Wine, wellness and wide open skies in Portugal’s Alentejo
There is a corner of Portugal where time seems to slow right down. Wide‑open skies stretch for miles, vineyards roll over gentle hills and tiny whitewashed villages glow in the evening light. This is Alentejo: a region made for unhurried days, great food and wine, and the kind of deep rest that stays with you long after you come home. I’ve just returned from a wonderful trip to Alentejo, travelling with my colleagues, and I fell completely in love with this part of Portugal. Here is a glimpse into my three days there, and why I think it is perfect for anyone seeking wine, wellness and a more soulful side of the country.
Arriving in Portugal’s wild south‑west
My journey began with an Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Faro. From the Algarve coast we travelled north‑west to Herdade do Touril, a charming rural property that immediately set the tone for the trip.
After a relaxed lunch and a look around the rooms and grounds, it was easy to see why this type of stay suits anyone who wants space, nature and authenticity. Think rustic chic, fresh local food and the Atlantic air on your doorstep.
Walking the Fisherman’s Way
From Herdade do Touril we laced up our walking shoes for a stretch of the famous Fisherman’s Way. This coastal trail runs along the cliffs and coves of south‑west Portugal and even in a short section you get a real sense of its drama: rugged cliffs, crashing waves and wild, unspoilt scenery.
We finished our walk in the small town of Zambujeira do Mar, a pretty seaside spot with white houses tumbling towards the ocean. It feels worlds away from the busier resort towns many people know in Portugal, and that quieter, more authentic atmosphere became a theme of the whole trip.
That evening we checked into Craveiral, a rural retreat that blends contemporary design with a deep connection to nature. After a relaxed evening meal, I had one of the best sleeps I have had in a long time. Waking up there, surrounded by countryside, really captured the “wellness” side of Alentejo for me: clean air, birdsong and no rush whatsoever.
Wine estates and vineyard views
The next morning began with an unforgettable breakfast at Craveiral, full of fresh, local flavours. We then travelled on to Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, a Relais & Châteaux wine estate that beautifully showcases Alentejo’s gourmet side.
Here we enjoyed a wine tasting, toured some of the rooms and lingered over an exceptional lunch. The property feels luxurious yet grounded, with vineyards all around and a focus on seasonal, regional cuisine. It is ideal for food and wine lovers who still want that quiet, restorative atmosphere.
In the afternoon we visited Quinta do Paral, which was a real highlight of the trip for me. Set among vineyards, this estate exudes complete relaxation and peace. The rooms are beautifully finished, luxurious yet understated, and everywhere you look you are surrounded by vines and open countryside. It is the sort of place where you can truly switch off: lazy mornings, unhurried wine tastings and evenings spent watching the light fade over the fields.
Sunset in Monsaraz
We finished our second day in the hilltop town of Monsaraz, one of the most atmospheric spots in Alentejo. Perched high above the surrounding plains, it offers some of the best sunset views I have seen in Portugal.
As the sun began to set, the sky turned golden and then soft pink over the landscape below. Within the town’s cobbled streets you will find traditional restaurants, cosy tapas bars and a castle that makes the perfect viewing point. It is a gorgeous place to wander in the evening, perhaps with a glass of local wine in hand, soaking up the history and romance.
Alqueva Lake and Alentejo’s slower rhythm
Our final morning was spent meeting with local suppliers and partners, gathering up‑to‑date information on Alentejo and everything it can offer my clients: walking, wellness retreats, wine estates, rural stays, historic towns and more.
Later, we took a boat trip on Alqueva Lake, the largest man‑made lake in Europe. The scenery here is surprisingly peaceful: gently rolling shores, tiny islands and endless sky reflected in the water. It was the perfect way to round off the trip, with time simply to sit back, relax and take it all in. Once we stepped off the boat we enjoyed a lovely picnic by the lakeside, a fitting final taste of Alentejo’s outdoor lifestyle.
If you are dreaming of a quieter, more authentic alternative to the Algarve
Days that revolve around great food, local wine and unhurried exploring
Stays in rural retreats and vineyards where wellness is as much about peace and space as it is about spas then Alentejo might be exactly what you are looking for.
From walking the Fisherman’s Way to tasting wines straight from the source, from sleeping in beautiful countryside hotels to watching the sun set over Monsaraz, this region offers a very special blend of wine, wellness and wide‑open skies.
If you would like to talk about a tailor‑made trip to Alentejo, I would love to share more from my time there with you and help you create a magical trip.
