An epic journey to find best beach of 2018. In Portugal, of course!

Business Insider India came to Portugal looking for the best beach in 2018. We think it was a wise choice!

The journey started in Serra da Estrela

From there, they headed south. Although it was a longer journey, they got to appreciate Alentejo's plains, with its wheat plantations and cork trees (we call it sobreiros), for which they fell in love with.

Serra da Estrela

First stop - Alvor, Algarve

Looking for a quieter place, they followed the advise of a shop owner and went to this small and picturesque village. However, in the summer, it is hard to have a quiet place in the Algarve, so they kept looking.

Alvor, Algarve

They then followed west, hoping for less crowded beaches. The area around Sagres is known as the best spots for surfing and other ocean sports. It is a beautiful sight, with the high cliffs falling onto the Atlantic Ocean. Beaches are less crowded here, as the water temperature is lower and the wind is stronger. But, still, the best beach was not there yet.

Praia do Camilo, Algarve

Algar do Benagil, Algarve

Moving up the coast, they explored the Alentejo beaches, much more deserted and wild. This means sandy roads, not always accessible to every car. But if one gets to arrive there, it will find spectacular beaches! Downside: cold cold water.

Last stop was Arrábida

This protected area is home to many species of birds and other wildlife. A portuguese shop owner had told them to go to a secluded beach and tell noone its name. We just love secrets, so we will just keep this one, as well. And they found their idyllic beach, just then and there.

Arrábida, secret name beach

Travel along the portuguese coast

To travel along the portuguese coast is a magical experience, made of cliffs, golden sand beaches and good people.

Portugal has been known for years for the Algarve and its beaches. Actually, for many years, all which travelers knew in Portugal was the Algarve. Fortunately, our beautiful country is being discovered, from north to south, showing the World its potential. However, there are still many places which travelers are missing out. One of these examples sits, ironically, on the Algarve but on a less known area. Together with the Vicentina coast, on its neighbour region Alentejo, it offers idyllic and desert beaches, wonderful cuisine and nature reserves. Check this wonderful piece by Lonely Planet and discover more of our beautiful coast. The Algarve's wild western coast by Lonely Planet

Cape St. Vincent. Image by Lola Akinmade Åkerström / Lonely Planet

Praia do Martinhal beach. Image by Lola Akinmade Åkerström / Lonely Planet

Vicentina Coast Natural Park. Image by Lola Akinmade Åkerström / Lonely Planet

Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. Image by Lola Akinmade Åkerström / Lonely Planet

Seaside cafes in Sagres. Image by Lola Akinmade Åkerström / Lonely Planet

Local seafood is highlight of a visit to the region. Image by Lola Akinmade Åkerström / Lonely Planet

The new boutique hotel in Évora is a Noble House

The former Casa dos Condes de Lousã, in the historical center of Évora, is being restored and transformed into a "luxury boutique hotel" and it will open in June.

Source: Fugas - PÚBLICO

The historical center of Évora

The building, which dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, was purchased by Unlock Boutique Hotels and has been restored since November 2016 to form The Noble House. Évora's new luxury boutique hotel is 200 meters from the city's Cathedral, right in the heart of the historic center, classified as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The project for the renovation of the former Casa dos Condes de Lousã is in charge of the architect Fernando Coelho, author of several reference projects, such as the Cella Bar on the island of Pico (Azores), distinguished by ArchDaily as Building of the Year 2016. 

In addition to "one of the largest suites of the district", which integrates part of the city's Roman wall into one of the walls, the new housing unit still preserves other features of the historic building, such as the 18th century tiles, the emblazoned portal, the vaulted ceilings. Some "frescões" (which cover the walls of several rooms), the garden or the well used formerly for homemade water consumption.

