Things to do & places to visit in Alentejo, Portugal

Alentejo #5 destination in Portugal 2023. The average rating score is 4.42 based on 52.2k traveler reviews, of 120 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Lisbon, current date and time: Wednesday, May 01, 2024, 1:40.

Top things to do (30)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Parque Natural da Arrábida (1.697 reviews)
- Great beaches. But be early
Spent 2-3 hours National Parks

Really nice beaches with calm water. Be sure to be on time as it can get really busy and there are not that many places to park your car. If you Arellano Felix to visit in the afternoon, it is better to make use of the shuttle busses that are operating in the area. See more..
4.5 Capela dos Ossos (5.596 reviews)
- Interesting venue - but go through a tour
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

The walls and pillars of the chapel, built in the century XVII, are lined with thousands of human bones and skulls. Ceilings with murals realtivas death. Written on a plaque next to the door, the phrase "We bones that are here for your hope", reminds us how fleeting passage through life. See more..
4.5 Santuario Nacional de Cristo Rei (3.292 reviews)
- Went for the views
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Monuments & Statues

This is an easy visit by public transport especially if you want to go away from Lisbon. Although the statue can be observed from Lisbon, we took a trip to Cacilhas not only for a closer view of the statue but to view the city from the other side of the suspension bridge and the Tagus River. We walked to Cais do Sodré from our hotel, took a ferry ride (less than 10 min - return ticket for Euro2) then took the bus 3001 (euro1.25). Cristo Rei, a huge cross, a souvenir shop, a cafeteria with washrooms, a park and beautiful views of the suspension bridge and Lisbon city awaits you. You can go up closer to the statue for Euro6 but there was a queue and we weren’t too keen. We took the bus back as the road to walk down doesn’t look too pleasant to walk as some parts of it is in construction. See more..
4.5 Centro Histórico de Évora (2.543 reviews)
- A Real Treat
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Walking Areas

The city of Evora is world heritage not only for its monuments. Their culture, their streets, whitewashed houses, the latticed balconies, their uneven sidewalks, its Gothic doors and windows, narrow and irregular streets of the Jewish quarter, its whiteness contrasting with the blue sky, its people , traditions and cuisine, among others make Evora is one of the best preserved world heritage cities. Stroll through its elegant medieval arcades and the unpretentious streets breathe history in Romans, Arabs and medieval manor and detail framed by the picturesque. Get regional crafts, indulge in the cuisine of the area and be sure to enjoy their famous wines. With a good hotel infrastructure, with many good restaurants, with warm people and beautiful monuments, Evora awaits your visit. See more..
4.5 Cathedral of Évora (Sé Catedral de Évora) (2.174 reviews)
- Climb on the Roof for Great views of Evora and a cool experience
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Religious Sites

Roman-Gothic 12th century cathedral. Guard a valuable treasure. Spectacular visit the cloisters of the cathedral and coverage, with magnificent views of the historic center. Is part of the monumental complex as a Unesco World Heritage See more..
4.5 Centro Cultural de Marvao (1.390 reviews)
- Castle / Forification at the very BEST
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Dinner Theaters • Theatre & Performances

This was our first stop from crossing into Portugal from Spain - and great opening for our trip indeed. The castle look very small from afar - but once you park the car outside the city walls and start climbing it become more amazing in every step up. We climbed to the castle via the walls - not via the streets ( those we used to walk down ). It nice steep climbing and with some beautiful pictures to take. The map at the entrance is very detailed and informative. See more..
4.5 Monsaraz Castle and Walls (1.319 reviews)
- Historical Walled Town With Spectacular Views
Castles

Monsaraz is one of the gems of Portugal and after the major urban centres of Lisbon and Porto, should be one of the first in the list of places to visit when touring Portugal. Monsaraz has preserved its medieval buildings and town walls, although settlement on the hill dates from prehistory. The walls proved ineffective as the town passes from Christians to Muslims, back to Christians and back to Muslims and once the Muslims were defeated it passed between the Spanish and the Portuguese. These days it's possible to walk along part of the walls and castle and see the splendid views they offer over the surrounding countryside. Well worth a visit and highly recommended. You cannot drive into the town, but there are several carparks outside the walls and then a short walk of 100 metres, or so, into the town. See more..
4.5 Centro Interpretativo dos Almendres (1.277 reviews)
- The place to buy quality cork products.........and to be awed.
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Ancient Ruins

