Worth getting out of bed for...

Viewpoint

For stunning views of the rolling Alentejo countryside, head into Estremoz’s old city and climb up to the castle terrace. Stand next to the gleaming white statue of Queen Isabel for a few minutes and try your best to take it all in.

Arts and culture

The Alentejo Fresco Route, a trip around the churches of Portel, Vidigueira, Alvito, Cuba and Viana do Alentejo, allows you to see some of western Europe’s most stunning religious artwork. Many of these biblical scenes, painted in natural pigments the artists sourced from the countryside, have only been recently discovered after spending centuries under a coat of whitewash. In Estremoz, the little Museu Municipal Estremoz is a great place to see regional craftwork such as pottery, earthenware tiles and marble carvings.

Something for nothing

Stay up late to stare at the ridiculously clear sky, which is completely unobscured by pollution – it won’t be long before you see a shooting star.

Daytripper

The ancient seafront city of Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, is just over an hour’s drive from most places in Alentejo. A major maritime centre even before the Romans arrived to work their architectural magic, it is home to some of the country’s most beautiful buildings – not to mention its most stylish shops, bars and restaurants. It’s also where you’ll find the world’s best pastel de nata custard tarts. Pick up a still-warm box from the city’s iconic Casa Pastéis de Belém bakery (www.pasteisdebelem.pt).

Best beach

Take your pick from the wild sandy stretches in the Vicentine Coast Natural Park. Subjected to a constant battering from the fierce waves of the Atlantic Ocean, they may not be the most tranquil beaches in Portugal – head to the Algarve if you’re looking for millpond-like waters – but they’re certainly the most beautiful.

Children

Bring out your child’s inner Knight Templar by inducting them into the age of chivalry at any one of the region’s atmospheric mediaeval castles. There are World Heritage-protected battlements in the glorious town of Evora, and castelos aplenty in Marvão, Évoramonte and Moura.

Activities

Alentejo is one of Portugal’s major wine-producing areas, and exports bottles of dry reds and whites all over the world. To sample some of the region’s finest wares, head to the family-owned Dona Maria wine estate (www.donamaria.pt), set in stunning, palm-fringed grounds just outside Estremoz, and try its range of acclaimed blends. Alternatively, follow one of the designated Alentejo Wine Routes – created by the Vinhos do Alentejo tourism service (www.vinhosdoalentejo.pt) – and stop at whichever winery takes your fancy. For a different perspective on the region, go up, up and away in a beautiful hot-air balloon, courtesy of Portugal Sport and Adventure (www.portugal-sport-and-adventure.com).