How many times have we talked about star tourism, contemplating the sky as a way of traveling; and how many times have we told you that we are in love with Portugal and the Alentejo. So it is not surprising that its sky has been awarded by the so-called 'Oscar of tourism'.
The initiative aimed at contemplating the Portuguese sky, Dark Sky Alqueva, has been awarded the Responsible Tourism Award in the World Travel Awards 2021.
The awards annually recognize the best destinations, hotels, airlines and travel agents from around the world and, on this occasion, have fallen on the astrological enclave.
THE OBSERVATORY
Do you want to know why you received this award? The Dark Sky Alqueva Observatory It is located in the village of Cumeada, in the Alentejo municipality of Reguengos de Monsaraz, also near the Alqueva reservoir. It is the largest observatory in Western Europe. In addition, the region in which it is located was the first in the world to receive international certification. Starlight Tourism Destination.
Being located in an isolated area and thanks to the favorable atmospheric conditions of the Alentejo, visitors can enjoy a magical sky. The experience is completed with telescopes and binoculars for those who go out at night, as well as courses oriented to the distinction of stars and constellations . Night walks are also organized through unique spaces such as the megalithic monuments of the Crómlech de Xerez.
Monsaraz.
MORE SECRETS IN ALQUEVA
Alqueve It is not just the Dark Sky Alqueva, next to the Observatory there is also the iconic reservoir of Alentejo, the place where you can enjoy exciting and adrenaline-filled activities during the day. It is the largest artificial lake in Europe , surrounded by a landscape worth admiring. Do you need to breathe calm? This will be another of the best experiences you can live in the region. Boat rides, horseback riding, water sports, fishing or hiking trails are some of the options.
In addition, Dark Sky Alqueva is located near one of the most beautiful municipalities in Alentejo, Monsaraz, a medieval town and an open-air museum, which houses megalithic remains of great historical and cultural interest. During the visit to this historic town, the Mother Church of Nossa Senhora da Lagoa , the Church of Mercy of Monsaraz and the Monsaraz Castle , classified as a National Monument of Portugal, are worth a visit. On the other hand, those eager for nautical activities such as water skiing, canoeing or boat trips, should not miss the Monsaraz Nautical Center, especially if travel with children.
Furthermore, it is in Monsaraz that one of the most beautiful hotels in Portugal is located, the idyllic Sao Lourenco do Barrocal, A regular on Condé Nast Traveler's lists of the best hotels in the world.
The Alentejo is also known for its wines. In this sense, Reguengos of Monsaraz , for example, is known worldwide for its winemaking tradition, as well as being responsible for a third of the total production of Alentejo wine. With slate touches due to the characteristics of your soil, It has its own Controlled Designation of Origin (DOC), one of the eight that can be found in the region.