Short drive through interesting countryside out of town. Then a drive through cork tree orchards to reach this special place. What happened here centuries ago?? Amazing that they could move these stones!! We're not big shoppers but so glad we stopped at the storefront at the entry to buy quality cork products, rather than the cheap-looking alternatives in town. See more..
4.5 Cabo Espichel (999 reviews)
- Off the beaten path
Lookouts • Geologic Formations

Cape Espichel is just an hour’s drive from Libson, but its dramatic windswept cliffs and stunning ocean views are a world away from Lisbon’s hustle and bustle. The cape is celebrated as the location where an image of the Virgin Mary was discovered around 1410. The Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel was built in the early 1700s to house the image. The growing number of visiting pilgrims led to the construction of inns, an aqueduct, and even an opera house (now in ruins). A small white chapel, the Ermida da Memória (Chapel of Memory) sits near the cliffs where the Virgin appeared. One of the oldest lighthouses in Portugal, Farol do Cabo Espichel, is also here. Warning: weather can make all the difference in your experience. We were lucky to have a clear day to enjoy the panoramic views (lots of walking too). Cabo Espichel is breathtakingly beautiful and off the beaten path. Public transportation won’t get you here (we came on a Lisbon Riders tour). See more..
4.5 Paco Ducal (760 reviews)
- Astonishing architecture
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Architectural Buildings

For those who love architecture, this is a must see. What's more, without knowing, you'd never expect such building in this town, with its small houses, narrow streets, a character of laid back, calm, and rural. And then you round aonther corner and find yourself opposite a palatial building that needs not hide from its counterparts in cities like Lisbon - great to see. See more..
4.5 Troia Beach (713 reviews)
- Amazing beach
Beaches

A must visit beach if doing a tour of Portugal as we are. A few nights here is enough and it’s a good location en route from Porto, Lisbon to the Algarve. The beach is stunning although can be windy. The sea is cold but crystal clear. Just be careful of the sea currents if with smaller children... See more..
4.5 Herdade do Esporao (609 reviews)
- A walk through Alentejo region
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Wineries & Vineyards

It was a couple family trip, with a visit to the vineyards, wine tasting followed by lunch: the staff is very pleasant and informed, fully available to answer all the questions. Their knowledge of the wines made is extensive, both to a wine expert but also to a common tourist that desires to learn a little bit more. The lunch was the 5 moment experience in the menu, with a mix between Alentejo ingredients and modern cooking, along with wines choice of the chef. For someone who wants to know a little bit of this region is a great experience, finished with a great view and weather over the vineyards and lake. See more..
4.5 Mercado do Livramento (601 reviews)
- Grapes, Cheese and Ginja
Spent < 1 hour Farmers Markets

We visited during a tour and loved the options available. I bought fresh green grapes, cheese and tasted the ginja at a small cafe. Highly recommend buying the sheep cheese, fruits and anything else that catches your eyes. See more..
4.5 Praia da California (590 reviews)
- Sandy beach and nice bars
Beaches

This is a pleasant sandy beach with good facilities, and a boulevard with several nice bars, restaurants ans boutiques. Combine with a trip to the Castelo. See more..
4.5 Adega Mayor (567 reviews)
- Wine tasting
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

