A couple of years back, we bought a farmhouse about 90 minutes from Lisbon, Portugal, near the city of Estremoz. I had been there a few times in the past, and my father did part of his military training there in the 1960s - but we had no family ties or connection to the place.

Now, after a few months of experiencing Estremoz, I have to say - this is one of Portugal's best-kept secrets. While cities like Lisbon and Porto rightly steal all the oxygen, and most bucket-listers just go to Évora and the Chapel of Bones - Estremoz offers an intoxicating blend of history, wine, culture, food, shopping, and natural beauty. The city of about 9,000 people may not be for everyone, but for those who want an authentic experience, it is hard to beat. Here's why:

Location: Estremoz is an easy trip from Lisbon off the A6. It's also about 40 minutes from Évora and 30 minutes from the bustling city of Badajoz in Spain. Although the train no longer runs (it only goes to Évora), there is regular bus service. Near lots of cool places from Vila Viçosa to Elvas, it is a great base to explore from.

Food: You would be hard-pressed to find a better food town the size of Estremoz. Brimming with high-end eateries from Howard's Folly to the Mercearia Gadanha, there is also Restaurante Larau, Restaurante Alecrim, and Casa Gadanha. But why stop with the near luxe, when there are so many great elegant local eateries from Venda Azul to Cadeia Quinhentista, to the Pousada. It's a great chef-driven food city - and the choices are impressive.

History: Estremoz has a lot of visible history that dates back centuries. As you wander through its cobblestone and marble streets, you'll find remnants of its medieval past, including the castle, ancient city walls, and many churches. The historic center, still in its medieval glory, rises above the 17th-century walls and the massive Rossio Marquês de Pombal square.

Architecture: One of Estremoz's features is its 800 years of architecture. Wrapped in medieval and later walls, the city is renowned for its intricate tile work, whitewashed buildings, and marble quarries. Be sure to visit the Castle tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, and marvel at the intricate details of the town's historic buildings.

Wines: With a special climate and more than 20 wineries, Estremoz is a wine hub as well - many of the wineries offering tours, tasting, and dining. Some of the best wines in the region are produced here.

Culture: Unlike more touristy places, Estremoz offers a look into authentic Alentejo culture and way of life. Take a stroll through the town's bustling Saturday Market (9-1 every Saturday), where you can browse stalls selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, and antique and collectibles. The market attracts people from all over the region and features great deals and rare finds - well worth the trip. There are lots of museums, including the Tile Museum that follows the history of the Azulejo from the ancient past to today (and comes with a wine tasting), and the Bonecos de Estremoz Museum showcases the unforgettable UNESCO World Heritage Estremoz figurines.

Natural Beauty: Surrounded by rolling hills, cork forests, vineyards, and olive groves, Estremoz has a lot to see. The trails of the Serra d'Ossa mountain range are not far, and river beaches are less than a 45-minute drive away.

Estremoz offers a truly exceptional travel experience that allows visitors to escape the crowds and discover the authentic beauty of Portugal's Alentejo region. Whether you're drawn to its history, architecture, or cuisine, Estremoz is sure to leave a lasting impression of the real Portugal on all who visit.