The landscape of Alentejo region 

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PORTUGAL - MONTE DA FORNALHA, ALENTEJO

Surounded by gnarled olive trees and glossy-leaved oranges and limes, the main house here is topped by a row of typically squat Alentejan chimneys used to smoke the slightly spicy local sausages and black hams. It was inhabited by 10 different families in the 18th century and, over the past 15 years, owner Orlanda Alves has created a hugely welcoming spot, knocking down partitions to make six large bedrooms. It's an excellent base from which to explore the off-the-beaten-track Alentejo, with its dusty hilltop towns and centuries-old castles.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PORTUGAL - L' AND VINEYARDS, ALENTEJO

Breathtakingly and innovative when it opened in 2011, with its rooftop windows that roll back at the flick of a button for views straight up to the star-studded night sky, L'AND continues its stellar theme by becoming the first restaurant in the Alentejo region to gain a Michelin star by the hand of chef Miguel Laffan. The 22 bedrooms are set out among the vineyards with their airy interiors. Across from the rooms is the swimming pool, edged by thick-cushioned, charcoal-coloured daybeds, a small lake and a Caudalie SPA.

ALENTEJO - STARLIGHT TOURISM DESTINATION

For nearly 290 nights a year, the skies around Lake Alqueva, in the Alentejo region, are an astronomer's dream: clear, dark and with little light pollution to interfere with stargazing. That's why the area was declared the world's first "Starlight Tourism Destination" by UNESCO. Visitors to the region can take astronomy workshops or borrow telescopes and binoculares to view on ther own. Don't miss the astronomically significant megaliths surrounding the lake.

ALENTEJO - BEST WINE REGION OF THE WORLD

Alentejo is Portuguese wine region located in the southern half of Portugal, the region covers about a third of the country and is sparsely populated. The Alentejo was considered the best wine region of the world to visit. The climate in much of the Alentejo is not naturally conducive to the production of fine wine, but modern technology can compensate for natural deficiencies, irrigation supplements. The region is noted for it vast cork production but has in recent years garnered attention for its table wine production.

ALENTEJO - TOP 10 BEACH HOTELS

One of Europe's beast-preserved coastlines with beautiful places to stay in, such as small hotels, guest houses and campsites.

1. Ilha do Pessegueiro campsite, Porto Covo

A Nature Reserve located in Pessegueiro Island, along with the ruins of a 16th-century fortress. It doesn't have much shade, so, in the Summer, the best choice is to stay in an wooden bungalow or apartment. There is a restaurant, a bar, a playground and a shop, and most apartments have barbecues.

2. Monte Carvalhal da Rocha campsite, Brejão

The campsite of Monte Carvalhal da Rocha has a wonderful view of the sea and the valley, with small hidden bays, a swimming pool, a mini-market, a restaurant, a coffee shop and a playground. It is also a great spot for hikers. You can choose to camp or to stay in an apartment with a sea view.

3. Hotel Soltróia, Tróia

This Hotel is located in a Nature Reserve about an hour south of Lisbon, with a pool and direct access to two different beaches. You can also visit a lagoon with sunken boats and bird-life and the Roman ruins nearby.

4. Comporta Village, Comporta

In Comporta Village, there are 26 colourful apartments and a peaceful beach with beautiful white sand (photo), beach bars and restaurants. If you wish, you can go visit Tróia by bike, which is 15kms away.

5. Refúgio da Praia, Praia do Queimado

Refúgio da Praia is an isolated rural house with six rooms on the beach south of the village of Porto Covo. It's on the Rota Vicentina and has an amazing view of the countryside. To eat, you can go to Porto Covo, for some fish and seafood.

6. Pátios da Vila, Vila Nova de Milfontes

Vila Nova de Milfontes is a beautiful beach in the Mira Estuary, with a river that is excellent for kayaking and simple well-equipped apartments. Pátios da Vila is next to the beaches of Franquia and Farol.

7. Mil Reis, Vila Nova de Milfontes

Renovated some years ago, Mil Reis is a guest-house with a self-catering apartment and 10 bedrooms. You can visit the fortress that was built in 1602 and some classic fish restaurants.

