The Alentejo seems to stretch forever. Cork forests and vineyards roll towards the horizon, broken by olive groves, whitewashed towns and long, empty roads. Closer to Comporta, rice paddies catch the light before the land flattens into dunes and wild Atlantic beaches. With so much sky above and so little crowding the view, time seems to move at a slower pace.

Life here is still closely tied to the land. Cork is harvested from the forests, rice grows in the lowlands, and vineyards and olive groves shape the countryside further inland. Food follows the seasons and small farming communities keep a sense of local life among all that space. After dark, some of Europe’s clearest night skies open up above Alqueva.

Spend your days riding, walking, swimming or surfing, find stillness through yoga or a spa, or let go of plans and allow the day to unfold in its own way. Alentejo asks very little of you. Look up, look out and give yourself time to see where the day goes.