In Alentejo, a wine-grape-growing region in central Portugal, storks possibly outnumber people. They build their nests on whitewashed bell towers with blue trim (believed to ward off the devil) and on the wide chimneys traditionally used to smoke hams in medieval hilltop towns.
Here, in a quiet landscape of olive trees and vineyards, Quinta do Paral has recently opened its doors. Its views extend across hills and vales to the village of Vila de Frades and beyond, to the more bustling town of Vidigueira. Renowned for its white wines, Vidigueira is also linked to the great explorer Vasco da Gama, who was granted the title count of Vidigueira by Dom Manuel 1 in 1519.