8. HS Milfontes Beach, Vila Nova de Milfontes

A modern hotel under the sun that has 10 rooms with balconies facing the pool and 15 facing the sea and the river. There's a beach nearby and boat rides up the river. You can also visit Cercal and Odemira, two traditional villages with fewer tourists and great local food.

9. Herdade do Touril, Zambujeira do Mar

The perfect location to relax, with little houses decorated in rustic style. Nearby, there's a beach and free bikes to explore other beaches. Every August, Zambujeira hosts Sudoeste Music Festival.

10. Rosa dos Ventos, Zambujeira do Mar

A white and yellow Bed & Breakfast with comfortable rooms, suite bathrooms, television and Wi-Fi. Zambujeira do Mar beach is close by and the village has plenty of restaurants with great fish and seafood.

ALENTEJO - NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BEST TRIPS 2014

National Geographic has recommended a list of authentic, culturally rich and sustainable places to visit in 2014. One of these places is Alentejo, the perfect place to slow down and relax.

There are many options to choose from, according to your liking. There's Rota Vicentina, a trail that crosses 133 miles from the coastline to the countryside where you can admire storks and endemic plants. There's also Marble Route, with quarries and underground galleries. As for museums, there's one in the village of Belver, that is devoted to the tradition of artisanal soap-making.

You can stay at Évora's Ecorkhotel, a hotel coated in cork, a material that buffers noise, heat and cold. During the day you can enjoy the local cuisine and buy some of the local products, like honey, berries and wines. At night, you can watch the photopollution-free nigh sky of Alqueva, the world's first Starlight Tourism Destination.

ALENTEJO NOMINATED FOR "BEST WINE REGION TO VISIT"

Until the next 4th of August several regions of different countries are collecting votes in order to win the title of "Best Wine Region to Visit", a part of Readers' Choice Awards of the tourism site 10Best.

One of the nominees for this category is Alentejo, a region that offers a wonderful and unique view, with wavy and soft plains that extend themselves for approximately one third of Continental Portugal. If you consider this amazing region worthy of this title, you can vote for it in "Best Wine Region to Visit".

VILA VIÇOSA

 

Everything around Vila Viçosa's peaceful broad streets lined with orange and lemon trees seems to be made of marble. Benches, pavements, framing of windows and doorways, and even the toilets in the bus station are made of this shining "white gold," the local marble from the enormous quarries outside the town. 

This was once home to the Bragança dynasty, whose kings ruled Portugal until it became a republic (Dom Carlos spent his last night here before his assassination). There is also a fine castle – one of the few nonmarble structures in town – an excellent archaeological museum, appealing churches and a friendly laid-back citizenry who are proud of their sparkling town.

 

CASA DO ALENTEJO, LISBON

 

If you're fond of the Alentejo, you're lucky because you can enjoy a bit of Alentejo in the heart of Lisbon.
At number 58, on the street of Portas de Santo Antao, sits the Casa do Alentejo,  an mourish inspired mansion from the XVII century.

In 1919, this space was rehabilitated and transformed into the Majestic Casino Club, the first in Lisbon. Later, in 1932, the Alentejo Guild acquired it and made ​​it his headquarters. Nowadays, functions as a cultural center and a restaurant with traditional Alentejo food.

ALENTEJO COAST AND HILLS OF ALGARVE

If you are looking for a challenging bike ride this is the right tour for you. You will cover more than 600 km in 7 rides. As you pedal along the magnificent Atlantic coast of Portugal, you will explore the wild beaches of Alentejo, and the unspoiled hilly region of the Algarve. You will visit all the charming little villages along the way.

Find out more in our complete program: Alentejo Coast and Hills of Algarve.

