Visitors to the south-central area of Portugal will find that the Alentejo region offers a wonderful journey back into ancient times, but with most of the current conveniences of today!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! The major municipalities of the Alentejo area each offers different and colourful attractions for guests:
Beja, with 35,000 inhabitants, resides on a hill that is 277 meters in elevation. A castle at the top offers a commanding view of the plains. Built in the 13th century, it is the highest vantage point in Portugal, and is accessible, to energetic walkers, by a spiral staircase. After climbing almost 200 steps, a visitor is rewarded with an unbelievable panorama over the countryside. A small military museum, the 6th century Latin-Visigothic Church of Santo Amaro, a small archaeological museum, a square bell-tower, and a convent which is classified as a national monument are additional tourist attractions.
Sines continues to grow, and now has over 13,000 residents. Positioned in the middle of the Alentejo coast, it is famous for its summer FMM Sines - Festival Músicas do Mundo. As a world music festival, it brings thousands of musicians from many continents. Sines also offers much in the way of historical landmarks, and provides a charming atmosphere due to its location of being on cliff, as well as on a bay. The nearby village of Porto Covo is a popular tourist destination due to a preserved coastline, traditional buildings, and history associated with the birthplace of Vasco da Gama.
Évora is ranked number 3 in the Portuguese “Most Livable Cities” survey published annually by Expresso. Evora is a well-preserved old town centre enclosed by medieval walls is just one of the reasons it is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With 4000 buildings of Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, Evora could be termed a museum-city. The Água de Prata Aqueduct (Aqueduct of Silver Water), Cathedral of Évora, Saint Francis Church (with the famous Chapel of Bones), Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval, Roman Temple of Évora, and Giraldo Square are must-sees when on vacation here.
Mértola, next to the Spanish border, has a population density that is the second-lowest in Portugal and boasts the only mosque to have survived in Portugal. Constructed in the 12th century, it still preserves many of its original characteristics. Mertola began a series of archaeological surveys in the 1980’s, and discoveries have made it an important cultural site. With Mértola Castle, the Main Church, a museum with Islamic art, a Palaeochristian basilica, and the excavation of a Roman house, many pleasant hours of sightseeing can be had.
Santiago do Cacem, a combination of maritime coastline and pine forests, is a favourite among travellers. Offering handcrafted souvenirs of wood, wicker, leather and ceramics, guests can also enjoy the Barragem de Campilhas (a wonderful stretch of water great for canoeing, windsurfing and fishing), the famous town windmill, Rio de Figueira Park (offering many recreational activities and a good place to take children), Sao Francisco da Serra’s magnificent collection of chimneys, and several interesting archeological and historical structures.
Ourique, is famous for the legendary battle between the Portuguese Prince Afonso Henriques and the overwhelming masses of the Moorish Army lead by Ali ibn Yusuf. Prince Afonso Henriques won the battle against all the odds, apparently killing 5 Moorish Kings in the process and immediately proclaimed himself King of Portugal. Rather quieter now, Ourique, is a small relaxed town with it's castle sitting ontop of the hill. Rental accommodation in Ourique allow visitors to explore this area and it's rural pleasantries.
Guests should not worry about accommodation when visiting Alentejo; since it is such a popular tourist destination, there are many rentals of villas in Alentejo and apartments from which to choose. Such lodgings can easily and safely accommodate needs, most are in close proximity to tourist sights. They offer a full range of amenities, and management will educate travelers about local customs, routes, driving, and local information. The prices may be surprising; Portugal could be one of the best value destinations on the continent. There are also numerous hotels that range from less-expensive Residencial (home-like hostels) to pleasant and affordable Bed and Breakfasts, to the 'Pousadas de Portugal'-hotels located in very beautiful ancient buildings.
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario