The Alentejo is a charming southern Portugal region covering approximately one-third of the country's territory. Renowned for its tranquil and sleepy villages, the Alentejo also boasts an expansive coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The regions of Central Portugal border it to the north and the Algarve to the south. Our selection of the best hotels in the Alentejo includes beautiful options spread across the region.
The Alentejo region is renowned for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, traditional gastronomy, and excellent wines, all of which contribute to its allure as a captivating destination in Portugal. We adore its picturesque hill towns with white-washed houses, golden plains, rolling hillsides, ancient ruins, and wild, rugged beaches. The best hotels in the Alentejo include countryside retreats and coastal hideaways. Overall, the Alentejo has a unique laid-back vibe that invites you to unwind.
Many of the best hotels in the Alentejo provide a comfortable base to make the most of your visit, whatever the season. The ideal time to visit the Alentejo region is spring and early summer (April to June) and autumn (September to October) for pleasant weather and vibrant landscapes. These seasons provide comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. In July and August, particularly in inland Alentejo, temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F) during heatwaves.
The best way to get around Alentejo is by car, which provides flexibility and allows you to explore rural areas and smaller towns at your own pace. The region also has a public transportation network, including buses and trains, which can be used to travel between major towns and cities. Staying at one of the best hotels in the Alentejo provides a perfect starting point to discover the region, with many hotels offering advice on the best routes and hidden gems to visit.
Alentejo is known for its hearty and flavorful cuisine. Typical dishes include Açorda Alentejana (bread-based soup), Ensopado de Borrego (lamb stew), Carne de Porco à Alentejana (pork with clams and garlic) and Sopa de Cação (dogfish soup). These dishes showcase local ingredients, such as bread, olive oil, herbs, and meats. The best hotels in the Alentejo can recommend local restaurants or even offer their own takes on regional specialities. The Alentejo also produces excellent red wines.
The Alentejo region is not directly served by a major international airport. However, the closest airports to Alentejo are Lisbon Airport (LIS) and Faro Airport (FAO). The best hotels in the Alentejo can help arrange transfers. Depending on your location within the Alentejo region, Lisbon Airport can be as close as one hour away or up to 2.5 hours away. Faro Airport is located further to the south, and its distance will also depend on your location within Alentejo.
The weather in the Alentejo region of Portugal features a Mediterranean climate characterised by long, hot summers and mild, rainy winters. During the summer, temperatures can soar to high levels, often surpassing 30°C (86°F) and exceeding 40°C (104°F) during heatwaves in inland Alentejo.
In our opinion, the best hotels in Alentejo are about more than just stars. When searching for the best hotels in Alentejo, we always aim to find special places – a luxury hotel embraced by the rolling hills, boutique hotels near the wild surfing beaches, a simple guesthouse in a picturesque Alentejo village, or a countryside sanctuary that captures the spirit of the region. On JO&SO, you can use our filter to explore the best hotels in the Alentejo by type and/or perk, such as hotels in the Alentejo near the beach, rural hotels, and so on.
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