There’s something about Alentejo in the summer that makes you feel like time’s working in your favor. Rolling hills, ancient olive trees, clear skies—it’s the kind of place where you show up with a book and forget to open it. And right in the heart of it all is São Lourenço do Barrocal, a dreamy estate that blends laid-back luxury with rustic charm so well.
So, where exactly are we?
We’re in Alentejo—a quiet, sun-drenched region in southern Portugal that doesn’t scream for attention (and that’s exactly why we love it). It’s wine country meets slow living, where cork trees stretch for miles and medieval towns like Monsaraz perch on hilltops like something out of a storybook.
And tucked just beneath that storybook village is Barrocal. A 200+ year old family estate turned hotel and organic farm, it’s the kind of place where days are planned around long walks, wine tastings, stargazing, and deciding whether to swim or nap next.
Why summer at Barrocal hits different
Let’s be real—this place is gorgeous year-round. But come summer, it’s buzzing with life, events, and sunshine-drenched moments you’ll daydream about later. Here’s what to expect:
Grape Harvest Season (August – September)
Grab a straw hat and head into the vineyards—this is your chance to get your hands dirty. The grape harvest is one of the estate’s most beloved summer rituals. You can join the team for picking, then relax with a farm-style lunch paired with their own wines. It’s hands-on, delicious, and surprisingly therapeutic.
St Lawrence Festival (August 10)
A proper summer party, Barrocal-style. The annual Festa de São Lourenço, the estate’s patron saint celebration, brings the whole community together for an evening of music, grilled local dishes, lantern-lit pathways, and the kind of vibes you want to bottle up and take home.
Hot-Air Balloon at Dawn
For the early risers (or anyone willing to become one for the view), Barrocal offers hot-air balloon rides that lift you above the plains just as the sun rises. It’s peaceful, surreal, and probably one of the most memorable ways to start a day.
The rest of your summer days can be as full or as mellow as you want them to be. You might start with a slow bike ride or a long countryside walk to Monsaraz, where whitewashed houses sit above the Alqueva Lake. Maybe you’ll book a horseback ride and trek through wildflowers and ancient olive groves, or head to the spa for a Susanne Kaufmann treatment that melts away any sense of stress.
Meals under the trees, with seasonal dishes, local cheeses, and Barrocal’s own wines on the table. And in the evening, it’s worth stepping outside one more time—because Alentejo’s night skies are famous for a reason. As a certified Dark Sky Reserve, this region puts on a nightly stargazing show you won’t soon forget.