How long to stay in Alentejo? For a short trip, we suggest a 5-day itinerary, passing through the most charming and well-known cities.
Évora
Capital of Alentejo, is one of the most seductive cities of Portugal, Classified as National Heritage by UNESCO since 1996.
Dotted with historical monuments, Evora is also home to one of the world’s oldest universities and has a lively, vibrant, and bustling student population. Don't miss: Évora Cathedral; Roman Temple; São Francisco Church and Bones Chapel
Estremoz
House of many kings and queens of Portugal, especially King Dinis and Holy Queen Isabel. Among its main attractions are places like Estremoz Castle, the Torre das Três Coroas, the Convento de São Francisco and the Convento dos Congregados.
Vila Viçosa
Although small, this is one of the most precious and charming jewels of Alentejo. The village is truly an open-air museum. The name Vila Viçosa (lush village) is due to the fertility of the soils and the charming territory. Once here, walk through the Praça da República to the Colégio Church and the Castle of Vila Viçosa. Continue to the Ducal Palace and the Convent of the Agostinhos. End the afternoon at Raquel de Castro Marble Museum.
Elvas
Elvas, also known as the "Queen of the Border", is one of the jewels found on the border between the Alentejo and the Spanish Extremadura. Elvas was considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2012. This classification covers the entire historical centre, the 17th-century fortified walls, the Forte de Santa Luzia (Santa Luzia Fort), the Forte da Graça (Graça Fort), the Aqueduto da Amoreira (Amoreira Aqueduct) and the three smaller forts.
Monsaraz
A medieval village, marked by lime and schist, Monsaraz has managed to maintain its characteristics over the centuries. A trip
to Monsaraz is also a trip back in time. Its heritage includes the medieval Castle a unique touristic spot in Portugal. It is one of the most splendid places to look at the wonderful Alqueva Dam. This is the largest artificial lake in Europe and one of the greatest Portuguese constructions of the century.