What to visit in Alentejo
The Alentejo is one of Portugal’s most fascinating regions, known for its stunning landscapes, award-winning wines, historic villages and unique culture. Located in the south of the country, this vast region offers everything from golden plains to breathtaking beaches, making it an unmissable destination for those looking for tranquillity, culture and good food. Here are some suggestions of what to visit in the Alentejo.
Évora: The Museum City
Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the highlights of the Alentejo. This city is a real journey back in time, with its cobbled streets and historic buildings. You can’t miss it:
- Évora Roman Temple: A relic from Roman times that has survived the test of time.
- Chapel of Bones: A peculiar chapel whose walls are decorated with human bones.
- Praça do Giraldo: The heart of the city, where you can relax on a terrace and soak up the atmosphere.
- Évora Cathedral: The largest medieval cathedral in Portugal, with panoramic views from the top.
Monsaraz: The Medieval Village with a View of the Alqueva
Monsaraz is a picturesque medieval village that seems to have stood still in time. Its narrow streets, white houses and hilltop castle offer spectacular views over Lake Alqueva, the largest artificial lake in Europe. This is a perfect place to watch the sunset and admire the stars, as the region is one of the best for astronomical observation.
Marvão: The Enchanted Village in the Mountains
Marvão is a fortified town that looks like something out of a fairy tale, perched high up in the Serra de São Mamede. Its narrow cobbled streets and imposing castle offer incredible views over the Alentejo landscape. It’s an ideal place for those who love history and nature.
Elvas: The UNESCO Heritage Fortified City
Elvas is known for its impressive fortifications, considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can explore:
- Amoreira Aqueduct: One of the largest aqueducts on the Iberian Peninsula.
- Elvas Fortifications: The bastioned walls and forts are a perfect example of military engineering.
- Elvas Castle: A medieval castle offering a panoramic view over the city.
Costa Vicentina: Wilderness and Paradise Beaches
The Costa Vicentina, in the southwest of the Alentejo, is a true paradise for nature and surf lovers. The region is part of the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park, offering wild beaches, impressive cliffs and a diverse fauna. The most famous beaches include:
- Arrifana Beach: One of the surfers’ favorites.
- Praia de Odeceixe: A picturesque beach at the mouth of a river, ideal for families.
- Praia da Amália: A small, hidden beach surrounded by lush nature.
Alqueva: Portugal’s Most Starry Sky
Lake Alqueva is one of the best places for stargazing in Europe. The region was declared Portugal’s first Dark Sky Reserve, making it a destination of choice for astronomy lovers. During the day, you can explore the dam, take boat trips and taste local wines in the region’s wineries.
Mértola: The Museum Village on the Guadiana
Mértola is a charming town on the banks of the River Guadiana, with a rich multicultural heritage. Visit Mértola Castle, the Roman ruins, and explore the region’s Islamic past at the Mértola Museum. It’s also an excellent starting point for boat trips on the river.
Sines: The Land of Vasco da Gama
Sines, a coastal town on the Alentejo coast, is known for being the birthplace of Vasco da Gama. Here, you can visit the Castle of Sines, the Mother Church of São Salvador, and stroll around the marina. The town also offers beautiful beaches, such as Praia de São Torpes, known for its warm waters.
Alentejo: Where to stay
If you’re planning a vacation in the Alentejo and want to get to know the region in detail, we’ve suggested two hotels that guarantee high levels of comfort. They are the Sinerama hotels in Sines and the AP Lago Montargil Conference & Spa in Montargil.
