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
Marvao amongst others. More hotels and tours have also been added especially around Evora
Monsaraz and Marvao. 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.
