Destination Golf Portugal 2016 * | Page 73

ALENTEJO The Alentejo covers a huge area, almost a third of the country, stretching south from the Rio Tejo to the northern mountain ranges of the Algarve The name derives from the words além do Tejo meaning beyond the Tejo River. This is Portugal’s garden, the bulk of the region given over to huge ‘cork’ plantations, wheat fields and vineyards – and though much of it is flat, the region offers unexpected surprises, from ancient dolmens and superbly sited castles to Roman ruins and rugged Atlantic beaches. The natural smells of the countryside include the aromatic herbs that season the fish, and the regions famous vineyards. 71