3 Best Sights in Benavente, Estremadura and the Ribatejo

The 44,500-acre farmstead of Companhia das Lezírias is filled with forests of cork oaks, stone pines, and eucalyptus trees. Rice is also grown and sold under the "Belmonte" and "Bom Sucesso" labels, and the company does organic cattle farming and breeds prizewinning Lusitano stallions. Its winery, Adega Catapereiro, 12 km (7½ miles) south of Samora Correia, has a shop and also offers guided visits with tastings of up to five wines. Book ahead by phone or email  [email protected].

If you're a fan of wine, stop by the prestigious Casa Cadaval between Benavente and Almeirim. This winery, on the Herdade de Muge estate, has belonged to the Alvares Pereira Melo family since 1648. It produces red, white, and rosé wines under the Casa Cadaval, Marquesa de Cadaval, and Padre Pedro labels, using native and international grape varieties, such as Pinot Noir. The store is open every day, but you must book ahead for a wine tasting or a more extensive tour of the estate, followed by lunch.

This extensive natural reserve area lies along the banks of the Tagus River and has diverse fauna and flora, great bird-watching, and hiking through the area. The privately run EVOA Visitor Center is one of the best ways to see the park. There are daily guided tours on foot (from €14 on weekends) or by electric vehicle (€3 extra), and various private tours.