Summary
The expansive Alentejo region occupies nearly the entire lower third of Portugal.
This area is primarily agricultural, with vast wheat fields sustaining the nation since the Middle Ages.
Historically, Alentejo served as the principal pathway into Portugal from Spain, and the numerous medieval castles within the region testify to the historically complex relationship between the two nations.
The capital city, Évora, is a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by medieval walls and featuring hidden Roman ruins.
Evidence of human habitation extends far back beyond Roman times, visible through hundreds of Neolithic monuments scattered across the region.
This article explores the most notable attractions in Alentejo:
1. Évora
Évora features a pristine historic center and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering an extensive array of attractions.
The town has been fortified with walls for 2,000 years, and the Moorish influence is still present in Évora’s narrow, dark cobblestone streets.
Among the many historical landmarks, there is a Gothic cathedral constructed in phases until the 18th century, showcasing remarkable 14th-century carvings of the apostles on its ogival portal.
Within Évora’s medieval and Renaissance houses exists evidence of ancient civilization, particularly at the Roman Temple of Diana, which features Corinthian columns crafted from granite, adorned with exquisite capitals made from Estremoz marble.
2. Amoreira Aqueduct
In the 16th century, the fortified city of Elvas faced a water shortage, as the existing wells were drying up; consequently, the decision was made to channel water from Amoreira, located eight kilometers away.
The undertaking faced numerous challenges, including warfare, resulting in its completion in 1622—93 years after its initiation.
The outcome is a magnificent structure of impressive scale, featuring four levels of arches that dominate nearly every building nearby.
This aqueduct is the largest on the Iberian Peninsula and forms part of Elvas’ designated World Heritage site.
3. Elvas Fortifications
The considerable height of the Amoreira Aqueduct stems from its design to withstand siege attacks.
This characteristic was critical for Elvas, a garrison town that experienced fierce conflict during both the Portuguese Restoration War and the War of the Spanish Succession in the 17th and 18th centuries.
In the artillery era, the solution was to construct the world’s largest bulwarked dry ditch defense system.
The extensive defensive gates, walls, and bastions extend for five kilometers, bolstered by the 18th-century Nossa Senhora da Graça Fort, which provides protection from the hill to the south.
4. Castle of Marvão
This castle is situated in the eastern town of Marvão, boasting a breathtaking location atop quartzite cliffs that rise nearly 1,000 meters high.
The construction of this castle began under Moorish rule in the 8th century and was subsequently reinforced several times after Marvão was captured by Christian forces in the 1100s.
Since then, it has served as a defensive outpost along the border with Spain.
Visitors can explore the castle’s underground cistern or climb the two towers for views of the Spanish sierras and the picturesque town below, characterized by its terracotta tiles and whitewashed walls.
5. Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa
This magnificent palace was established in 1501 by Dom Jaime I as the residence for the Dukes of Braganza, who ascended to the Portuguese throne in 1640. In the square outside, there stands an equestrian statue of João IV, who ruled during the height of the Portuguese Empire in the 17th century.
Constructed in the Mannerist style, the palace features a façade measuring 110 meters in length.
Along the façade are pilasters and pediments intricately carved from local marble.
Inside, the palace has been preserved as a museum, showcasing 17th-century frescoes, exquisite azulejos, tapestries, marble fireplaces, and remarkable works of art including sculpture and goldsmithing.
6. Cabo Espichel
Could this be the most ideal location to witness the sunset? Situated about an hour south of Lisbon, this cliff-top location provides a stunning view as the sun descends into the Atlantic.
Many venture from the capital specifically to experience this natural marvel.
The limestone and breccia cliffs are resplendent in the gentle evening light and showcase Jurassic strata depositing fossils along the shore.
Additionally, historical traces of human settlement can be observed, particularly at the 17th-century fort’s ruins, which include a chapel, a 15th-century sanctuary, and ancient lodgings for pilgrims.
7. Praia de Tróia
From Setúbal, one can opt for either a direct ferry ride or a longer drive to reach this idyllic beach located at the mouth of the Sado River Estuary.
Praia de Tróia lies at the end of an elongated peninsula that is partially shielded from the Atlantic, making it safe for swimmers.
The more exposed sections attract kitesurfers, while the landward beach features crystal-clear waters reminiscent of a lagoon.
As you gaze at the white sands and take in the views across the estuary to the green slopes of Arrábida Nature Park, it is easy to forget you are not in the Caribbean.
8. Castle and Walls of Monsaraz
Situated close to the border with Spain, Monsaraz is a village that appears to hang in the clouds.
