Alentejo is a central region located in Portugal which borders Spain. This past October 2024, I did a road trip with my parents down through the Algarve and into parts of Alentejo. It’s an area not too many people go to, so here I have put together a list of places to visit in Alentejo so you can make the most of your own itinerary.
Its capital Evora was actually my first home when moving to Portugal. I’ll admit that it wasn’t my first choice, but I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to live here. Had I not lived here before Lisbon I probably never would have.
Let’s go over the places to visit on your next trip to Alentejo. Enjoy!
Places to Visit in Alentejo
Evora
Evora is the capital of Alentejo and definitely worth a visit. I may be biased as I called Evora home for almost 8 months. This may be Alentejo’s capital, but it sure is small. The city center is very walkable and can be done in a day.
If you enjoy museums and restaurants then I would suggest a weekend or even up to 3 days to get the most of Evora.
For my budget travel readers, I have put together a list of Free Things To Do in Evora.
In addition to free activities, you can also enjoy even more of Evora by doing these things as well.
Evora Highlights:
- Chapel of Bones and Roman Temple
- City Tour with Entrance Tickets to Main Monuments
- Walking Tour and Portuguese Wine Tasting
- Guided Hike to Almendres Megalithic
Monsaraz
Located on a mountain right near the border with Spain is the cutest little town of Monsaraz. The center of the town is medieval and will have you feeling like you’ve traveled back in time. It has a lot of its original architecture and the views are spectacular.
It is small so there isn’t too much to do. If you are only passing by I would recommend a day here at most. There’s lots of cute little shops and restaurants to check out.
If you have more time, you can stay at some of the local accommodation and wander around nearby to other towns in the area.
Monsaraz Highlights:
- Castle
- Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Sao Bento Fort (was star-shaped)
- Alqueva Lake and Dam
- Museu do Azeite (Olive Oil Museum)
Marvao
The beautiful hilltop medieval town of Marvao is one you will not want to miss while visiting Alentejo. The roads leading up here are curvy so be careful as you make your way up. Marvao is in the Saint Mamede Mountains National Park.
The reason I knew I would be adding this city to our itinerary was because of a similar photo to the one I took below. The one I saw was taken during the spring so I’ll have to be back, but doesn’t it make you want to visit too?
It so happened that when I visited there was a festival going on so it was crowded. We actually couldn’t drive all the way up as there were so many cars. There’s a parking lot farther down where we had to leave the car and then take a bus the rest of the way up, about a 15 minute drive.
On October 4th, 5th, and 6th, is the Festival Al Mossassa, a tribune to Islamic culture and Ibn Maruan, founder of Marvao and Badajoz, Spain. Without knowing about this festival, we visited on these dates and were transported to the 9th century with performances, music, and food. Plan accordingly if you plan to go around these dates as beforehand they’ll be preparing and afterwards, breaking things down.
Marvao Highlights:
- Kayak and Paddle Tour
- Buggy and Quad Tour
- Smuggling Route Walking Adventure
- Natural Park Expedition by Land Rover
- Canyoning Adrenaline Activity
Elvas
One of the larger cities nearing the border with Spain is Elvas. This city is known for the massive well-kept fortress located just outside as well as an impressive aqueduct consisting of over 840 arches!
The castle in the center of the city is the oldest part of the city. You can find museums (Contemporary art and Photography) as well as the Old Cathedral and lots of churches.
We were most impressed by the size of the aqueduct which was designed by the same architect, Francisco de Arruda, who designed the Tower of Belem in Lisbon. Although we didn’t make it to the Fortress of Santa Luzia due to time, we were left amazed by just the sheer size of it while we drove by.
Elvas Highlights:
- Amoreira Aqueduct
- Saint Lucia Fortress
- Historic Center Walking Tour
- World Heritage Tour
Vila Viçosa
If you’re looking for a cute, less visited spot on your road trip, then Vila Viçosa is perfect for you! It’s not as easily accessible via public transportation so a car is the best way to get here. This lush village is known as the Princess of Alentejo and you’ll quickly see why as it is truly an open air museum with fertile land surrounding it.
It is home to marble quarries from which many decorative pieces have been made. The marble is of superior quality and known throughout the world. You can visit a quarry on a marble tour. This is the best way to understand how it goes from its natural state into beautiful pieces.
Vila Viçosa Highlights:
- Vila Viçosa Ducal Palace and Gardens
- Vila Viçosa Castle
- Marble Museum
- Capuchos Church and Convent
- City Walking Tour
- Marble Tour
Beja
Beja was a city whose name I would see often when taking the bus from Lisbon to Evora, but had never visited. I decided that the road trip was the best time to go to see if it would be worth a longer visit in the future.
Beja highlights:
- Beja Castle
- Convent of our Lady of Conception
- Hospital of Mercy (15th Century)
- Museum of Jorge Vieira (Contemporary Art)
Mertola
Mertola is a perfect addition to your trip if you are already going or planning to do the only time zone crossing zip line that goes from Spain to Portugal! This charming and peaceful walled town is the relaxing stop you need before or after an adrenaline stop. It’s located high on a hill overlooking the Guadiana River with mountains and views for days.
It’s far enough off the beaten path that you may not see other tourists during your visit. We actually only saw maybe a handful during our half day stay. While arriving to this medieval town and walking around its cobblestone streets, you’ll have a view of the castle. It’s definitely the crown jewel of Mertola.
This town has Moorish history so you’ll find a souk to buy great quality souvenirs. There is even an Islamic Art Museum and in designs you’ll see upon entering the historic center.
Mertola Highlights:
Which of these Alentejo, Portugal cities will you be visiting first? Let me know in the comments!
Related Posts
- Getting from Lisbon to Evora
- Lisbon Airport to City Center
- Free Things To Do in Evora, Portugal
- 8 Day Trips from Lisbon
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