The Business Year Special Report
MONTARGIL MONTE NOVO: ABSOLUTE TRANQUILITY IN A STUNNING NATURAL SETTING
LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY of Ponte de Sor in the village of Montargil in Alto Alentejo, Montargil Monte Novo is a true refuge and an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty.
Situated on the banks of the Montargil dam, Monte Novo offers a privileged location about 95km from Lisbon, about an hour and a half’s car drive. This proximity to the capital allows many of its visitors to easily escape the urban hustle and to submerge themselves in a serene and relaxing environment.
THE MYTHICAL ESTRADA NACIONAL 2 Monte Novo is even more special because it is located on the famous Estrada Nacional 2 (EN2). This legendary road, also known as the Portuguese Route 66, crosses the country from Trás-os-Montes to the Algarve.
The 738.5-km EN2 runs through 11 districts and 35 municipalities and crosses 11 mountains and 13 rivers, providing an incredible journey through Portugal’s interior. This iconic route stretches across rich and stunning landscapes, ranging from the vineyards of the Douro to the vast plains of Alentejo, culminating in the beautiful beaches of southern Portugal.
EN2 is the longest road in Portugal and Europe and the third longest in the world, surpassed only by Route 66 in the US and Ruta 40 in Argentina. Traveling along this iconic road, travelers have the opportunity to explore a diverse landscape, meet captivating people, and immerse themselves in the richest cultures of Portugal.
The stop at Montargil Monte Novo, at Kilometer 460 of EN2, is almost mandatory—either to stay overnight, enjoy a few days rest, or simply have lunch.
THE PERFECT REFUGE TO DISCOVER THE ESSENCE OF ALENTEJO
At Montargil Monte Novo, guests are welcomed with an unforgettable experience. The restaurant, located in the main building, offers stunning panoramic views over the dam. Here, it is possible to taste the best of Alentejo gastronomy, with a distinctive touch from the talented resident executive chef Miguel Varela, who is also in charge of Montargil Monte Novo and reinvents traditional dishes, preserving the essence and authentic flavors of the region. The lunch and dinner menu is carefully crafted using fresh and seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers.
The surrounding nature of Monte Novo is present in every detail. Many of the vegetables, aromatic herbs, and fruit used in the kitchen are grown in the garden and orchard on the property, ensuring the highest quality and authenticity of
“The surrounding nature of the Monte Novo is present in every detail. Many of the vegetables, aromatic herbs, and fruits used in the kitchen are grown in the garden and orchard of the property, ensuring the quality and authenticity of the dishes served to the guests and customers.”