Visit Portugal - In the heart of the Alentejo

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In the heart of the Alentejo /

Follow a romantic itinerary, right in the heart of the Alentejo.

Start in Évora, that has been classified as a World Heritage site. The city conserves a valuable set of historical-architectural buildings, including the Roman temple, the Cathedral, the University or the façades of the old palaces. Relax in the Praça do Giraldo or in other squares that entice us to sit down and soak up the slow rhythm of the Alentejo, in front of a fountain or under refreshing arcades.

During the day, visitors can travel through the historic centre in a horse-drawn carriage or take an evening stroll where the street lighting accentuates the romantic atmosphere. At lunch or dinner-time, try out some regional cuisine in one of the city’s restaurants.

If you decide against spending the night in Évora, there will still be time to visit Monsaraz. This well-preserved walled mountain village looks out over a wide panorama that includes the blue expanse of the Alqueva dam. If you travel North, discover the olive- and cork-tree landscape of the Serra d’Ossa and sleep in the Convent of São Paulo, a genuine Hotel-Museum covered with "azulejo" tiles, on route to Redondo.

On the following morning, visit Vila Viçosa and its Ducal Palace, including the Carriages, Hunting quarters and Treasury. Pass through Borba on your way to Estremoz and ascend to the castle. If you’re still hungry, have lunch in the Pousada de Santa Isabel, that earned its name because the city was the last refuge of Isabel of Aragon, the Holy Queen.

After lunch, visit Évoramonte and its castle, suspended on the horizon, and contemplate the infinite landscape of mountains and plains.

Round off the day in Arraiolos, where you can stay in another former monastery that has been converted into a Pousada. This town of white houses, is famous for its magnificent carpets, and visitors can watch the skilful embroideresses as they design intricate oriental motifs, that conjure up histories of sultans and enchanted Moorish maidens, that seem to come straight out of the 1001 nights.

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