>, Rui Nabeiro had a dream and the work was born. Based on the know-how of a vast team, Comendador Rui Nabeiro made real and exceeded his dream. And therefore, Campo Maior, a land that only provides for those who love it, once again reveals all its splendour. Evidencing this is a legendary tradition, a unique winery and a taste that comes from the age of times. Campo Maior, formerly a wine production village, once again allows for the vine roots to drink its essence and grow the best grapes. Form and flavours come later, when the grapes receive all the care and attention that only experience and knowledge from a well-prepared and qualified team can provide. The Winery In the beautiful and untouched landscape of the Alentejo plain in Campo Maior, Siza Vieira erected an original building, a horizontal construction, painted in white and divided in two floors longwise, with a third floor intended for tourism and promotion of the Adega Mayor wines. The calmness arising from this simple construction contrasts with the complexity housed within, where monumental areas intended for production and storage go hand in hand with the social areas, designed for tasting and enjoying the wine. The 40*120 m rectangle of the winery is founded on the existing cavity and 9m walls stand tall from there. Access to the building is located at the southwest end. The architect Siza Vieira reserved the upper floor for the social and public aspect of wine. There, a tasting room was created, opening into a panoramic terrace with a lawn and a lake, headed by a sculpted marble panel, also designed by the architect, where the silhouettes of a coffee cup, a glass of wine and a bottle overlap. This panoramic terrace provides a view over the estate's vineyard and the olive grove, extending further to Spain and the Serra de Portalegre. Enotourism Come experience a larger and see firsthand how we design the wines from Adega Mayor. We have a wide offer of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, e... See more..
4.5 Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça (557 reviews)
- It's an amazing and huge fortress that deserves a guided tour
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

It' a fantastic and enormous XVIII century fortress very well restaured. The interior is a labyrinth, so without a guide, you probably would miss something important. We had the luck to find Mr. José Belfo, who made a quite interesting tour, including at the final two of the more interesting churches of Elvas, the Dominicas and Ordem Terceira de São Francisco. See more..
4.5 Aqueduto Da Amoreira (512 reviews)
- Huge aqueduct
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is a very nice aqueduct and it's huge. It sits right outside of the historic center of Elvas. Visit and see the wild flowers that sit outside the walls. See more..
4.5 Castelo de Palmela (504 reviews)
- Castle visit
Castles

Great morning spent walking around the Castle. 25 minute drive from Lisboa for a castle visit that is free of charge. A must do for anyone thinking of crossing the Tejo rover ( with a car) See more..
4.5 Muralhas de Évora (501 reviews)
- The awesome Walls of Évora!
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

While visiting Évora, in the Portuguese region of Alentejo, it will be impossible to miss the ancient Walls! Nearly untouched after so many centuries ... The "Walls of Évora" are remnants of the Roman years in "Lusitânia", dating partially from the 1st century ... They were later rebuilt by Visigoths and Moors, until Portuguese King Dom Afonso IV, in the 15th century, ordered their enlargement, with the construction of new ramparts, towers and gates, setting the limits of the medieval town. As you will notice, with so many additions, it has characteristics from many different military architectural styles. If time is not a constraint, you can even try to walk the whole perimeter of the awesome "Walls of Évora"! Enjoy! See more..
4.5 Igreja de Sao Francisco (491 reviews)
- Go inside after the chapel of bones
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

The church has a gothic style - vaulted ceiling which is breathtaking. We were very fortunate to look inside after visiting the chapel of bones (next door) and they were playing the organ and the baroque flute! Very peaceful inside. Look at the ceiling and catch the different symbols inserted in circles to mark the terminations of the arches of the vault. Approach the central altar and you will see another vault to the left. It felt like finding lots of Easter eggs there. See more..
4.5 Praia de Galapinhos (491 reviews)
- Paradise
Beaches

Been going here for the vast majority of my life. This is by far the hidden gem of the Arrabida beaches, this one and “Coelhos” next door... both require you to hike and that’s the reason that still to this day, they retain the privacy and its beauty. No matter what month it is, what the weather is doing, where exactly in the world I am, my heart’s always here 100% See more..
4.5 Castelo da Rainha Santa Isabel (456 reviews)
- Excellent choice
Castles

We spent 1 night as part of a tour group. The hotel incorporates part of a medieval castle overlooking the village. The room and bathroom were a good size. There were great views and the corridors were filled with antiques. The shower was very good, the wi-fi was good the staff wee very helpful, the breakfast was very good and the included dinner was excellent See more..
4.5 University of Evora (445 reviews)
- A university campus dating from the 16th century!
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Universities & Schools

