Holiday | Monte Horizonte

Posts Tagged ‘holiday’

New Beja airport opens in April 2011

Sunvil Discovery will launch its inaugural BMI charter flight direct into Beja. The Embraer 49-seat plane, with full catering and free 20 kg luggage allowance, will operate on a weekly basis from Heathrow on Sundays, and will be the only direct flight route from the UK into what is an exciting new region to explore this year – The Alentejo.
A former military airport, Beja will open as a civil airport with a 3.5 km long runway in April 2011.

It is located a few kilometres from the city of Beja, in the centre of The Alentejo, a little-known, yet extensive rural region in south-central Portugal.

Ideal for self-drive holidays and multi-centre trips: occupying approximately one-third of Portugal, The Alentejo is situated south of the River Tagus (Tejo) and north of the Algarve, with a stunning Atlantic coastline to the west – much of which has National Park status – and the Spanish border to the east.

Discover world-class culture, world-class wines and gourmet treats: inland, savour the scenery – magnificent plains, dotted with cork forests, olive groves, vineyards and sweeping sunflower fields; explore hilltop towns crowned with medieval castles and the beautiful city of Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, overflowing with beautiful religious architecture, fountains and former palaces. Sample world-class wines from over 250 producers, who cultivate over 22,000 hectares of sun-drenched vineyards, many of which are located in DOC-accredited areas such as Redondo and Reguengos de Monsaraz; try delicious cheeses, cured meats and fish dishes, accompanied by a wide selection of breads and olive oils, and seasoned with aromatic herbs. For dessert, be sure to try the ‘Golden Soup’, made from egg yolks, cinnamon, bread and almonds, originally made by nuns to use up leftover egg yolks.

Enjoy escapism at its best on the largest artificial lake in Europe, the Alqueva Lake (approximately 250 km2), located in the east of the Alentejo. It is a huge feat of engineering, providing hydroelectric power and irrigation for surrounding farms. Learn how to steer a small houseboat (1½ hours of training is required) and cruise around the lake, for a day or a week, as you wish, stopping off in tiny Portuguese villages on the shores.

Step back in time: the coastal region of the Alentejo (Costa Azul) is reminiscent of the Algarve 40 years ago – practically deserted, with sleepy and pristine whitewashed villages overlooking glorious sandy beaches and sparkling waters. See incredible sunsets from the villages of Porto Covo and Vila Nova de Milfontes.

Choose from a wide range of accommodation: The Alentejo prides itself on the absence of large chain hotels, favouring preserved, historic buildings, boutique properties and family-run wineries to accommodate visitors.
A good place to stay near the beaches of the Alentejo is http://montehorizonte.com/ where they have 6 holiday houses to rent.

Direct flights to the heart of The Alentejo: Heathrow-Beja flights will operate from 22 May to 9 October.

Alentejo Tourism unveils new identity

Alentejo Tourism unveils new identity.

Alentejo, time to be happy is the signature of the new image and line of communication designed to classify the region as a destination of excellence, possessing a unique tourist offer. The branding was developed by Draftfcb, Alentejo unveils a modern and attractive, featuring a diversified tourist supply and high quality. The signature "Time to be happy" indicates that the time is another measure in the Alentejo, is broader, more human, more profound and more open.

The new brand strategy positions the Alentejo as a routine stop on the day to day, while the choice of the region for a holiday or a visit means you can experience a truly authentic destination. Tranquility and healthy fun contrasts are associated with this destination of choice.

The image of the Alentejo will be promoted through an advertising campaign in the press, radio and online, beginning in late November. Also provide other promotional activities, including the creation of brochures, product guides, tours, movies, mini-spots and constant stimulation of Social Media.

"Family Vacations", "Getaways for two," backpacking "and" active seniors "are the four target segments of the promotional plan, which aims to increase awareness of the destination and boost the growth of tourism in the region, bucking the trend seasonality.

In order to attract attention to the fate Alentejo, are still scheduled "guerrilla action" outdoors, in places of great affluence of public, in order to directly reach potential visitors / tourists.

Touring and Cultural Landscape, Sun and Sea, Food and Wine, Nature Tourism, Nautical Tourism, Golf, Health and Welfare and Integrated Resorts are among the products that comprise the tourism in the region, which are directed either to young couples , seniors, families or tourists seeking an active holiday in nature or just enjoy the silence.

The Alentejo Tourism aims for 2011, stimulating greater involvement of regional players and the local community in the training of tourism. It will thus create a network of Tourist Reception Centres and apply the "Good Standing" Heritage of Humanity, the identity of the territory Alentejo more expressive, unique in the world.

It is also planned to launch innovative projects to boost the tourism products of the region as the "Route of Marbles", the creation of a Regional Centre, in partnership with institutions of higher education and tourism businesses of the Alentejo, and the Congress of Tourism Alentejo. These initiatives will attract investment and enhance the promotion of the destination.

For the president of Tourism in the Alentejo, Antonio da Silva Supper, "the work done in recent years and started at this stage, aims to grow in number and value of tourists, boosting cross-selling with Lisbon."

Between January and September 2010, the Alentejo recorded 933,452 tourist overnights, which corresponds to an increase of 5.4 percent over the same period last year.

February in Portugal

Winter?

Well, I went outside today (1st of February 2010) to shoot some photos because nature is becoming beautiful again in the Alentejo region of Portugal.

With a temperature of 19 degrees Celcius, you van hear the bees and see the butterflies. This is just an impression of how things look like on the 1st of February 2010 at Monte Horizonte.

Click on the photos to enlarge.