| Alentejo | |
|---|---|
| — Region — | |
 |
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| Country |  Portugal |
| Capital city | Évora |
| Area | |
| - Total | 31,152 km2 (12,027.9 sq mi) |
| Population (2005) | |
| - Total | 776,585 |
| Time zone | WET (UTC+0) |
| - Summer (DST) | WEST (UTC+1) |
| NUTS code | PT18 |
| GDP per capita (PPS) | € 17,200 (2006)[1] |
Alentejo (Portuguese pronunciation: [ɐlẽˈtɛʒu]) is a south-central region of Portugal. Its name's origin, "Além-Tejo", literally translates to "Beyond the Tagus" or "Across the Tagus". The region is separated from the rest of Portugal by the Tagus river, and extends to the south where it borders the Algarve. Alentejo is a region known for its polyphonic singing groups, comparable to those found on Sardinia and Corsica.
Its main cities are Évora (region's capital), Santarém (formerly belonging to Ribatejo region), Portalegre, Beja, and Sines.
Being a traditional region, it is also one of the more recent seven Regions of Portugal (NUTS II subdivisions). Today Lezíria do Tejo subregion, formerly belonging to Lisboa e Vale do Tejo region, is part of Alentejo NUTS II region.
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Topographically the countryside varies considerably, from the open rolling plains of the south of the Alentejo to the granite hills that border Spain in the north-east. To feed the water needs of this considerable area a number of public dams have been constructed, most notably the Alqueva Dam.
The landscape is mostly one of soft rolling hills and plains, with cork oaks and olive trees, or the occasional vine. In the north agriculture is based mostly livestock-based, with as cows, sheep and pigs (both white and black); to the south the agriculture is mostly arable.
To the east of Portalegre is the Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede, a Nature Park Area that includes charming medieval villages that have changed very little from those days. In the south near Mértola is another Nature Park Area named Parque Natural do Vale Guadiana. This is mainly uninhabited and a contrast to the other above. To the west, the coastal strip that runs from the port of Sines down to Cabo de São Vicente is the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park.
The resident population of the Alentejo stands at around 759 000 (fourth quarter, 2008 – 2 700 less than the fourth quarter of 2007), with 49% men and 51% women. It is the most depopulated region in the country, representing over one third of national territory but only 7.1% of its population. It is also the region with the oldest population, 22.9% being 65 years of age or more (while the national average is 17.5%).
The population is low and declining - especially to the east of Alentejo. Portuguese migrate from the villages to the towns and from the towns to cities beyond Alentejo. Virtually the only migration into Alentejo is from Northern Europeans looking to escape their overcrowded countries, either permanently or for sunny holiday retreats.[2]
The illiteracy rate in the region is quite high between the people older than 60 years, though there has been much improvement in recent years as generations have been replaced. The rate of coverage of pre-primary education is amongst the highest in the country.
Institutions of higher education include:
The area is commonly known as the "bread basket" of Portugal, a region of vast open countryside with undulating plains and rich fertile soil. With very few exceptions all the major towns are mainly reliant on agriculture, livestock and wood. There are several types of typical cheeses, wines and smoked hams and sausages made in Alentejo region, among these: Queijo de Serpa, Queijo de Évora and Queijo de Nisa (cheeses); Vinho do Alentejo and Vinho do Redondo (wines); and presunto (ham). Marble, cork, olive oil and mining industries are other important activities in the region. The Alqueva dam is an important irrigation and hydroelectric power generation facility which supports a part of Alentejo's economy.
The region is the home of the world's most important area for the growing of cork. Cork-oak, known in Portugal as "sobreiro", has been grown commercially on the region for the past 300 years, with the areas between the trees typically given over to grazing, or on the more productive soils, to the growing of citrus fruit, vines or olives. As a consequence, a uniquely rich and varied eco-system has developed. The bark of the cork-oak is still harvested by teams of men using locally made hand-axes. No mechanical method has yet been invented that will allow the harvest to be achieved as effectively. The stripping of the bark is performed only in mid summer, when the bark can be removed more easily. The cork-oak is the only tree known that will allow this regular stripping of bark without damage. The harvest of one mature tree provides sufficient bark to produce about 4,000 wine bottle corks. The industry provides employment for about 60,000 workers.[3]
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The Alentejo (ah-LEHN-tay-ZHU, meaning 'beyond the Tagus River'), is a beautiful,mostly agricultural region, remarkable for its wide horizons, filled with soft hills that change color along the year, from deep brown to green with white, red and purple, to golden. Sunsets and the light play are stunning. As the warmest weathered region in Portugal, its inhabitants are known for their slow-paced, easy-going lifestyle and song-like accent, that are in great harmony with the Alentejo's calm-inducing topography. So, if you are there, do like the Alentejanos, and do it slowly. No stress, please.
The main city is Evora ,in Central Alentejo ,with hisoric monuments,churchs and museums. Also in Alentejo, in the Évora region, was one of the development centers of early european megalithism (standing stones).
Others destinations include all the Alentejo Beach Coast, most of it untouched (so far) and with small beautiful beaches. Santiago do Cacém,Vila Nova de MilFontes,Zambujeira,Porto Covo,Trioa,Arraiolos,Ourique,Castro Verde,etc. Alto Alentejo also includes the great marble towns of Estremoz, Borba and Vila Viçoca - and the spectacular mountain villages of Castelo de Vide, Marvão. In Central Alentejo Evora city and the castleMonsaraz,in Baixo Alentejo the golden praries(planicia dourada)and Alentejo Litoral the extensive beaches of Sudeste Alentejano and Costa Vicentina.
Most places may be reached by bus from Evora but for some of the mountain areas including Marvão and Castelo de Vide you will need to get first to Portalegre.
District capital cities of Evora,Portalegra,Beja,plus other historic cities and towns as well,the coast.
A small actractive campsite. The campsite is partly terraced with beautiful rural views over the olive groves, wheat fields and grasslands. The pitches are spacious ± 100m² some of them with electricity. Suitable for motor-home,caravan and tent.A holiday destination for those who like a quiet, peaceful location nature and culture.Relaxed and friendly atmosphere. One can visit various towns and villages and make beautiful walks or do some biking. website http://www.campingosanjos.com >
Wines from the Alentejo region are very popular among the Portuguese people, so take the chance to know them!
Lisboa,Faro,Tomar. Follow one of the motorways or the IP2.
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