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Visit Alentejo: the best destinations in the region
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Visit Alentejo and discover everything you need to know about the region. We will help you with a guide on the best places to visit in Alentejo. Located in the south of Portugal, Alentejo is the largest region in the country, occupying 34.3% of the national territory. With a varied landscape that includes beaches, one of the best gastronomies and seemingly endless plains, it has an unparalleled archaeological and monumental heritage, perfect for those who appreciate nature and cultural tourism.
What to visit in Alentejo
Do you want to visit the Alentejo, but don't know where to start? Rent a car in Portugal at Guerin and get ready to start exploring this unique destination in the country, with our complete itinerary on what to visit and where to delight yourself with the flavours of the region, in an authentic gastronomic itinerary.
Cities to visit in Alentejo
From the highest temperatures in Portugal in the summer, to the autumn and spring with mild weather and a winter that contrasts with the rest of the country, this region has long become the perfect destination for short-term holidays or weekend getaways. Therefore, we have gathered the best locations to discover when you visit Alentejo.
Castelo de Vide
Long known as the "Sintra of the Alentejo", this fortified, and border town still preserves countless memories of the golden age when it defended the national territory from countless attacks during the Middle Ages. The castle is surrounded by countless white houses, and we offer a breathtaking view over the Alentejo countryside, in a series of narrow streets which delimit the historic nucleus of the Judiaria, one of the most important in Portugal. Here discover the Restaurant "A Confraria".
Marvão
If you decide to visit the Alentejo, this fortified town is one of the destinations not to be missed. The writer Saramago used to say that "From Marvão you can see all the land", being located at 860 metres and close to Castelo de Vide. With a stunning natural beauty, also the whitewashed streets give this village its charm, with a beautiful view to the Natural Park of Serra de São Mamede and to the city of Valência de Alcântara, in Spain. Try the flavours of the Alentejo in the "Mil-Homens" Restaurant.
Campo Maior
In this border town, the architecture of its typically Alentejo and colourful houses also reminds us of its Muslim occupation. Here you will discover the Chapel of the Bones, of 1766, and composed by bones of more than 800 people. It is in this town that the "People's Festivities" take place, classified as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, which will return to the streets of Campo Maior in 2023. It was here that the best-known Portuguese coffee brand "Delta” was born. So be sure to explore the Coffee Science Centre. Discover the restaurant "O Tarro" when you visit Alentejo.
Elvas
Considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city has been fortified since 1640 to defend Portugal during the restoration of independence. Here you will find an aqueduct with 843 arches and a length of 7 km. Visit the oldest part of the city, the castle and follow the small streets to the old cathedral (where you can leave your car). Nearby, you can visit the Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça and the Amoreira aqueduct. Take the opportunity to taste the Alentejo flavours in the restaurant "Taberna do Adro".
Vila Viçosa
Known as the "princess of the Alentejo", it was in 1910 that it gained the status of museum town, due to the proclamation of the First Republic and the end of the monarchy. With a great Roman and Muslim influence until 1217, it became one of the most important towns in Portugal after 1461, when the Dukes of Bragança, the most powerful noble family after the Royal House, moved here. For this reason, be sure to visit the beautiful Ducal Palace, the castle of Vila Viçosa, the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Conceição and the church of São João Evangelista.
Monsaraz
This is one of the most beautiful and recognisable villages in Portugal. With a breathtaking view over the valley and the Alqueva lake, the village grew up embraced by the walls of the time of King D. Sancho II. Located on top of a hill, Monsaraz is passionate about its picturesque streets surrounded by white houses. Here you can visit the Castle, stroll down Rua Direita and visit the Mother Church. There are four distinct gates: Porta da Vila, Porta d'Évora, Porta d'Alcoba and Porta do Buraco. Visit the Xarez Cromlech and the village of Reguengos de Monsaraz and stop for lunch at "Taverna Os Templários".
Estremoz
Explore the "Cidade Velha", once again marked by typical Alentejo architecture, but with a strong Muslim influence. Here you will find the 12th century medieval castle, the Porta dos Currais and the Porta de Santarém. Also visit the Convent of São João da Penitência, with its Misericórdia cloister. Discover the Church of Santa Maria, the Church of São Francisco, the Torres da Couraça, the marble lake of Gadanha (17th century) and the Chapel of Nosso Senhor dos Inocentes. Be sure to book a table at the "Larau Restaurant".
