Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Reguengos de Monsaraz, Portugal

The eastern region of Alentejo, located near the Spanish border, underwent a significant transformation in the early 2000s when the Alqueva Dam was constructed. This project resulted in the impoundment of the Guadiana River, leading to the creation of a vast reservoir. Despite its artificial origins, the reservoir and its surroundings boast breathtaking views, complemented by a beach and a watersport center.

In terms of cultural heritage, the historic village of Monsaraz resembles a living museum, perched atop a hill and surrounded by medieval fortifications. As night falls, the town dims its lights, allowing for a spectacular view of the starlit sky.

Let us delve into the noteworthy attractions in Reguengos de Monsaraz:

1. Monsaraz Village

The picturesque village of Monsaraz is positioned on a ridge overlooking the Guadiana Valley. The historic center, enclosed by walls exhibiting both medieval and early-modern designs, features a narrow network of pedestrian pathways. These pathways are lined with traditional whitewashed houses, artisan shops, and local restaurants.

The serene atmosphere and absence of vehicles create an enchanting sense of nostalgia. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to explore the chapels, the pillory, and the Mannerist parish church. On the eastern side, a lookout point offers a stunning perspective of the Alqueva Reservoir, nestled amid golden and green fields, though it is important to note that the views from every angle of the village are remarkable.

2. Monsaraz Castle and Walls

Visitors may find themselves drawn to the town’s historical defenses. The ridge served as a strategic refuge against invaders, with fortifications built by the Moors, Visigoths, Romans, and even Bronze Age civilizations. Exploring the area reveals an array of military architectural styles developed over 500 years, predominantly crafted from schist stone.

The 17th-century defensive structures are distinguishable by their low profile and diagonal orientation. The east wall features a metal footbridge that allows visitors to view the remnants of the bastion. Additionally, the 13th-century castle keep is located south of the town, at its highest point, complete with a small bullring encircled by walls that provide stunning vistas.

3. Wine Tours

In 2015, Reguengos de Monsaraz was honored as the “European Wine City” by RECEVIN, the European Network of Wine Cities. The surrounding countryside boasts seven cooperatives and wine estates. One notable estate is Herdade do Esporão, recognized as one of Portugal’s premier wine brands.

Two decades prior, a tasting center and restaurant were established, overlooking the cultivated vineyards and the reservoir beyond. The warm climate favors red wines, and a distinctive storage method is employed in local wineries such as Adega José de Sousa, where wines mature in clay amphorae, a technique dating back to Roman times.

4. Olaria de São Pedro do Corval

Upon entering Corval, it becomes evident that pottery is integral to the village’s identity, as it is the largest pottery center in Portugal. The main thoroughfare features numerous potteries and shops displaying their products. The local tradition of pottery-making has prehistoric origins, capitalizing on the abundant clay deposits in the area.

Corval is home to 26 operating potteries, and beyond shopping for their exquisite wares, visitors have the opportunity to observe master potters at work. The interpretation center at Casa do Barro provides insights into the processes involved, from baking to glazing. The village is particularly renowned for its plates, bowls, and jugs adorned with pastoral themes.

5. Alqueva Reservoir

The sight of this expansive body of water is a striking reminder of its relatively recent creation. The Alqueva Reservoir, completed less than two decades ago, resulted from the gradual flooding of the valleys branching from the Guadiana River due to the construction of the Alqueva Dam, a significant engineering feat.

Despite being man-made, the reservoir captivates visitors with its beauty. Along the valleys, narrow creeks meander, while the elevated areas are dotted with islands adorned with olive trees, cork oaks, and holm oaks. Both walkers and cyclists can explore the trails, while ample opportunities for water-based activities await.

6. Reserva Dark Sky Alqueva

For enthusiastic stargazers, it’s advisable to bring telescopes, as the towns lining the shores of Alqueva work collaboratively to minimize artificial light. This initiative has earned the region the designation of a “Starlight Tourism Destination,” a designation supported by UNESCO and the World Tourism Organization.

The region’s climate, characterized by low rainfall and minimal cloud cover, enhances the visibility of the night sky, which is made all the more grand by the flat terrain. The constellations, planets, and myriad stars are distinctly visible, creating a breathtaking celestial panorama that must be witnessed firsthand.

7. Observatório do Lago Alqueva

Due to minimal light pollution and clear skies on approximately 80% of nights throughout the year, the lake’s observatory should be included in your itinerary. Monitoring the weather forecast can lead to an awe-inspiring experience at this newly established attraction. Nightly sessions typically run from around 21:30 until 01:00, where visitors can observe the skies with an informed bilingual guide.

