Visit the area of Alentejo, Portugal

This report is http://www.chooseportugal.com

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:

Horse-riding in Portugal: Along the coast at a canter

Report written by Alexandra Ferguson for http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

By Alexandra Ferguson 1:34PM BST 24 Sep 2009

Alexandra Ferguson enjoys a riding holiday among the cork forests and beaches of south-west Portugal.

'Form a line,” Miguel shouts, as we plunge into the dunes and the horses pull at the reins, eager and excited. The beach is deserted; virgin sand stretches north and south, and Atlantic rollers crash on the steep shore. As we descend to the water’s edge, the hiss and roar of the surf is deafening and spray flies on the breeze. The horses brave the surge: chasing the retreating waves, shying from the advancing breakers and we fight to hold them as Miguel raises his arm. “Everyone ready?” he cries. Then we are off, galloping along the sand: the horses slick with salt and sweat, the warm wind on our faces.

Portugal: Traveling far from the Algarve crowds

Report written by Paul Ames for globalpost.com

Hoteliers invest in boutique properties along the Alentejo coast, despite Portugal's economic woes.

Paul AmesMay 12, 2011 06:17

ALJEZUR, Portugal — Gooseneck barnacles are a prized delicacy on Portugal's wild southwest coast.

To be eaten, the worm-like creatures must be extracted from their leathery, black skins, then separated from their shell-like tips. Only then can you suck down their delicate, briny bodies.

But if eating the barnacles is not for the faint of heart, you should see how they catch them.

The crustaceans, known here as perceves, live in colonies, clinging to caves and crevices at the foot of the great sea cliffs that form the southwestern perimeter of the European mainland.

Sunvil sell just one fifth of flights to Beja

Sunvil sell just one fifth of flights to Beja
30/4/2011

UK travel operator Sunvil has so far sold only one in every five seats on the weekly charter flights it scheduled for this summer between Heathrow and Beja, according to the company’s co-founder Noel Josephides.

Overall only 20 percent of the available seats have been filled.

Odemira Coast

It is in the Alentejo, in southwest Portugal, where it lies Odemira, the largest concelho the country, crossed the River Mira, one of the least polluted rivers in Europe.

"Alentejo in one concelho" is a great way to present it, because here you can find the best preserved of Europe's coastline and the extensive possibilities of the interior remains true to the best of the Alentejo will, always, the quality of its people.

Integrated Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina beaches concelho remain its most well known and much appreciated. From Malhão Beach, further north, to Carvalhal, along the coast are cut coves protected by cliffs and brightly colored cliffs.