cork

Castelo de Vide, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Portugal is the leading cork producer in the world, accounting for almost 50% of world production.  Cork is obtained from the bark of this cork oak tree once the tree is about 25 years old and can then be harvested every nine years.  The average life of this tree can be as long as 150 years and it is illegal to cut one down unless special permission is granted by the authorities.

It is a beautiful sight driving around the Alentejo Region observing the wonderful hues of brown resulting from these trees.

Monte alentejano

Evoramonte, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Set among cork-oak plantations and olive groves are the montes alentejanos, a term which refers to the house and other buildings on an extensive piece of rural property.  This is a common sight to see when traveling throughout the region of Alentejo.

This picture is taken from the top of the castle of Evoramonte.  All that can be seen is a carpet of green for miles and miles, something I never get tired of seeing!

Monsaraz from a distance

Monsaraz, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Set on top of a hill at almost 200 meters is the walled in city of Monsaraz.  Olive groves, vineyards and cork-oak trees cover much of the Alentejo countryside, home of the world's most important area for growing cork.  The name Alentejo originates from Além-Tejo, which means "Beyond the Tagus River", separating the region from the rest of Portugal to the north and the Algarve region to the south.