The Region

The Alentejo is Portugal’s largest region and an area of outstanding natural beauty. It makes up one third of the area of the country but has only 12% of the population. The rural way of life has stayed much the same for centuries and generations have worked the land almost untouched by the busy world around them. The growing of olives and chestnuts, the processing of cork, and the production of locally baked bread, wine, honey, and goats and sheep milk cheeses remain an essential part of everyday life.

The area is steeped in history, for the Alentejo was a battleground for centuries, invaded by Visigoths, Moors, Spaniards and French. The legacy from that time can be seen in the magnificent old walled towns and castles that guard many hilltops and command breathtaking views. Badajoz and Albuera were the scenes of famous Peninsular War engagements and there is a small British military cemetery in one of the bastions of the fortress at Elvas commemorating these events.

Caia, the village where Tapada do Falcão is situated, is a typical Alentejano working village set in a landscape of vineyards, pastureland and cork forest. The fortified towns of Elvas, Estremoz, Castelo de Vide and Marvão are all within 45 minutes drive and Evora, the regional capital and a World Heritage site, is an hour away to the south-west. A little further afield in Spain, the historic cities of Badajoz, Merida and Caceres are easily accessible.

The São Mamede Natural Park, which officially begins a few kilometres from Tapada do Falcao and stretches to the Spanish border, covers an area of 320 km² and is a haven for many of Europe's rarest birds and animals, including its largest colony of bats.
Easily accessible from Lisbon by motorway and a network of excellent roads, a warm welcome awaits all visitors.