206: Alentejo & Algarve, Portugal

This week we explore two regions of Portugal. One, the Algarve, is popular for its cliffs, beaches, and sea caves. The other, Alentejo, is lesser-known but serves as the breadbasket of Portugal and is a popular wine region. Our guest, Rachel Laidler, Head of Portugal for EPIC Travel, is an expert in both.

Rachel Laidler is the Head of Portugal for EPIC Travel, a custom travel agency that designs bespoke itineraries in Portugal and Morocco. EPIC focuses on luxury adventure travel and maintains close relationships with suppliers to provide clients with unique cultural experiences. You can follow EPIC Travel on Instagram at @epicbemore.

• Alentejo is the largest region in Portugal, making up approximately one-third of the country. This is the region that is the "breadbasket" of Portugal. It is also a popular wine-making region.
• In Alentejo you can find some small fortified villages, vineyards, cork tree farms, and lots of open space.
• When visiting Alentejo, EPIC Travel can help match you with the best hotel or accommodations to suit your travel style. Depending on how much time you have, you can either stay in one location for 3-4 days or split your time between hotels with 2-3 days at each.
• Alentejo has some similarities with Tuscany in Italy, but it is more affordable and not a popular with tourists.
• The Alentejo is where to go to relax and enjoy nature and the products of the land. It is a good place to connect with local culture.
• Some of the popular towns to visit are: Evora, Monsaraz, and Estramoz
• A few of the activities you can enjoy in Alentejo are: cork trekking, star gazing, horseback riding, picnics, farm tours, wine tasting, hiking, and biking.
• Cork trekking is possible at Herdade da Maroteira
• A few hotels to consider include:
  • Torre de Palma -- this hotel is family owned and run, each room is unique, you can watch the sunset from the top of the tower. Nearby you can visit Roman Ruins. On property there is one restaurant, a pool, stables for horse riding and carriage rides, and a full winery. The resort offers wine tasting, tours, classes, and blending workshops.
  • São Lourenço do Barrocal -- this is a luxury hotel that has been in the same family for hundreds of years. While it is luxurious, it is not in your face or over the top. The people are very welcoming and friendly and the resort is laidback and comfortable, with understated style. The hotel has a farm and organic garden, as well as a winery. There are two restaurants, one is seasonal and outside under the trees. Activities include on-site pools, biking, hiking, horseback riding, star gazing, farm tours, family treasure hunts, an on-site spa, and other activities. There are cottages with two to three bedrooms that are ideal for families.
  • Herdade da Malhadinha Nova -- this is a very large wine estate with three different styles of accommodations. One is adults-only and more contemporary, one is in the original farm house with smaller, more traditional rooms. The last is also arranged like a house with common spaces and set around a pool, but the rooms are larger and more contemporary with a minimalist style. The estate is spread out and has beautiful rolling hills and vineyards. On site you can enjoy horseback riding, wine tasting, 4x4 tours, picnics, yoga, and other daily activities. They can also arrange hot air ballooning.

• The Algarve is the southern coast of the country and is famous for its cliffs, caves, and beaches. It is a very popular spot for British tourists, but there are plenty of spots to get away from the crowded tourist areas.
• EPIC recommends visiting the far east or far west sections of the Algarve, or visiting the surrounding mountains.
• Rachel recommends the towns of Lagos, Tavira, and Olhão.
• Some popular activities include active adventures in and out of the water like kayaking, surfing, stand up paddleboarding, biking, and hiking
• October is a great time to go to the Algarve because you still have the warmer weather but not the large crowds. Another great time to go in April (after Easter) through June.
• It is fun to cycle from one town the next and explore local towns along the way or do local activities
• Sagres is good for surfing
• Burgau is a colorful town with houses painted multi-colors.
• Morgado do Quintão is a great destination for families to stay away from the coast. There are villas on site with multiple bedrooms and private pools set on a vineyard.
• Casa Mãe in Lagos is another recommended spot in town and close to all the attractions but also offering a pool
• Casa Modesta is a family owned hotel that overlooks a natural park.