10 Things to Do in Alentejo That You Shouldn't Miss

The Observatorio do Lago Alqueva – OLA (Lake Alqueva Observatory) is the first astronomical Observatory on the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve which helps astronomy curious to become acquainted with the night sky, which facilitates astrophotography to amateur astronomers and, that promotes meetings, workshops and conferences. It can be found next to Monsaraz village, at the center of the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve, the first Tourism Destination Dark Sky reserve, certified by the Starlight Foundation and supported by the UNESCO and UNWTO and the Canary Astrophysical Institute. Away from the large urban centres and their light pollution, the region also benefits of a mean of 286 days of clear skies per year. OLA has a vast program of activities that will please tourists, families, schools, amateur astronomers and astrophotographers. All find here a pleasant place where more about the Universe can be learned in an relaxed manner.

Monte da Ravasqueira has been linked to the José de Mello family for several generations. Located in the municipality of Arraiolos, about an hour's drive from Lisbon, the estate occupies a vast area of typical Alentejan landscape. The excellent geological conditions and the climate are well suited to the production of some of the best wine that the Alentejo has to offer. A great deal has been invested in planting vines and also in modern winemaking equipment and in meteorological and plant-health facilities. Investment at Monte da Ravasqueira has also been directed at the infrastructures of an oenotourism project.Monte da Ravasqueira is committed to the production of distinctive quality wines, while it is also engaged in a number or other activities involving the production of cork, olive oil and honey, as well as rearing fine cattle and fattening of black pig from Alentejo. Vineyard Monte da Ravasqueira offers a wide variety of wines resulting from 29 plots of vines. Carriage Driving Museum As part of its oenotourism project, Monte da Ravasqueira has a large private collection of harnesses and carriages of various eras and styles. The Carriage Driving Museum is also a way of recalling the fact that the 1996 World Carriage Driving Championship was won by Félix Brasseur, with Falcão, Fogoso, Favorito and Fraque, Lusitanian thoroughbreds from the stud farm that existed for many years on Monte da Ravasqueira. Winery Inspired on California's Napa Valley, Monte da Ravasqueira's winery is provided with the latest technology. It is run entirely using software developed in-house at Monte da Ravasqueira. There are also meeting rooms and wine-tasting facilities. Oenoturism Monte da Ravasqueira organises various programs of visits and wine courses, featuring a dining area, serving the best regional cuisine. It also has several rooms, ideal for meetings and corporate events.

<<Passion is what moves us>>, Rui Nabeiro had a dream and the work was born. Based on the know-how of a vast team, Comendador Rui Nabeiro made real and exceeded his dream. And therefore, Campo Maior, a land that only provides for those who love it, once again reveals all its splendour. Evidencing this is a legendary tradition, a unique winery and a taste that comes from the age of times. Campo Maior, formerly a wine production village, once again allows for the vine roots to drink its essence and grow the best grapes. Form and flavours come later, when the grapes receive all the care and attention that only experience and knowledge from a well-prepared and qualified team can provide. The Winery In the beautiful and untouched landscape of the Alentejo plain in Campo Maior, Siza Vieira erected an original building, a horizontal construction, painted in white and divided in two floors longwise, with a third floor intended for tourism and promotion of the Adega Mayor wines. The calmness arising from this simple construction contrasts with the complexity housed within, where monumental areas intended for production and storage go hand in hand with the social areas, designed for tasting and enjoying the wine. The 40*120 m rectangle of the winery is founded on the existing cavity and 9m walls stand tall from there. Access to the building is located at the southwest end. The architect Siza Vieira reserved the upper floor for the social and public aspect of wine. There, a tasting room was created, opening into a panoramic Terrace with a lawn and a lake, headed by a sculpted marble panel, also designed by the architect, where the silhouettes of a coffee cup, a glass of wine and a bottle overlap. This panoramic Terrace provides a view over the estate's vineyard and the olive grove, extending further to Spain and the Serra de Portalegre. Enotourism Come experience a larger and see firsthand how we design the wines from Adega Mayor. We have a wide offer of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, evidence of orientation, experiences vintage, team building activities, balloon flights, boat trips on the Caia Dam. These are some of the experiences that we provide. We will be happy to design a unique and personalized experience, if so desired.

In this space with a traditional style, owned by Leal da Costa family, takes all visitors to travel back in time and in a dream world, where we want to share the Ervideira spirit. Here, with a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere, we want to share good times, inviting to taste wines Ervideira.