Families with children will be treated to an engaging and accessible presentation, while more scientifically inclined guests can explore in-depth discussions about the structure of galaxies and nebulae.

8. Cromeleque do Xerez

The municipality of Reguengos de Monsaraz is rich in prehistoric monuments, with a particularly notable site being the cromlech located near the reservoir. Initially obscured until the 20th century, it was properly identified in the 1960s and later restored, although the entire site had to be relocated slightly following the construction of the Alqueva Dam.

This cromlech is estimated to be over 5,000 years old and consists of 50 granite stones arranged in a square configuration around a solitary central menhir, all designed with an implied phallic form.

9. Castelo de Esporão

This medieval castle tower serves as a prominent symbol on the labels of Herdade do Esporão wine. Constructed in the latter half of the 15th century by a nobleman of the House of Braganza, the whitewashed tower features a fortified arched portal leading to an exhibition of prehistoric archaeology, following the discovery of a megalithic settlement on the estate in 1996. A spiral staircase provides access to the parapet, offering panoramic views over the expansive vineyards.

Additionally, visitors will find the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios hermitage characterized by its frescoes in the chancel.

10. Ermida de Nossa Senhora do Rosário de Corval

This hermitage, adorned with whitewashed walls accented by blue, dates back to the 1500s and underwent renovations two centuries later. It is particularly striking when viewed from the outside, especially due to its conical turrets and crenellated wall at the rear. Visitors to this chapel are encouraged to pair their visit with a stop at a nearby prehistoric menhir.

Historically, during drought conditions, a pilgrimage would occur from the chapel to this stone, known as Rocha dos Namorados, reflecting the town’s pagan customs associated with fertility due to the stone’s resemblance to a uterus.

11. Megaliths

The Cromeleque do Xerez and Rocha dos Namorados are two of six megalithic sites located near Reguengos de Monsaraz, providing ample opportunities for those interested in prehistory. Another noteworthy site is the Museu Megalítico José Maria da Fonseca, which houses a 6,000-year-old menhir in an indoor exhibit.

This menhir is particularly significant, featuring prehistoric engravings of dimples, circles, as well as images of a trapezoidal axe and snake. The museum’s display cases further exhibit handaxes and various tools from the same era. For additional exploration, visitors can discover the menhirs at Outeiro and Belhoa, as well as the funerary dolmens in Olival da Pega.

12. Aldeia da Luz

The village of Luz was one of the communities affected by the Alqueva Dam project, leading to its relocation three kilometers uphill. The decision to move the entire village was a significant undertaking, aiming to ensure that residents retained familiar streets and neighbors.

Walking through this village, characterized by typical whitewashed architecture that has only existed for the past 15 years, offers a sense of eeriness. The Museu da Luz provides insights into the village’s relocation and offers a view of the reservoir where Luz once stood.

13. Praia Fluvial de Monsaraz

Over the past decade, the municipality has established an activity center along the lakeshore, which includes the river beach (Praia Fluvial de Monsaraz). Opened in 2017, it received the Blue Flag award in its inaugural year.

The beach features a stretch of golden sand accompanied by a bar, parasols, showers, a picnic area, and clear waters perfect for swimming. For those eager to explore the lake, Monsaraz Adventure is available to provide canoes, stand-up paddleboards, rowboats, or even yachts for a memorable experience on one of Europe’s largest reservoirs.

14. Alqueva Cruise

The Centro Náutico De Monsaraz, situated by the beach, serves as the embarkation point for cruises on the reservoir. Two enterprises, Monsaraz Adventure and Cruzeiros Alqueva, offer a variety of trip options.

Participants can choose between group excursions or private charters, which may involve fishing, exploring scenic spots along the banks, or docking at islands within the reservoir. Guided tours will highlight the area’s unique wildlife while also providing a view of the magnificent Monsaraz and its hilltop castle, which adds to the allure of this experience.

15. Cuisine

Even a modest meal in Alentejo can be a delightful experience, courtesy of the region’s abundant local produce. Complementing a glass of wine, one might enjoy local olives, sheep’s or goat’s cheese, and various cured sausages made from porco preto (free-range Iberian pigs). These delicacies pair excellently with crusty Alentejano bread.

The dining experience in Monsaraz tends to be straightforward yet fulfilling. The cuisine features game varieties such as boar, hare, rabbit, or partridge, as well as hearty stews prepared with lamb or a combination of sausage and pork. Historically, resourcefulness has been key, resulting in dishes like açorda and migas that utilize leftover bread, olive oil, meat, and vegetables creatively.