Alentejo Region

Cruise the new Grande Lago at Alqueva - from 1,140 € per week/family

Wednesday, 03 March 2010 18:24

 

Europe's biggest man-made lake can be found in Portugal, with lots of the different options from a relaxing cruise or an extended boating holiday. Located in the heart of the Alentejo region, to the southeast of Évora, Alqueva Lake covers some 250 square-kilometers and is reachable from both Lisbon and the Algarve region by car in two hours. A range of boats can be rented for couples or families with weeklong winter rates from 1,140 euros with weekend and short-week (Mon-Fri) rates also available. Day visitors can enjoy a wide range of water sports on the lake as well as a leisurely cruise stopping off at various points of interest, including the tiny medieval walled town of Monsaraz.

The new Amieira Marina near the Alentejo town of Portel offers tour boat cruises. For just 35 euros, the cruise includes a full meal and great views while sailing the Alqueva Lake.

Weeklong off-season house boat rates for couples or families (up to 12 people) start at 1,140 €. and daily rates are also available from 174 €  per night – accommodating 8 people. Day visitors can enjoy a wide range of water sports on the lake as well as a leisurely cruise stopping off at various points of interest, including the medieval walled town of Monsaraz and other near by historic villages (Amieira, Alqueva, Aldeia da Estrela, Mourão, Juromenha, Aldeia da Luz).

The Alqueva dam in Alentejo was first proposed in 1957. In 2002, the sluices were closed, and by 2004, the hydroelectric power plant came on line. With the lake almost full, the Grande Lago is a reality and an economic engine for the southern Alentejo. Vast areas around the lake are now natural reserves.

Other special programs such Mini 5 days/4 nights Week in the House Boats and 2 Weekend nights at one of the following hotels (Horta da Moura, Hotel de Moura, Hotel Refugio da Vila) are also offered from 1,262 euros and will allow visitors to enjoy the Alqueva Lake in a different way.

More information at: http://www.amieiramarina.com

Cruise the new big lake

Thursday, 25 February 2010 00:00

Europe's biggest man-made lake can be found in Portugal, with lots of the different options from a relaxing cruise or an extended boating holiday. Located in the heart of the Alentejo region, to the southeast of Évora, Alqueva Lake covers some 250 square-kilometers and is reachable from both Lisbon and the Algarve region by car in two hours. A range of boats can be rented for couples or families with weeklong winter rates from 1,140 euros with weekend and short-week (Mon-Fri) rates also available. Day visitors can enjoy a wide range of water sports on the lake as well as a leisurely cruise stopping off at various points of interest, including the tiny medieval walled town of Monsaraz.

The First White Wine Alentejo DOC wine made from a red grape

Thursday, 18 February 2010 19:23

Ervideira, located in Reguengos de Monsaraz,  will  launch a white DOC Alentejo wine made from red grapes, the Aragonês varietal.  Duarte Leal da Costa and wine maker Nelso Rolo were successful in presenting the new wine to the Alentejo Region Wine Commission,  and getting the wine the DOC label – at first for Portuguese wine.  Aragonês is also known as Tempranillo and is spelled either as Aragonez or Aragonês in the Alentejo region.

Cork takes flight

Tuesday, 02 February 2010 00:00

Reuters reports that cork is being used to build lightweight parts for aircraft. Plane parts designed and molded by DynAero in the Alentejo  to build its ultra light two- and four-seat planes  instead of plastic  A prototype cork plane should be ready this year. The idea is to replace light plastic PVC with cork composite in the fuselage, wings and flaps of light plane, where it is coated with carbon fiber. the cork-carbon combination is not only light but possesses fire retardant properties. Shredded cork is already used in the thermal protection coating on the Space Shuttle's external fuel tank. Cork is harvested every nine years  without damaging the trees, making the cork industry one of the world's greenest and sustainable.