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Even if you are on Costa de Prata, Costa de Lisbon, or in the Algarve, do not miss an opportunity to travel through the plains. 

This is a traditional agricultural area where the folklore is very much alive and finds expression in the countless local festivals. The area is known for its cuisine and handicrafts. 

The oak forests of Portugal produce more than half the world's cork, and here is the source of much of it.
If you are on the Costa de Prata, go inland to Santarém . Here, from the Portas do Sol, you can graze upon the banks of the river Tagus covered by the vineyards of Almeirim, and by rich pastures on which you can see horses and bulls.

From the Costa de Lisboa you can head south of the river Tagus, where you will gradually discover the huge plain of Alentejo. 

Close to the west coast the gentle pine trees range themselves impressively before the visitor. In the heart of the plains you will find vast estates with white washed houses and chumps of trees beside them. 

Marvão, Castelo de Vida, Portalegre, Monsaraz, and Serpa are some of the mountain towns surrounded by medieval walls. They stand like sentinels keeping watch over the vast plain, over which one can see sunsets that set the landscape on fire. One cannot miss Évora, whose historic center has been classified by Unesco as part of the heritage of mankind. Arraiolos is a center for making carpets that bear the same name. Inside the castle of Estremoz and Alvito one finds luxurious pousadas, while at Vila Viçosa stands the palace where the last kings of Portugal once lived. Beja dominates the plain with its magnificent main tower looming above its historic castle. 

The gastronomic treats of the Alentejo region, though not so diverse, will certainly not disappoint you. My suggestions are the taste carne de porco à alentejana(Alentejo style pork), ensopado de cabrito (stewed goat), açorda aromatizada com coentro (bread boiled and flavored with coriander), and gaspacho, a cold tomato soup, very refreshing in summer. Full-bodied Alentejo wines are an excellent choice to help wash down these delicacies. 

Sweetmeats, originally made by the local convents, are quiet a treat.

OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST

Costa Vicentina, Alcácovas, Aljustrel, Alter do Chão, Alvito (Pousada),Arraiolos, Avis, Borba, Campo Maior, Constância, Crato, Escoural (archeologic park), Évora-Monte, Elvas, Flor da Rosa e Marvão (Pousadas), Mértola, Monforte, Montemor-o-Novo, Moura, Nisa, Ourique, Redondo, Serpa (Pousada), Viana do Alentejo, Vila Nova de Mil Fontes.