic change in landscape—from cork oak forests and granite peaks to medieval hilltop villages like Marvão and Castelo de Vide. Rich in biodiversity and cooler than the surrounding plains, it’s a paradise for hikers, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking nature, silence, and breathtaking views.

Insider Tips

1. Adega Mayor 

Designed by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, Adega Mayor is a striking white landmark set among 350 hectares of cork oak forests, vineyards, and olive groves near the Spanish border. More than a winery, it’s a contemporary tribute to the Alentejo way of life—where design, nature, and exceptional wines come together. Visit for a tasting, a panoramic view from the rooftop terrace, and an inspiring experience rooted in simplicity and elegance.

2. Herdade do Esporão 

Founded in the heart of the Alentejo, Herdade do Esporão is one of Portugal’s most iconic wine estates, driven by a deep commitment to quality, sustainability, and tradition. Beyond award-winning wines, the estate also produces premium olive oils and craft beers, and welcomes visitors with immersive wine tourism experiences, including tastings, vineyard tours, and seasonal cuisine at its celebrated on-site restaurant.

Whether you're wandering through ancient towns, savoring world-class wines, or simply watching the sun set over golden plains, the Alentejo invites you to slow down, indulge, and rediscover the beauty of traveling with intention.