Alentejo is an extensive region, about the size of The Netherlands, in the Southern part of Portugal. The name is derived from  "além do Tejo" which means "across the Tejo", seen from Lisbon then. The area borders Spain in the East and the Atlantic Ocean in the West. To the South lays the narrow strip of the Algarve.

Alentejo has a history of thousands of years, that still can be noticed everywhere. Most apparent still are the Moorish influences, of which the white houses are witnessing.

The topography of the landscape is quite variable with undulating fields in the South till granite hills in the North-East, that the border with Spain. Dams and artificial lakes cover the water supply. The region is sparsely populated and mainly orientated on agriculture. Animal husbandry and crops are very important. Also forestry with eucalyptus plantations and cork production are economically vital. A massive fruit culture in greenhouses has been developed in the coastal area. Luckily, next to that you still find tourism on small scale.

All in all, Alentejo is a region with many assets, where you can relax in a setting as if no time has passed.