Évora Monte
Situated on a hill in the interior of Alentejo, between Évora and Estremoz, this village is a must to visit. It is surrounded by a wall and has a castle with a quadrangular plan, which includes 4 towers of 3 floors and an incredible view. Also visit its church of Santa Maria. Évora Monte signed its name in Portuguese history by being the place chosen to sign the peace treaty in 1834, which ended the civil war of the time. Go to Estremoz for lunch at the "Venda Azul" restaurant.
Arraiolos
Founded in the 2nd century BC, this village also includes a medieval castle, and you can visit the church of Nossa Senhora do Castelo, founded in the 16th century. Its handmade carpets, called Tapetes de Arraiolos, are what make the town famous. So, be sure to visit the Arraiolos Carpet Interpretive Centre, located in the Praça do Município. Dine at the "República do Petisco".
Évora
The city classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, continues to surprise at every turn. Perhaps therefore it is known as the "museum city", due to the countless monuments we find along its streets. The best known is undoubtedly the Temple of Diana, but there is nothing like following the arcades of the Giraldo Square, to the Roman baths, to the medieval walls, to the beautiful Cathedral, to the Church of Graça and the Church of São Francisco, with its curious Bones Chapel. We recommend a cultural visit to the Harmonia Eborense Society and dinner at "Tasquinha do Oliveira".
Viana do Alentejo
Discover a colourful village, with the colours that will paint your entire journey through the best places to visit in the Alentejo. A pentagonal-shaped castle, with five cylindrical towers, and several churches mark this village. It is about 30 km from Évora, but be sure to visit the village of Alcáçovas, well known in the history of Portugal, where you will find the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição known as "Chapel of the Shells". Have lunch at the restaurant "A Taberna da Maria".
Beja
One of the oldest cities in Alentejo, integrating an architecture full of monuments and narrow whitewashed streets. You cannot miss a visit to Beja Castle, the city's Cathedral, and the Church of Santo Amaro. You can also visit the museum Rainha Dona Leonor, located in the Convent Nossa Senhora da Conceição. Discover the restaurant "Íntimo".
Mértola
Like most towns and cities in Alentejo, here you will also discover a village protected by walls and a castle. It is in the natural park of the Guadiana Valley, one of the most beautiful natural parks in Portugal. Visit the old mosque which is now the town's parish church, and the Clock Tower with one of the best views. Nearby, discover the São Domingos Mines, which used to exploit copper. Don't miss the restaurant "Tamuje".
Visiting the Alentejo is also an Adventure
Between theme parks, protected areas and open-air walks, there is a lot to discover when you visit the Alentejo. Discover some of the suggestions of companies and parks that promote various activities in the Alentejo region:
Theme Parks
1) Reserva Animal Monte Selvagem (Montemor-o-Novo)
2) Fluviário de Mora (Mora)
3) Badoca Safari Park (Vila Nova de Santo André)
Protected Areas
1) Reserva Natural do Estuário do Sado (Alcácer do Sal)
2) Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana (Mértola)
3) Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina (Odemira)
4) Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede (Portalegre)
5) Reserva Natural das Lagoas de Santo André e da Sancha (Vila Nova de Santo André)
Touristic Animation
1) Rotas do Sal (Alcácer do Sal)
2) Entre Amigos – Actividades Equestres (Alcácer do Sal)
3) Associação Evion (Alcácer do Sal)
4) Herdade da Mata – Centro Hípico (Alcáçovas)
5) Coudelaria de Alter (Alter do Chão)
6) Landescape Walks (Alter do Chão)
7) Perfect Moments (Alter do Chão)
8) Amieira Marina (Amieira)
9) Sud Euro Ski - Escola de Ski do Sudoeste Europeu (Amieira)
10) Monte Velho Equo Resort (Arraiolos)
Now that you know which are the best places to visit in Alentejo, rent a car in Portugal with Guerin.
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