Why Portugal’s Alentejo Region is a Perfect Location for Filmmaking
As filmmakers, we are always hunting for that perfect location—the one that captures the soul of the script without breaking the production budget. While the more well-known parts of Portugal have long been favorites for their historic cities (Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra), there is a sprawling, sun-drenched secret just south and east of Lisbon that await savvy producers.
Welcome to the Alentejo Region of Portugal.
Often referred to as the "breadbasket of Portugal," the Alentejo is a vast, sparsely populated region that offers much more than just beautiful vistas. It offers versatility. With its Mediterranean climate and diverse terrain, it acts as a world-class "stand-in" for some of the most iconic locations across the globe.
One Region, A World of Possibilities
The Alentejo’s greatest strength is its ability to disappear into a role. Depending on where you point your lens, you can transport your audience across continents.
1. The Italian Soul (Tuscany & Rural Italy)
Need the romance of central Italy? The heart of Alentejo is a dead ringer for Tuscany. With its undulating hills, endless vineyards, and ancient olive groves, you can capture that slow-paced, rustic Mediterranean vibe without the involved logistics, high costs and permit headaches of the Italian countryside.
2. The Spanish Connection (Extremadura & Andalusia)
Sharing a border with Spain, the Alentejo naturally mirrors the rugged beauty of the Spanish interior. The "montados" (cork oak forests) and granite-strewn hills provide the perfect backdrop for stories set in the dry, golden plains of the Iberian Peninsula.
3. The American West (Napa Valley & Rural California)
Alentejo’s inland areas share a striking resemblance to the California wine country. The combination of high-end vineyards, golden light, and a Mediterranean climate makes it an ideal substitute for Napa Valley or even the drier foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
4. Arid Vistas (North Africa & the African Savannah)
To the south, the terrain opens up into vast, arid expanses. During the Winter rain cycles, these areas are green and lush. In the height of summer, these heat-baked plains of golden wheat stretch as far as the eye can see. In any season, these scenes can easily stand in for North African environments or the sprawling savannas of the African continent. Fun fact: this area will soon have elephants that will be delivered to Portugal as sanctuary animals.
5. Castles, ancient forts, villages, lakes and farmland
Dotted throughout the Alentejo region are quintessential Portuguese towns with white-washed buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, churches, castles and forts. A closer look at the hillsides shows cattle, goats and sheep nibbling away at the ground. In every corner of this region you will find quintas, wineries and vineyards, farms, settlements and amazing scenery. Here and there are dams holding back the waters of rivers that flow through the hills. Along these man-made lakes and natural rivers are scenes that belong in films set in the Old West of the United States, parts of Africa and Spain.
Why Film Here?
Beyond the visuals, filming in the Alentejo offers logistical advantages that are hard to beat:
Consistent Light: Known for having some of the highest sunshine hours in Europe, the "golden hour" here is truly legendary.
Space to Breathe: The sparse population means fewer crowds, less noise pollution, and more freedom for large-scale set builds.
Accessibility: Despite its "wild" feel, most of the region is only a 90-minute drive from Lisbon International Airport with many beautiful places just 30 minutes out.
Pro Tip: The Alentejo landscape shifts dramatically with the seasons. Visit in the spring for lush greens and wildflowers, or in late summer for that scorched, cinematic gold.
Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life
At Atmosphera, we know the Alentejo like the back of our hand. From scouting the perfect cork forest to navigating local permits and logistics, we are here to ensure your production is as seamless as the Alentejo horizon.
