Off-Road Jeep Cork Tour with Corktrekking in Évora

In the heart of Alentejo, Portugal, near the city of Redondo, Corktrekking invites adventurers on a 4-hour off-road journey through one of the region’s most distinctive landscapes: the sprawling cork oak forests. This area of Évora is known for its vast montados—open woodlands dotted with cork oaks whose thick, rugged bark has long been harvested for cork, a cornerstone of local industry and culture.

Your adventure begins with a sturdy jeep ride that navigates rough terrain beneath the shade of ancient cork oaks, set against rolling hills of southern Portugal’s plains. These trees, some centuries old, are pruned every nine years to sustainably collect cork without harming the living tree. Along the route, knowledgeable guides provide engaging commentary on the ecology of the montado, traditional cork harvesting methods, and how cork production shapes the economy and landscape.

The experience is more than just off-roading; it’s a cultural immersion. The tour includes stops to sample Maroteira wines, a prestigious label from the Alentejo wine region, alongside Iberian pork and local cheese—regional staples that highlight the culinary heritage tied to the land. After the tasting, a hearty lunch at a nearby traditional restaurant rounds out the visit, grounding guests in the full sensory story of Alentejo’s rural lifestyle.

Corktrekking stands out as an immersive gateway into Portugal’s lesser-known but enchanting outdoors. It blends rugged adventure with authentic insights into a centuries-old industry, all set in a landscape that balances natural beauty with agricultural tradition. This trip offers a distinctly tactile and flavorful connection to the region, making it a unique option for travelers seeking more than a typical jeep tour in Portugal.