Why move to Beja District
If you’re looking for land as yet uncharted by European tourists, with traditional roots, and transcendent, unrestricted space, Beja is your perfect destination.
The Beja district is in the south of Portugal’s Alentejo region. The capital is a city of the same name. The area is sparsely populated, with only fourteen major municipalities. The summers are warm but not tropical and the winters are mild but not bitter. Most of the mossy, high altitude grass plains to the east are used for rearing livestock, or growing olives, grapes, and wheat. The latter giving the region its nickname: the breadbasket of Portugal. To the west, you’ll find salad leaves and local herbs contentedly blowing in the breeze.
The city of Beja, located in the central ridges of the interior, was founded by the Celts on a strategic hilltop position. It was given city status during mediaeval Catholic reign and is still the homestead of the regional dioceses. The 13th century Castle of Beja stands grandly at the city’s peak and a stately Gothic convent that was renovated into the Museum of Queen Eleanor in the 19th century is now the Regional Museum. It houses late renaissance art from across northern Europe as well as architectural and archaeological curiosities from the Beja region. There is a small airport, but it’s more often used for internal than international flights. However, the city is attempting to develop electric-based travel facilities and is fast becoming a hub for sustainable technologies.
The eastern towns of Serpa and Mertola have impressive fortresses that were used to keep the Spanish at bay. Serpa was besieged for the last time in the 18th century and is a melting pot of Roman, Arab and Catholic heritage. It’s just a short drive from the Guadiana river and the Guadiana National Park. Mertola was the original seat of the Order of Santiago and is now home to an archaeological project that explores the region’s past in an open museum display where staff offer workshops in traditional artisan crafts.
Odemira has a significant Dutch and German community attracted by the proximity to the rugged Alentejo coastline, annual music festival and plentiful produce. The city of Odemira stands at the mouth of the River Mira, which is not only stunningly beautiful but great for sailing, rowing or canoeing. The coast features seaside towns including Vila Nova de Milfontes, a favoured holiday spot among the Portuguese and surfers looking for the perfect rip. This coastline is part of a long strip of land protected by the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast National Park.
Local delicacies include rich cheeses, smoked meats, wine, baked goods and fresh herby soups and casseroles. Calendar highlights include the traditional Ovibeja Agricultural Fair and the modern Beja Alternative Arts Festival. The Beja region is underdeveloped and as such is ripe with land for building on and farmstead ruins for renovating. Toward the coast, you’ll find more traditional holiday home apartments but in the cities and towns, the properties are practical townhouses close to amenities and transport links.