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Alcanena is well placed, just off the IP1 motorway, in the centre of all the religious and historic sights of Fatima, Batalha, Alcobaca and Tomar. It is on the border of both the Ribatejo and Estramadura regions of central Portugal where there's plenty to explore.
The Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park is also well within reach where you can go for countryside walks or explore the showcaves at Mira de Aire, Grutas de Alvados and Grutas de Santo Antonio.
Alcanena lies at the foot of the Aire and Candeeiros Mountains, part of the Serras de Aire and Candeeiros Natural Park. Alcanena was a village that was developed considerably in the 19th century thanks to the success of several tanning factories that were established here. Many of the elegant buildings that date from this time of prosperity exist today.
Around and about Alcanena in the lush countryside are several famous freshwater springs, "Olhos de Agua", and the water from the River Alviela is used to supply Lisbon's domestic water supply.
The Alcanena Tourist Office is: Casa Municipal da Cultura, Bairro Mota - 2380, Alcanena. Tel: 351 249 891 136 or 351 249 889 010. Fax: 351 249 891 357. Email: info@rtribatejo.org.
The Ribatejo region has produced wine on the banks of the Tejo for over 2000 years. This has largely been traditionally made with modern techniques only being introduced in recent years. As a consequence the wine of the area has become more popular across Europe often being labelled Ribatejo, Arruda and Liziria. In the year 2000 the Ribatejo region was awarded the best wine certification in Portugal, DOC (Denominacao de Origem Controlada).
Ribatejan whites are typically from the Fernao Pires or Trincadeira-das-Pratas grapes which makes a distinctive dry, lemon-coloured fruity white wine. The reds tend to be from Periquita, Trincadeira Preta and Castelao Nacional grapes. There are five denominations in the Ribatejo region: Almeirim, Cartaxo, Chamusca, Coruche and Santarem.
To explore the vineyards and the region's cultural heritage you can follow any of the tours suggested as part of The Ribatejo Wine Route devised by Association of Ribatejo Red Wine. Check the weblink right. Their exceedingly helpful website is in English and tours include vineyards and wine producers as well as pointing out historical sights along the way. There are the contact details of wine related places you can visit too.
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