Alentejo
Visitors to the Alentejo region are often struck by the remarkable blend of historical and cultural influences that have shaped this land. From ancient dolmens and cromlechs to Roman and Arab relics, the region is a tapestry of past civilizations. These historic traces are seamlessly woven into the more recent Christian heritage, evidenced by the numerous medieval castles that dot the vast, sun-drenched plains.
To the northeast lies the renowned Rota dos Castelos (Castle Route), a captivating journey through picturesque villages and towns such as Nisa, Castelo de Vide, Marvão, Portalegre, and Alter do Chão. Further south, the landscape flattens and warms, where the charming town of Évora—one of the most beautiful in Portugal—serves as a gateway to nearby towns like Monsaraz, Vila Viçosa, Estremoz, and Arraiolos. Arraiolos is especially famous for its exquisite handmade tapestries, featuring traditional designs from the 17th and 18th centuries.
As you continue southward, the landscape grows more expansive and serene, with vast plains stretching out under the sun. The only shade comes from ancient olive trees and oak trees, while refreshing dams offer respite from the heat. A visit to Alvito, Beja (where historic Pousadas offer unique accommodations), Serpa, or Mértola is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Alentejo.
The region’s Atlantic coastline to the west is blessed with magnificent beaches, perfect for those seeking a connection with nature and the sea.
Known for its extreme thermal amplitude—temperatures range from a chilly 5°C to a scorching 33°C—Alentejo is a sparsely populated land with wide-open horizons, where life moves at a slower pace, accompanied by the soothing sounds of regional folk songs.
Beja
Originally an ancient Roman town, it later became a Muslim cultural center. The Queen Leonor Museum hosts valuable archaeological finds. Other legacies: churches of Santo António (Visigothic) and Santa Maria; convent and castle of São Francisco (currently a Pousada); chapel of Santo André (Gothic-Moorish), and Misericórdia Church (Renaissance). Roman ruins at Pisões.
Castelo de Vide
Thermal spa with medieval castle and Jewish quarter (15th century synagogue). A special reference to the chapel of São Salvador do Mundo (Visigothic) the two Paços do Concelho (medieval and 18th century), and an ancient church.
Elvas
Fortress town, with Roman-Arab castle, Amoreiras Aqueduct (15th-17th centuries). Other places of interest: mother-church (Manueline), churches of Nossa Senhora da Consolação (Renaissance) and Santa Clara (17th century), and Archeology and Ethnography Museum.
Estremoz
Town crowned by a 13th-century castle, with a citadel (currently a pousada) and Santa Isabel Chapel (18th-century). special reference to the Gothic Dom Dinis Palace, São Francisco Church and Convent (Romanesque-Gothic), Paços do Concelho (14th-century), Maltesas Convent (16th-century), and the Municipal Museum.
Evora
Évora, a town of Roman origins, is a museum town with a historic center that has earned a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. At its heart stands the Roman Temple, an iconic symbol of the town, located near the Cathedral, which houses a notable Sacred Art Museum, showcasing both Roman and Gothic works.
Among the many convents and churches that grace the town, visitors can explore the São Brás Chapel (a stunning blend of Gothic and Moorish styles), the São Francisco Church (which houses the Capela dos Ossos, a chapel walled with human bones), and the São João Baptista Church (a fusion of Gothic and Manueline architecture). Other significant places of worship include the Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça (with its attached convent), the Church of Santo Antão, and the Church of São Vicente (all in Mannerist style).
Among the town’s palaces are the Archiepiscopal Palace, the Palace of Dom Manuel, and the Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval, each a testament to the grandeur of Évora’s aristocratic past.
The town’s vibrant squares and historical landmarks also demand attention. The Praça de Giraldo, lined with 16th-century arches, is a lively hub of activity, while the Aqueduct stands as a monumental feat of engineering. Visitors can also explore the Convents of Santa Clara, Santa Helena do Calvário, and Lóios (the latter now a Pousada, offering a unique stay in a historic setting).
Additional highlights include Évora University, the ancient Jewish quarter, and the Évora Museum, which together tell the rich story of this exceptional town.
Marvao
To the south of Castelo de Vide lies the town of Marvão, renowned for its striking castle, dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, and the breathtaking views it offers over the surrounding landscape. Beyond the city walls, visitors can explore the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Estrela, a 15th-century structure, where 18th-century ceramic tiles adorn its interiors. Noteworthy is the Crucifix of Estrela, a remarkable piece from the Manueline period, adding a touch of historical grandeur to this peaceful town.
Mertola
This tower sits over the right bank of the Guardiana river. The town’s main attraction is its castle, built by the Moors, with a guard tower from the 13th-century. The main church, with its sculpted facade, contains elements from the Manueline period, occupies the site of what once was an ancient mosque. Mértola has three important museum sites as a consequence of the intense archaeological activity there. The Roman museum occupies the Town Hall building. The Islamic collection includes the country’s most important archive of ceramic objects (9th to 13th-centuries). Here too is one of the rarest early Christian basilicas in the entire Iberian peninsula (dating from the 5th-century).
Monsaraz
A beautiful medieval village, with castle, walls and fortifications. Special reference to the Santa Catarina Chapel, mother-church, Paços do Concelho, Paços de Audiência and Porta da Vila. In the nearby village of Reguengos there is a megalithic nucleus, with over 100 dolmens and cromlechs.
Portalegre
Among the towers and walls of the medieval castle stand the Paços do Concelho and Hospital da Misericórdia. Worth visiting: the Cathedral, São Bernardo Convent, the church of São Francisco Monastery (13th-18th centuries), and the Regional, Sacred Art, Municipal Library and Casa de José Régio Museums.
Troia
Set on a peninsula overlooking the south bank of river Sado, Tróia has a number of important Roman remains, especially of an important industrial complex used for salting fish, an activity in this region in Roman times. The peninsula is fringed by many beautiful sandy beaches that also back onto a challenging golf course.
Vila Viçosa
The Duke’s palace belongs to the House of Bragança, the last Portuguese dynasty. It is an imposing building, with a Renaissance facade and a museum-library. Other places of interest: Castle (13th-14th centuries, with Santa Maria Church); Santo Agostinho Church (13th-18th centuries); Chagas de Cristo Convent; Nossa Senhora da Esperança Monastery; Castelo Novo (Renaissance).
Regional Gastronomy
- Carne de porco à alentejana (pork with clams and cilantro) and migas
- Cilantro bread soup
- Rabbit and hare
- Soups (fish, tomato, gaspacho)
- Kid and lamb stews
- Egg sweets
- Cheeses: Nisa, Serpa and Évora. Red and white wines: Borba, Redondo, Reguengos, Vidigueira, Granja-Amareleja
and Alentejo
Regional Handicrafts
- Arraiolos rugs
- Portalegre tapestries
- Nisa embroideries
- Wrought-iron workss
- Hand-painted furniture
- Leather goods
- Glazed and painted pottery and earthenware