The British press highlighted Alentejo as one of the most authentic and least explored regions in Portugal, referring to its historic towns and villages as places “stuck in time”. The highlight comes at a time when Turismo de Portugal is trying to decentralize the flow of visitors concentrated in Lisbon and the Algarve.
In recent years, Portugal has recorded tourism records. According to official data, Lisbon received more than 8.5 million visitors in 2023 and the Algarve exceeded 3.2 million. The growing tourist pressure led the authorities to promote the interior of the country, namely Alentejo, which welcomes around 370 thousand tourists per year.
According to the British newspaper Daily Express, Alentejo combines natural landscapes and historical heritage, maintaining a more relaxed pace of life than the most popular destinations. The article highlights towns and villages such as Monsaraz, Marvão and Castelo de Vide, considered examples of the preservation of the Portuguese past.
Monsaraz among the most praised
Located next to Lake Alqueva, Monsaraz is described by the British publication as one of the most beautiful villages in the country. The text refers to the whitewashed houses, the cobbled streets and the medieval castle as symbols of the identity of the Alentejo interior. The newspaper also recalls that Monsaraz was distinguished in 2017 in the “7 Wonders of Portugal”, in the Monument Villages category.
Marvão highlighted by location
Another of the places mentioned is Marvão. Located at 843 meters above sea level, at the top of the Serra de São Mamede, it offers views over the Alentejo and Spain. Its natural setting and the value of its historical heritage are highlighted, namely the castle and the medieval walls.
The town annually hosts the Chestnut Fair, a regional event dedicated to local production and the appreciation of agricultural products from northern Alentejo.
The “Sintra of Alentejo”
Castelo de Vide is presented by the same source as one of the villages of strong historical and cultural relevance in Portugal. The article highlights the castle, natural springs and the old Jewish quarter, where one of the oldest synagogues in the country is located. The municipality is referred to as a growing point of interest for visitors looking for less touristy places.
Growing international interest
This international recognition of Alentejo reflects a trend towards tourist diversification. He states that the region maintains an authentic and rural character, contrasting with the mass tourism of coastal areas.
Turismo de Portugal has been promoting initiatives to enhance the interior, reinforcing its presence at international fairs and campaigns aimed at the British market. The objective is to increase the number of foreign visitors in low-density regions, while preserving the cultural and environmental values of the territory.
Also read:
