The Alentejo is a hidden secret, despite being a mere two-hour flight from the UK

The region takes up a third of Portugal’s land area – from just north of the Algarve, up to and slightly beyond Lisbon and produces 46% of the wines in the country

It has 225 km of pristine coastline and beautiful, unspoilt countryside – with well-marked and stunning coastal and inland walking and cycling routes

The area features UNESCO-accredited towns such as Evora with its marbled pavements and fountains and its medieval city walls

The Alentejo is a vast area to explore, with birdlife galore – including, in spring, thousands of nesting storks and an astonishing array of spring flowers