Ancient cork forests and rolling plains hide medieval treasures and soul-stirring solitude.
Beyond the cork-studded hills lies Portugal's most beguiling secret. Medieval walls embrace cobbled lanes where Roman temples neighbour Gothic cathedrals, and local tavernas serve hearty stews from centuries-old recipes. Time moves at its own gentle pace here, marked by the rhythm of harvest seasons and afternoon siestas. Through undulating wheat fields and olive groves, whitewashed villages perch atop hills like pearls scattered across the countryside. The region's soul reveals itself in tiny moments – sipping vinho verde in a sunny square, watching black pigs roam ancient dehesa forests, or stargazing under some of Europe's darkest skies.