Vitals
Edition reviewed: First
Date published: December 3, 2015
Date I used the book: June, 2016
Publisher: Bradt Travel Guides
Authors & Researchers: Alex Robinson
Genre: General with an emphasis on food, wine and history
Pairs nicely with: Alentejo Blue (which is a novel, not a guidebook) and The Rough Guide to Portugal
Strengths: History, culture, food, wine, road tripping
Weaknesses: Budget, nightlife, adventure
Recommended for: History buffs, foodies, wine lovers, ruins explorers, those looking to escape Western Europe’s maddening tourist crowds
Price at publication: $19.99
Quick Takes
Yay!
- Engrossing history and culture chapter
- Thorough winery overview
- Deep lodging reviews
- Smart itineraries
- Expert eating and shopping advice
- Healthy dose of nature info
The author, Alex Robinson, commands a mastery of the Alentejo. What this book covers — and it covers a lot — it does so thoughtfully and deeply. In sum, Robinson and Bradt have published an impressive first edition.
Nay!
- Not for those seeking hard-partying nightlife or extensive budget options.
- Will soon be showing its age.
Meh… A second or third author would have been a strong addition, perhaps for the 2nd edition (Hey Bradt, I’m available. Me liga?).
Ratings (0-5 stars)
Breadth: 4/5
Depth: 5/5
Organization: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Tone & Voice: 3/5
Accuracy: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.42
Amazon rating: N/A
From Amazon Reviewers
No reviews (aside from my own) as of publication.
Bottomline on Bradt’s Alentejo
This is one of the finest guidebooks I’ve ever used and unquestionably the best guidebook covering this little-visited area. Robinson and Bradt have a masterpiece on their hands. My only qualm is … do I want more people to know about this blissfully tourist-free area by promoting its definitive guidebook? Dice = rolled.
**HARD BUY**
SOFT BUY
AVOID!
BUY AT BRADT GUIDES
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BUY ON AMAZON
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Read my previous guidebook reviews:
