The Alentejo area is blessed with a beautiful coastline and is easily accessible - as most of Portugal is - house prices are significantly lower than in more well-known regions such as the Algarve. For more and more people the attraction of Portugal is that you can still relax. There's loads of space not on the Algarve, of course, but the rest of Portugal, empty roads, [people] living really from day to day. No stress. For the more active, there are also a number of tourist attractions.

Of course the coastal areas, the beach. But it has world heritage towns. There's a lot of culture here, going back to the Romans and even way before the Romans. There's quite a lot to see. The rich cultural heritage of Portugal and in the Alentejo in specific makes it even more interesting to invest in property here. There is more to offer than just the seaside and beautiful scenery.

Places as Evora, (on Unesco world heritage list) and Beja are worthwhile a visit to discover their ancient history. Places as Setubal, Sesimbra and Sines are old fisherman's villages with all its charmes and of course good places to eat fresh fish.

Almograve, Zambujeira do Mar and Vila Nova de Milfontes are the best-known beach villages of this area, but there are many more lovely beaches and trendy beach bars and restaurants that serve good food.

More inland you will find the wine quintas, a visit there and of course some wine tasting is a lovely introduction in the world of Portuguese wines. Many of them are prize-winning wines, Esperao being one of the most famous ones. Portugal has many wonderful Pousadas, hotels partially owned by the State, located in old castles, monasteries and other historical places. Many people fly out from Britain for a long weekend in Portugal. For more and more people the attraction of Portugal is that you can still relax.

Although the Algarve is highly developed and property prices have "gone sky high", there are other areas of Portugal providing "loads of space". For property investors the Alentejo region is a good option because of its "beautiful" coast, easily accessible and properties are less expensive. Property inspection firm Sunscape Properties recently predicted that the development of a new theme park, a Formula One racing track and additional golf course would help to increase tourism in Portugal by 300 per cent over the next seven years.