OFF THE BEATEN PATH
© VISIT ALENTEJO
PORTUGAL BY LAND AND SEA
Discovering Alentejo and the Azores By Tim Johnson
Alentejo makes up a full third of the country’s territory, but is often overlooked by travellers, who usually flock to places like Porto and the Douro Valley or the sundappled Algarve. Or similarly, the volcanic Azores, nine islands off the coast, a semi-autonomous territory bobbing in the middle of the Atlantic. Whether you choose to explore by land, or sea, both are home to some of the country’s best food, wine, culture, history and fresh experiences. Here’s where you can discover them.
44 • Vacations ® • Winter 2020-2021
MERTOLA'S ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS ALONG THE BANKS OF THE GUADIANA RIVER IN ALENTJEO
STATUE OF A PREGNANT MADONNA
