The Alentejo in Portugal is still an underrated region, but slowly its gaining more and more popularity. We present you seven must-visit cities in the Alentejo that offer unique and memorable experiences. Are you ready to explore the seven timeless cities in the Alentejo region you don’t want to miss out?
1. Marvão
Marvão is located at an altitude of 862 meters and is a beautiful medieval village situated on a granite cliff that offers panoramic views over Spain. This 13th-century village is known for its impressive castle that merges with the natural rock formations.
When you walk through Marvão’s narrow streets lined with traditional whitewashed houses, don’t forget to visit the historic churches from the 15th century. Furthermore, stay a few days in one of the charming old hotels on the main street, where you can relax on the terrace and soak in the stunning landscape.
2. Monsaraz
Monsaraz is like stepping back in time and enjoying the old character of a traditional Portuguese town. This charming village brings you back to medieval times with its well-preserved castle and labyrinth of cobbled streets. In fact, the town has been occupied by its past occupants including Romans, Moors, and Knights Templar.
The layout of the small village is very simple with just two main streets filled with historic white buildings and cobblestone paths. However, the highlight of Monsaraz is definitely the castle, which offers incredible views of the surrounding countryside and the nearby Alqueva Lake. You can find more information, in our blog article about Monsaraz.
3. Évora
Évora is the biggest and one of Alentejos’s most fascinating cities as it stands out for its complex history influenced by Romans and Moors. Moreover, the UNESCO World Heritage city is famous for its well-preserved Roman Temple of Diana and the labyrinth of streets lined with traditional houses. Here, every street and corner tell a story of the city’s past, and you’ll feel like walking through a living museum.
However, Évora is also recognized for its delightful food and wine, which makes it a cultural capital of the region. In addition, this city serves as a gateway to the beautiful Alentejo countryside filled with cork trees.
4. Mértola
Mértola is located on a cliff overlooking the Guadiana River and was once a Mediterranean trading port. Therefore, this historic town is rich in its architectural and archaeological sites showcasing artifacts from various historical periods. Especially, the castle in Mértola offers a unique combination of history and natural beauty from where you can also enjoy breathtaking views over the Guadiana River.
Nevertheless, the whole centre of Mértola with its white-washed houses and the small narrow streets is worth a visit! It’s just perfect for taking a walk far away from the crowds and exploring the town’s different cultural influences. When you want to learn more about this magical town, check out our Mértola article.
5. Serpa
When you visit the Alentejo region, don’t forget to put also Serpa on your bucketlist. Although Serpa a is very small and calm town, it has a magical atmosphere wanting you to explore more about its old history.
The small village is surrounded by ancient walls, which are impressive to see. Moreover, you can visit the clock tower and the Castelo de Serpa with its incredible rock formation inside the town walls of Serpa. At the heart of Serpa is the square, Praça da República, a lively area filled with some cafes and restaurants, which are perfect for experiencing the local life. However, a visit to Serpa is also a great opportunity to try the delicious traditional sheep’s cheese for which the Alentejo’s small town is famous for! More information in our Serpa article.
6. Estremoz
Do you know that Portugal is the second largest exporter of marble in the world? This is due to the fact that Estremoz is known for its white marble and contributes 90% of Portugal’s production of white marble. Apart from that, Estremoz offers a mix of historical sites and modern culture.
The town with its white houses features a historic center with a medieval tower and impressive fortifications. On top, the castle of Estremoz is a perfect spot for enjoying the panoramic views of the Alentejo region. And if this is not enough, Estremoz is surrounded by vineyards, which are producing some of the region’s best wines. An absolute must-visit city for history and wine lovers!
7. Elvas
Elvas is a small town in the Alentejo and located close to the Spanish border. The town is known for its military history and architecture. In fact, Elvas is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its largest and best-preserved fortifications (Forts of Santa Luzia and Nossa Senhora da Graça) in Europe. Moreover, the town is located on a hill and surrounded by a huge city wall, which are protected by the two fortresses. Especially, the walls offer amazing views over the surroundings of the historic town.
Besides that, Elvas is the ideal city to enjoy the culinary traditions of the Alentejo’s region. Here, you will find many restaurants where you can taste local food and wines. To finally answer the question which cities to visit in the Alentejo, Elvas should definitely be listed on your bucket-list.
Alentejo guide: Which cities to visit
Each of these seven must-visit cities in our Alentejo guide is promising an unforgettable experience. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if you’re a history enthusiast, a food or wine lover, or you’re just looking for beautiful landscapes, the Alentejo region has something to offer for everyone.
