Known for its sunny climate and golden landscapes, the Alentejo contains some of Portugal's most beautiful places to visit. From historic towns to unspoiled beaches, picturesque villages to stunning vineyards, the Alentejo marvels anyone who passes through.

Do you want to be enchanted too? Visit the Alentejo, but first, here are our tips on what to see in the region of sun and gold.

Historic Towns and Villages

Évora

In this UNESCO World Heritage city, you'll find the Temple of Diana, one of the best-preserved Roman monuments on the Iberian Peninsula, Évora Cathedral, the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal, and the macabre and fascinating Chapel of Bones. Its university is one of the oldest in Portugal, founded in 1559, and its cloister and General Library are well worth a visit. Évora's churches don't go unnoticed either, such as the Church of São João Evangelista with its beautiful azulejos and richly decorated interior, or the Church of São Francisco, an impressive example of Gothic architecture. Other points of interest in the city include the Almendres Cromlech, the Silver Water Aqueduct, and the Roman baths.

To get to know Évora better, take a tour of the city and visit its main monuments or discover its best stories on a walking tour of Évora. And if you prefer a more personalized experience, you can opt for a half-day or full-day private tour of Évora.

Elvas

Known for its star-shaped walls, Elvas is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forts of Nossa Senhora da Graça and Santa Luzia are two must-sees, due to their good state of preservation and the important role they played in defending the city. And if you want to learn more about the military history of Elvas, visit Elvas Castle, dating back to the 13th century. Also in this city is the Amoreira Aqueduct, one of the largest and most impressive aqueducts on the Iberian Peninsula, built between the 15th and 17th centuries to supply the city with water. Take the opportunity to see the Sé de Elvas, a Renaissance cathedral with an impressive façade and a richly decorated interior.

Monsaraz

With its narrow streets and whitewashed houses, the fortified medieval village of Monsaraz has to be on your list of places to visit in the Alentejo. Here you'll find Monsaraz Castle, built in the 13th century and offering incredible panoramic views over Lake Alqueva. Pass by the Tower of São Bento, one of the watchtowers of the wall, and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Lagoa, known for its Gothic façade and beautiful marble high altar. Don't miss places like the Castelo Viewpoint, the Igreja Matriz Viewpoint or the Cromeleque do Xerez.

If you want to explore this village further, you can take a tour of Évora and Monsaraz or a wine tour of Monsaraz from Évora.

Marvão

At the top of a hill is the stunning town of Marvão. Its castle is one of the best preserved in Portugal and here you can take photos with the beautiful surrounding landscape in the background. The walls that surround Marvão date back to the Arab and medieval periods and the Portas da Vila are an imposing entrance to the town, giving you the feeling of traveling back in time. Inside the walls, you'll find the Church of Santa Maria, which houses the Marvão Municipal Museum. If you like to spend pleasant moments in nature, explore the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park. It offers a rich biodiversity, hiking trails, and the opportunity to observe the local fauna and flora.

Natural Landscapes and Parks

Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park

The Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park is one of Portugal's most beautiful and well-preserved natural areas. Situated along the southwest coast of the country, the park stretches from São Torpes, near Sines, to Burgau, in the Algarve, covering an area of around 131,000 hectares. This extensive area of unspoiled beaches and impressive cliffs is ideal for hiking and trails, water sports such as surfing, windsurfing or bodyboarding, and birdwatching in places such as Ribeira de Aljezur or Lagoa de Santo André.

Lake Alqueva

Also known as the Alqueva Reservoir, the Alqueva Lake is the largest artificial lake in Western Europe. This vast body of water covers several areas, offering a variety of attractions and activities. If you like the beach and water activities, this is the perfect place. There are marinas and piers along the lake that provide easy access to activities such as boating, canoeing, sailing and fishing. Some areas of the lake have river beaches, such as the Praia Fluvial de Monsaraz, where you can swim and relax.

Serra de São Mamede

The Serra de São Mamede is a mountain range located in Alto Alentejo which is part of the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park. This area is known for its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes and historical heritage. For lovers of birdwatching, the area is excellent. Some examples of the birds you can find here: birds of prey such as the Bonelli's eagle, the harpy eagle, and various species of falcons. Migratory birds are also common, especially in the spring and fall months. Throughout the park, there are several well-marked trails that allow you to explore the mountains. These offer panoramic views and the opportunity to observe the local fauna and flora. The Galegos Trail and the Penha Trail are two of the most popular.

Beaches

Comporta Beach

Extensive, with white sand and crystal-clear waters, Comporta Beach is one of the best-known and most popular beaches in the Alentejo region. Located on the Troia Peninsula, in the municipality of Grândola, it combines natural beauty, tranquillity and elegance, making it a popular destination for both national and international tourists. If you want to try something different, you can go horse riding by the sea.

Zambujeira do Mar Beach

Praia da Zambujeira do Mar is a must-visit destination for those who appreciate natural beauty, outdoor activities and a relaxing atmosphere. With its combination of stunning scenery, good conditions for water sports and proximity to a charming village, it offers a complete and memorable experience on the Alentejo coast.

Malhão Beach

This emblematic beach on the Alentejo coast is located near the town of Vila Nova de Milfontes, in the municipality of Odemira. Praia do Malhão contains unparalleled wild and natural beauty and offers a peaceful haven for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy the stunning scenery. It is very suitable for surfing and hiking.

Wineries and Wine Tourism Experiences

Herdade do Esporão

Herdade do Esporão is one of Portugal's oldest wine estates, located in the heart of the Alentejo, near Reguengos de Monsaraz. This estate is famous for producing high-quality wines and for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. If you are a wine lover, this estate offers guided tours and tastings.

Cartuxa Winery

An example of excellence in Portuguese winemaking, Adega da Cartuxa combines tradition and innovation to produce high-quality wines and olive oils. With a strong commitment to sustainability and regional development, it is a must-see destination for lovers of Alentejo wine and culture. It is famous for its Pêra-Manca wines.

Herdade dos Grous

Herdade dos Grous is a prestigious estate located near the city of Beja. Renowned for its high-quality wine production and luxury tourism, Herdade dos Grous combines agricultural tradition with modern, sustainable practices. In addition to the wines, it offers activities such as horse riding and hot air balloon rides.

If you prefer to taste a good gin, you can visit the Sharish Gin Distillery and learn about all the stages of its production.

With so much to see, your only worry when visiting the Alentejo region will be that you won't be able to see everything it has to offer.

The Alentejo is waiting for you! Let's go?

If you want to see other attractions or have other experiences when you visit the Alentejo, explore the tours and activities selected for you.

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