Translating as “Beyond the Tagus River”, Alentejo is one of Portugal’s largest and wildest regions. It stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Spanish border in the east and meets the Algarve in the country’s south.
Things to do in Alentejo
With its UNESCO-listed settlements, scenic countryside and rugged coastline, Alentejo offers some of Portugal’s most memorable travel experiences.
Explore UNESCO-listed Evora. Evora is the largest city in Alentejo and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich history and cultural landmarks. Highlights include the Roman-built Temple of Diana and the 12th-century Cathedral of Evora, which is one of the most important Gothic monuments in Portugal. Also of note is the Capela dos Ossos, a small chapel covered in human bones.
Tour the star-shaped fort of Elvas. Elvas is a beautifully preserved medieval town home to the famous Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça. Marvel at the arched Amoreira Aqueduct and the Manueline-style Cathedral of Elvas before browsing the impressive Portuguese art collection of the Museu de Arte Contemporânea.
Beach hop along the coastline. Alentejo’s Atlantic beaches are among Portugal’s most beautiful, with plenty of sandy spots where you can swim, sunbathe and enjoy a range of water sports. Relax in the sleepy seaside village of Zambujeira do Mar, which forms part of Sudoeste Alentejano Nature Park, or go bird and dolphin watching on the Tróia Peninsula.
Get lost in Monsaraz. Listed as one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders, Monsaraz is a walled medieval village that oozes charm. Enter through the Porta da Vila to admire the village’s whitewashed houses and the 16th-century Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Lagoa. From the Castelo de Monsaraz, there are elevated views across the village and the immense Alqueva Dam.
Getting around Alentejo
Alentejo is around an hour’s drive from Lisbon and Humberto Delgado Airport and is well connected to the Portuguese capital by rail. Buses travel to towns and villages throughout Alentejo while renting a car gives you greater freedom to explore the region.