Vagar do Pastor
An Authentic Refuge in Alentejo, Portugal
In the heart of the small village of Orvalhos, in the municipality of Alandroal, stands Vagar do Pastor, a rural accommodation that combines modern simplicity with deep roots in the Alentejo landscape. Created by Carlos Jones, a TAP airline crew member, this retreat was born in 2024 from a humble plot of land and a clear vision: to create a place that blends tranquillity, minimalist functionality, and harmony with the Serra de Ossa and the surrounding pastures.
Why you should stay at Vagar do Pastor:
Design and Functionality: Built with clean lines, whitewashed walls, and handmade tiles, the accommodation reflects the understated beauty typical of Alentejo. The project, designed by PHDD Arquitectos, results in a 300 m² space with three bedrooms (one en-suite), an open-plan kitchen and living area, and large windows framing the breathtaking views.
Immersive Experience: There’s no television, but a projector is available for cosy movie nights by the fireplace. Every corner invites you to embrace “vagar” – the art of slow living and contemplating rural life, where you can hear the distant bells of grazing sheep.
Privileged Outdoor Space: Set on a 2,600 m² plot, it offers an outdoor dining area with a barbecue and an almost-finished swimming tank, ideal for summer days spent in silence, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
“Vagar” refers to the mindful slow pace of life — a core value of Alentejo culture — while the constant presence of shepherds and grazing sheep in the area reinforces the deep connection to traditional pastoral life, beautifully reflected in the accommodation’s name: Vagar do Pastor, meaning The Shepherd’s Leisure.
To truly appreciate Vagar do Pastor, one must understand the region that surrounds it:
Vast Lands and Agriculture: Alentejo is known as Portugal’s “breadbasket,” famous for its olive groves, vineyards, cork oak forests, and wheat fields. The region’s cork production has been a key economic activity for centuries.
Culture and Flavours: The area is renowned for its cheeses from Serpa and Évora, cured meats, and exceptional wines. The Vicentina Route, a long-distance hiking trail, attracts walking enthusiasts and supports local tourism.
Living Traditions: The art of chocalheira — handmade cowbells, closely linked to shepherding — was recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2015. The Rafeiro do Alentejo, a local shepherd dog, remains a guardian of these rural traditions.
If you are looking to escape the fast pace of modern life, reconnect with the essence of the Alentejo landscape, and experience the slow rhythm of rural Portugal, this is the perfect place. The accommodation blends contemporary architecture with tradition, tranquillity, and a touch of rustic luxury. Vagar do Pastor is not just a place to sleep — it is an immersion into the Alentejo lifestyle, where time slows down, the landscape embraces you, and the spirit finds peace. A destination that truly deserves a serene visit.
Some facts:
Rates: Starting at €200 per night during low-season
Location: About a 20-minute drive from Reguengos de Monsaraz and São Pedro do Corval, and only 13 km from the town of Alandroal
What to Explore: Hot air balloon rides over Alqueva Lake, horseback rides along the river, visits to river beaches, and wine tourism with tastings and winery tours.
Book here: www.vagardopastor.pt
Pictures © Nuno de Noronha Almendra