The remarkable height of the defensive walls encircles an intricate network of cobblestone streets, some of which are quite steep.
Monsaraz is strikingly beautiful from every perspective; the approach towards its imposing schist walls is unforgettable, and once atop the village, the views over the Guardiana Valley and Alqueva Lake to the east are breathtaking.
At one time, this settlement was entirely deserted, thus preserving much of its original architecture.
9. Museu Regional de Beja
Prior to entering the exceptional regional museum in Beja, take a moment to admire the exterior of the building.
Constructed in 1459, this museum was established by Ferdinand, Duke of Viseu, who was the father of King Manuel I. Pay attention to the Gothic pointed arches and the intricate multifoil balustrade atop the roof.
The interior features a stunning 17th-century Baroque church, adorned with gilded carved wood throughout.
Within the cloister, the arches and walls are decorated with vibrant glazed tiles from the 1600s.
The museum’s extensive collections date back to the Bronze Age and include Roman tombstones, medieval coats of arms, and 17th-century musical instruments.
10. Old Estremoz
Estremoz is one of Portugal’s principal sources of marble, offering a variety of colors from pristine white to deep black.
The highest portion of the town is a fortified area, encircled by crenellated walls and accessed through a gateway dating back to the 1300s.
Wander up the cobblestone path to the central square, where you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.
The imposing tower of the 13th-century palace, constructed from streaked marble, has been transformed into a Pousada (luxury historical hotel). Be sure to explore the 17th-century Capela de Santa Isabel, crafted from lustrous white marble and featuring beautiful azulejos within.
11. Almendres Cromlech
Located not far from Évora lies a captivating megalithic site; it constitutes the largest arrangement of organized menhirs in both Spain and Portugal and ranks among the largest in Europe.
This site features a striking arrangement of enormous granite stones in a clearing within a cork oak forest.
Some of the menhirs extend up to 3.5 meters in height, though the majority are approximately waist-high.
Take your time to walk around the circle to observe each stone, many of which display intriguing carvings, including spirals, circles, crescents, and the most common motif, an upside-down shepherd’s crook.
12. Arrábida Nature Park
The hills of this range, located east of Setúbal, rise dramatically from the coast, creating breathtaking viewpoints.
Traveling along the N379-1 coastal road, you will find numerous stops at which to pause and appreciate the ocean panoramas or the views down towards the Tróia Peninsula.
These steep hills conceal small coves and secluded beaches that feel exceptionally remote.
Those wishing to explore the landscape more personally will find that the area possesses a network of hiking and mountain biking trails winding through both evergreen and deciduous forests, sustained by a microclimate created by the steep terrain.
13. Praia do Malhão
Located north of the resort town of Vila Nova de Milfontes is a beach of extraordinary beauty.
Praia do Malhão is situated within the Southwest Alentejo National Park, ensuring it remains completely undeveloped.
It features an expanse of golden sand bordered by dunes that stretches for several kilometers, and the lack of any infrastructure provides a serene and secluded environment for those seeking tranquility and privacy. The beach is open to the full force of the Atlantic, making it less suitable for casual swimmers; however, it offers excellent conditions for bodyboarders and surfers taking advantage of the powerful waves.
14. Castelo de Palmela
The final castle on our tour is not situated along the Spanish border but rather on the Península de Setúbal, south of Lisbon, and it occupies the highest point for miles around.
This location has been inhabited since prehistory and has seen Romans, Visigoths, and Moors pass through its gates over the centuries.
The inner walls are the oldest, dating back to the 1100s, while the outer defenses were built in the 1600s to withstand artillery attacks.
Visitors can enjoy 360-degree views of the Sado Estuary, the Tróia peninsula, and the Serra da Arrábida range to the southwest.
On clear days, the city of Lisbon is visible from this vantage point, allowing guests to experience multiple breathtaking perspectives.
15. Food and Drink
In the eastern region, particularly around Évora, pata negra ham stands out as a local delicacy.
This hails from the black Iberian pig, which enjoys a free-range lifestyle and subsists on acorns, resulting in a meat that boasts a unique, rich flavor and marbled texture.
Elvas plums hold DOP protection; they are treated, soaked in sugar for six weeks, and subsequently sun-dried, making them an ideal complement to cheese at the conclusion of a meal.
Moreover, Alentejo is recognized as a wine-producing area, and those interested in the industry’s inner workings ought to consider a visit to the Herdade do Esporão winery in Monsaraz, which adopts New World vinification techniques (including temperature control equipment) while utilizing traditional Old World grapes such as Aragonês and Cabernet Sauvignon.
