Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the cities, leaving villages - and their traditions - to die out. Although its cork, olives,
marble and granite are still in demand, and the deep-water port and industrial zone of
Sines is of national importance, this vast region contributes only a small fraction to the
gross national product. Locals are still waiting for the benefits promised by the construc-
tion of the huge Barragem do Alqueva (Alqueva Dam) and its reservoir.
INTERNET RESOURCES
A handy website about Alentejo is
www.visitalentejo.pt
, presented in several languages. Detailed maps show
highlights, bike trails, restaurants, everything for the tourist. Choose your interest, from gastronomy, wine, nature,
heritage or just the rhythm of the seasons.
Getting Around
Buses are the best way to access the region's smaller towns and villages (the few operat-
ing train services were unreliable at the time of research). Two bus companies service the
(
www.rodalentejo.pt
)
. Their websites publish up-to-date bus schedules. To get to remote
places, including some mountaintop villages and the Alqueva Dam, a hire car is your best
option.
