The underrated European sunshine spot with 136km of beaches, historic sites, €1.50 pints and €49 Ryanair flights
But most tend to stick to the tourist hotspots, including the
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The city is full of historic sites
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Ochre cliffs overlooking Gale-Fontainhas beach
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A beach cove in Alentejo
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These places tend to be full of tourists, but there are a number of other hidden gem spots to go to if you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle.
Alentejo is located in southern
The east of the region borders
The region is known for its culture, stunning beaches and laid-back way of life.
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Here, you can find a range of cultural must-visit places including open air galleries.
Or, head to historic sites like medieval castles, fortified villages, cathedrals, convents and museums.
There are old cities including
Elvas
and
Évora
that are listed as World Heritage by UNESCO
and well worth a visit.
You will see small walled villages with medieval history and Roman ruins, giving a glimpse into the past.
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And there is no shortage of beaches to relax on in the region, with over 136km along the Alentejo's Atlantic shore.
This is one of the most conserved coastlines in southern Europe, where you can see green pine cliffs, crystal clear waters and golden sand.
STUNNING NATURE
There are many to choose from if it's a relaxing holiday you're in search of.
The nature here is also stunning, with inland lakes and waterways spreading out to the coast - making it the perfect place for water sports.
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The landscape is dotted with cork oaks, vineyards and olive trees, while there are a range of nature reserves to wander through, including the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve.
This is located an hour south of Lisbon, running 9 miles south along Portugal's Alentejo Coast, and is full of grassy dunes, pools and species of flora and fauna.
At the mouth of the area you can even see dolphins, making it a holiday to remember, as it's one of a few places across the world where they live in freshwater.
There are over 200 bird species here, as the area is a sanctuary for a range of many animals due to its protected status.
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CHEAP PINTS
The reserve has a beach that is separate from the Atlantic so you can swim here, as recreational lagoons are sectioned off away from the nesting areas.
And it's also the perfect place for foodies, with a range of local delicacies on offer in the towns.
Here, a pint will set you back between €1.50 and €3, with a meal usually costing as little as €7.50.
To get there, you can fly from Dublin Airport with Aer Lingus to Faro from €49.
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Then it's a two hour drive to the Alentejo region.
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Vicentine Coast Natural Park, Carrapateira
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The fortified village and Alentejo plain at Monsaraz in the Evora District
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The historical village of Monsaraz
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