''Finding Lisbon too crowded? Try Alentejo'' - Mercan Hotels highlighted on Travel Weekly

Source: Travel Weekly 

News of over-tourism in Europe has become depressingly familiar once again, and unfortunately, Lisbon has joined the ranks of cities whose locals are pushing back against the crowds. Does this mean would-be visitors should drop Portugal -- by all accounts, one of the great destinations of Europe -- from their wish lists? I hope not.

One obvious solution is to avoid Lisbon in high season when its narrow, picturesque streets in the historic city center are clogged with tourists. Another move, equally obvious but sometimes difficult to convince travelers to try, is to explore the surrounding countryside. A strong contender for option 2 is Alentejo, less than an hour from Lisbon and offering the charm and culture that draws visitors to Portugal in the first place -- but without the bustle. The region, which stretches from the Tejo River to the northern mountains of the Algarve, is notable for its red cork oak forests -- almost half of the world's cork is produced here -- its ancient towns and its cultural traditions redolent with Moorish influences. But while the pace of life moves slowly here, that doesn't mean it's standing still.

Mercan Properties Group opened the 76-room Holiday Inn Express Evora hotel near the city center at the Portas de Avis. The property features a pool, restaurant, lounge bar, and meetings rooms. The company also opened a second hotel in the city, the new four-star Holiday Inn Beja. Part of an urban rehabilitation initiative, the hotel features 95 rooms across four floors and is located near such historical landmarks as the Beja Castle and Cathedral. The property preserved the original building facade, which now features a work by Portuguese graffiti and street artist Vhils.

As to the future, one notable development on the horizon is the Herdade da Palheta project, set to open in 2028 on about 740 acres near Evora. The five-star retreat will feature 60 guestrooms, 35 villas, 20 countryside homes, and a wine club housed in a historic winery, all designed to offer a modern take on the region's rural lifestyle.

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