Bradt's Alentejo remains the only standalone guide to this emerging
region, providing all the information needed to find that idyllic rural
retreat, beachside boutique or romantic hotel set in a converted palace.
Restaurants, wines, cafes and cultural sights have all been meticulously
chosen and reviewed by the author and there is a wealth of background
cultural and historical information to unlock the secrets of the
Alentejo's colourful past and captivating present.This new second
edition has been thoroughly updated to reflect all the most recent
developments and includes a new section on castle towns, expanded
information on Alandroal and Juromenha, new coverage of Alegrete and the
Serra de Sao Mamede and new features on everything from The Siege of
Badajoz to Alentejo wild flowers, Portuguese grape varieties and the
Rebel Prince of Marvão amongst others. More hotels and tours have also
been added, especially around Évora, Monsaraz and Marvão.The Alentejo is
Portugal's Andalusia - without the crowds - a landscape littered with
Moorish monuments, sleepy villages and Crusader castles. The beaches are
glorious sweeps of white sand, broken by rocky coves nested by storks,
or backed by caramel coloured sandstone cliffs. The towns and villages
of the interior appear little-changed since medieval times - clusters of
sugar-cube houses tumble down hills from heavy-set castles. There are
palaces and there are myriad megalithic monuments - lost in the rolling
countryside in the olive groves, or among orange trees and withered cork
oaks. Wild boar and lynx roam the extensive forests and heathlands -
which offer wonderful hiking and hill walking. And the food... fresh
Atlantic bream, sizzling prawns, forest-reared pork and dozens of
glorious wines with which to wash it down.Expert author and fluent
Portuguese speaker Alex Robinson has been visiting, writing and
photographing Portugal for more than 20 years and in this new edition
has evolved his guide to the Alentejo even further to make an ideal
companion for a successful trip whatever your interest, age or budget:
hikers, wine and food lovers, weekend travellers, history enthusiasts
and those looking for a second home are all catered for.