Sagres beach

The ride starts through cork and olive tree groves, on the way to Santiago do Cacém, where we will visit the Roman ruins of Miróbriga. The trail will take us to the Atlantic coast and through the charming village of Porto Covo, near to Cercal do Alentejo. These first days of riding will combine very different landscapes - the cliffs and the wild beaches. We will also have the opportunity to visit Sagres - the town where Prince Henry the Navigator prepared many of Portugal’s discovery journeys.

Serra de Monchique

The West to East crossing of the Algarve will take

us on a route through olive, orange, fig and almond groves. We will stay in Caldas de Monchique, a popular spa since the Roman times, and where you can save some time for a full body massage! From there we are going on a loop ride that will take us to the highest point in the Algarve, the Fóia peak (902 m/ 2960 ft). This is a very challenging ride but the panoramic views from the peak are fantastic!

Cacela Velha

The last days of the trip are reserved for discover the best of the inland Algarve. Charming villages and rolling hills make this a great day of riding. In Silves, the former Moorish capital of the Algarve, the 11th century castle is well worth a visit. The last track will take us all the way to Spain completing our West/East crossing of the Algarve. The coastal village of Cacela Velha, with its beautiful white sand beach, and the 13th century castle in Castro Marim, are among today’s highlights.Then we will cross the Guadiana River, by taking a ferry transfer from Vila Real de Santo António to Ayamonte (Spain).

The last day will be spent in Lisbon, where you will have the afternoon to explore the unique mix of old and

new neighborhoods within Portugal’s capital, as well as its many interesting monuments and museums.

Testemunial: "Rui R. Journey to Alentejo, Portugal, August 2012"

"The rooms where we stayed were very pleasant. The food at the hotel's restaurant has excellent!
The walk through Alqueva was memorable; the cooking workshop was really fun and educational for the ones that participated in it; although the birdwatching activity was interesting and informative, we believe there is room for improvements. In general, the hotel has a huge potential and the staff is extremely attentive and nice. The documentation provided was on time and adequate."

The Best Restaurants of Portugal - South

This TravelTailors' gastronomic program promotes the best traditionally inspired Portuguese southern gastronomy , with emphasis on a signature cuisine. It also highlights the heritage and the landscape of the visited regions: Lisbon and Alentejo.

More information here

The Best SPA's in Portugal - South and the Azores

TravelTailors offers you the relaxing and innovative properties of the best Portuguese SPA´s, located in naturally soothing landscapes; the finest options were selected, enhancing your beauty and well-being experience. Massages, trips and nature are in harmony in Lisbon, Alentejo and Azores.

More information here

Alentejo Coast and Hills of Algarve

If you are looking for a challenging bike ride this is the right tour for you. You will cover more than 600 km in 7 rides. As you pedal along the magnificent Atlantic coast of Portugal, you will explore the wild beaches of the Alentejo, and the unspoiled hilly region of the Algarve. You will visit all the charming little villages along the way. The last day will be spent in Lisboa.

More information here

The Best SPA's in Portugal - South and the Azores

TravelTailors offers you the relaxing and innovative properties of the best Portuguese SPA's, located in naturally soothing landscapes; the finest options were selected, enhancing your beauty and well-being experience. Massages, trips and nature are in harmony in Lisbon, Alentejo and Azores.

More information here

Testimonial: Journey to Alentejo

«The rooms where we stayed were very pleasant. The food at the hotel restaurant is excellent. The walk through Alqueva was memorable; the cooking workshop was really fun and educational for the ones that participated in it; although the birdwatching activity was interesting and informative, we believe there is room for improvements. In general, the hotel has a huge potential and the staff is extremely attentive and nice. The documentation provided was on time and adequate.»

Rui R., August 2012

More testimonials here

The Best Restaurants of Portugal - South

This TravelTailors' gastronomic program promotes the best traditionally inspired Portuguese southern gastronomy , with emphasis on a signature cuisine. It also highlights the heritage and the landscape of the visited regions: Lisbon and Alentejo.

More information here