Alentejo is a region in southern Portugal that has a lot to offer those who want to make it their home. With its breathtaking scenery, pleasant year-round climate, rich and diverse cultural life and attractive property prices, it's easy to see why many people choose to live in this region. But these are not the only reasons why the Alentejo is an ideal place to live. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'd like to share with you my 9 good reasons for moving to Alentejo.
Breathtaking landscapes
Alentejo is renowned for its vast expanses of wheat fields, vineyards and holm oak forests. It's an ideal region for nature lovers and those looking to recharge their batteries in the great outdoors.
Here are some of the best natural attractions and most beautiful landscapes in the Alentejo region:
- Vale do Guadiana Nature Park: this park is located in southern Alentejo and is renowned for its landscapes of steppes, holm oak forests and rivers. It offers many opportunities for hiking, cycling and fishing.
- Alentejo beaches: the region boasts many fine sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters, such as Praia da Rocha beach and Vila Nova de Milfontes beach. They are ideal for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.
- São Mamede Natural Park: located in central Alentejo, this park is renowned for its mountain landscapes, holm oak forests and vineyards. It offers numerous opportunities for hiking and discovering the local flora and fauna.
A pleasant year-round climate
Naturally, the Alentejo benefits from its geographical position. The region enjoys an almost Mediterranean climate in places, with hot, dry summers and mild, sunny winters. In July and August, temperatures can regularly exceed 40ºC, but on the whole the weather is fairly mild.
A rich and diverse cultural life
The Alentejo is renowned for its music and theater festivals, as well as its many museums and art galleries. With cities such as Evora, Beja, Moura and Estremoz, the region offers many opportunities to enrich yourself and discover new arts and cultures.
The region's thousand-year-old heritage is also quite simply exceptional. Here are some of the Alentejo region's main tourist attractions:
- The University of Évora: founded in 1559, this is one of the oldest universities in Europe, and is home to many historic and cultural buildings, such as the Sé Cathedral and the Temple of Diana.
- Beja Castle: this castle is located in the heart of the town of Beja and dates back to the Middle Ages. It houses numerous museums and art galleries, as well as peaceful gardens.
- Monastery of Nossa Senhora da Conceição: this monastery is located in Évora and dates back to the 13th century. It houses numerous objects and works of art from medieval times and is surrounded by peaceful gardens.
Let me remind you that the first and most important step to take before moving to Portugal is to obtain your NIF, your tax identification number. Without it, it's impossible to work, find accommodation or open a bank account. I can do this for you, remotely and in just a few clicks. Go to the Services section of my website, or click on the banner below.
Attractive property prices
While Lisbon to the north and the Algarve to the south have become prohibitively expensive, the cost of living in Alentejo is generally lower than elsewhere in Portugal, making it an attractive destination for those looking to buy or rent property. As you move further away from the Atlantic coast, prices drop, and it's still possible to find many opportunities.
Exceptional gastronomy
There's no way to talk about the Alentejo without mentioning its gastronomy. The Alentejo region is renowned for its quality wines and traditional dishes. The vines take full advantage of the Portuguese sun to produce these quality wines.
Here are just a few of Alentejo's culinary specialties:
- Suckling pig: Suckling pig is a tender, tasty meat, often used in traditional Alentejo dishes such as feijoadas (bean stews) and carnes de porco à Alentejana (pork with cockles).
- Beja cheese croquettes: these croquettes are made with fresh goat's cheese and breadcrumbs, and are usually served hot with a tomato sauce.
- Pasteis de toucinho: these cakes are made with bacon, flour, cinnamon and orange blossom water, and are often accompanied by honey or sugar.
- Migas: migas are fried croutons usually served with pork, lamb or beef, as well as vegetables and spices.
- Feijoadas: Feijoadas are bean stews usually served with pork, beef and chorizo, along with vegetables and spices.
Outdoor activities
If you love outdoor activities, then the Alentejo region could be your ideal destination. The Alentejo offers many opportunities for outdoor sports and leisure activities, such as hiking, cycling, golf and fishing. There's something for everyone.
9 good reasons to move to Alentejo in Portugal
Close to the beaches
Alentejo has its own beaches along the Atlantic, but the waters can be cold even in summer. The advantage of living in Alentejo is that the region is only an hour's drive from the beaches of the Algarve, making it an ideal destination for those who like to swim in warmer waters and soak up the sun.
A warm and welcoming community
One of the advantages of living in Alentejo is the hospitality of its people. They're known for their warmth and generosity, making it an ideal region in which to settle and make new friends. If you have a problem, you'll always find someone to listen and help you.
A peaceful and pleasant region to live in
Alentejo is a calm and peaceful region, far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. It's an ideal place for those seeking a more serene and relaxing way of life. So yes, some places are very rural and lack infrastructure, but that's what some expats who don't want the hustle and bustle of the city are looking for.
The region has around 773,000 inhabitants, according to data from Portugal's Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE). That's around 10% of Portugal's total population, so it's a quiet region.
So there you have it, my 9 good reasons for living in Portugal's Alentejo region. Of course there are others, but it would be impossible to cover them all in a single article. And you, what's your good reason for moving to Alentejo?
