Portugal's Alentejo region has been named the top emerging travel destination for 2026 by a panel of experts at the World Travel and Tourism Council annual summit. The sparsely populated region south of Lisbon offers rolling cork oak forests, medieval villages, a dramatic Atlantic coastline, and some of Europe's most underrated wine country.
Unlike the Algarve to its south, which has been a mass tourism destination for decades, Alentejo has maintained an authentic rural character that appeals to travelers seeking immersive cultural experiences. The region's Dark Sky Reserve, one of the largest in Europe, has become particularly popular with astrotourism enthusiasts.
New boutique hotels and converted farmhouse accommodations have opened throughout the region over the past two years, increasing lodging capacity by 30 percent. Direct TAP Air Portugal flights from New York and Newark to Lisbon provide convenient access, with Alentejo's main towns reachable within 90 minutes by car or the new high-speed rail connection launching in June.
