Alentejo, Portugal
Known as Portugal’s grape-growing region, Alentejo (“beyond” in Portuguese) has the cool calm of a wine valley with the added surprise of picturesque, un-touristy beaches. There are also medieval castles and ruins of Roman architecture dotted around the agriculture-rich area. Stay at the bucolic Herdade da Malhadinha Nova or charmingly rural Imani Country House and plan to drive, along one of three wine routes and up and down the coast, where fresh seafood, quaint B&Bs, waves dotted with surfers and tiny villages are par for the course.