Introducing Estremadura

Running up the Atlantic coast from the mouth of the Rio Tejo almost to the Rio Mondego, Estremadura has long been a land of plenty, its rolling hills and valleys offering up some of Portugal’s richest farmland. For proof, visit the elaborate kitchens that fattened up the monks at Alcobaça’s extraordinary monastery. The coast is blessed with miles-long strands, which also catch some of Europe’s best surf.

Estremadura earned its name the same way as Spain’s Extremadura: for a time, it represented the furthest reaches of the Reconquista.