For unspoilt countryside, top camping, hiking, wild swimming, plus great local food and wine – and all doable in a weekend from the three main airports – try one of these itineraries from Edwina Pitcher’s Wild Guide Portugal
April 2016
Off-season in Andalucía: escape the crowds and save money
Travelling out of season can make for a superb and affordable short break, as our writers discover in southern Spain, Corsica, Portugal and Italy
July 2014
A guide to Portugal’s Alentejo region, home of Europe’s finest beaches
Forget Ibiza. Forget the Riviera. In fact, forget the Med altogether. Portugal’s Alentejo region is lined with glorious beaches – but not many people seem to know about them
May 2014
A foodie tour of Portugal's Alentejo
The Alentejo region is the breadbasket of Portugal, makes half its wine and is the largest producer of cork in the world. Adrian Mourby rounds up the best restaurants, vineyards and places to stay
August 2013
The world's best beach hotels and accommodation on a budget
Portugal's Alentejo coast: 10 best budget beach hotels and campsites
Strict building regulations have saved Portugal's beautiful Alentejo coast from developers. We choose the best places to stay beachside from €9-€75 per night
March 2013
Walking Portugal's Atlantic coast
Joanne O'Connor's great escapes
Travel tips: unspoilt Algarve, kids in the kitchen and deals of the week
July 2011
All aboard a houseboat in Portugal
A few days with her family on a houseboat on a vast lake in Portugal's unspoilt Alentejo region was such fun Sally Weale nearly got used to the chemical toilet
May 2011
Empty promise: Portugal's Alentejo region
Portugal's Alentejo region is poor, uncrowded, wildly beautiful – and now linked by direct flights to Heathrow. Gavin McOwan takes a sneak peek
June 2009
What a corker
In the unsung Alentejo region of Portugal, Monte do Carmo deserves a special hymn of praise
March 2003
Idyllic spots to soak up a world of character
Too few visitors take time to know the real Portugal. Alastair Sawday, publisher of the Special Places to Stay guides, picks the hidden gems of the Algarve and Alentejo.