In 1559, the famous Infante Dom Henrique, Cardenal of Évora and future King of Portugal, commissioned the construction of the "Colégio do Espírito Santo", a seminar for the young members and future priests of the "Companhia de Jesus". The college became later the "Universidade do Espírito Santo" and, in 1973, the "Universidade de Évora" was created. Today, near 8,000 students attend classes in its 16th century campus! Visit the ancient cloisters, check the magnificent Portuguese tiles and the church turned into classroom! Enjoy! See more..
4.5 Castelo de Mértola (408 reviews)
- Spectacular views
Castles

There are spectacular views of the castle, sitting on the hill high above the river, as you drive into Mertola from the south. The castle dates from the 13th century and it was originally a Moorish fortification. The interior of the castle is rather plain, however there is a large and imposing tower in one corner, which would have been the last refuge for the defenders if the walls were breached. The views from the walls of the town and the river are wonderful. It is incredible to think that there was a ferry service from Mertola to Vila Real de Santo Antonio until the 1960s. There is an entrance fee, and the castle may not be open between 1230 and 1400, however off season the ticket booth seems to be closed, at least it was when we visited in late November and early March, and it seems to be open all day. See more..
4.5 Parque da Paz (400 reviews)
- Great Park in Almada!
Spent 2-3 hours Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

Relax, breath, walk, go jogging, get rid of the stress. Parque da Paz is a great place to visit while in Margem Sul. Well structured and clean! See more..
4.5 Fortaleza de Santiago (378 reviews)
- A nice museum
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Fortress of Santiago AD 1648 is located at the beach side of Sesimbra. The fortress was constructed during the Restoration War (1640-1668) to strengthening Portugal’s Atlantic defences against the Spanish navy. The fortress has a solid appearance. The interior you find the residence of the Governor, the garrison barracks, cisterns, a warehouse and a chapel dedicated to Saint James. The fortress was damaged during the 1755 earthquake that struck much of Portugal. The last military use was in 1846. The fortress host a museum of the fishing of Sesimbra and a tourist shop. In the museum there is a peculiar church altar which can be closed with cabinet doors. See more..
4.5 Castelo de Sao Filipe (377 reviews)
- Worth the view
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Fortress of St. Philip An unmissable part of the tourist map, the Fortress of St. Philip was once an important stronghold for the defence and control of the city. Despite the lack of agreement among historians concerning the date its construction began, the fortress is dated to the year 1582, when King Philip II visited Setubal. The Castle of St. Philip, more frequently referred to as a fort or fortress, played a tactical role in strengthening the line of defence of the Portuguese coast that was attacked by pirates from northern Europe and Africa. Some of the most stunning panoramic views of the city and the bay can be seen from the walls of this fort. See more..
4.5 Ribeira do Cavalo Beach (358 reviews)
- Hidden gem in Sesimbra
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

One of the most beautiful beaches that I’ve visited in Europe. I felt like I’ve landed in one of the Mediterranean islands when I got to this beach. You need to drive to one of the recommended places on google maps and then walk about 1km and then walk down cliff between the vegetation that finished at this beautiful sandy beach. See more..
4.5 Observatorio do Lago Alqueva (358 reviews)
- Everything I dreamed of!
Wednesday: 4:30 PM - 11:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Science Museums • Observatories & Planetariums • Educational sites

The Observatorio do Lago Alqueva – OLA (Lake Alqueva Observatory) is an astronomical observatory next to the medieval village of Monsaraz. OLA offers almost daily tours of the magnificent night sky of Monsaraz, where one can learn the orientation by the North Star, identify the constellations and know their legends, relate stellar colours with their ages, observe star clusters, nebulas and distant galaxies with the help of telescopes. The explanations are presented with clear examples and language by OLA’s guides. When the weather is cloudy, we resort to a simulation using astronomy software. The observatory also promotes courses on astronomy and astrophotography and has a vast program of outreach talks and activities for the general public, schools and senior groups. See more..
4.5 Pulo do Lobo (352 reviews)
- Waterfalls in Guadiana River, Alentejo
Bodies of Water

I was coming from Mértola and Minas de São Domingos were I've spent the morning and took the national road N265 in direction towards Serpa. Some kilometers after Minas de São Domingos you''ll have a sign ''Pulo do Lobo''on your right indicating to turn on the left. The roead becomes narrower and the last 2 kilometers are on gravel so you have to slow down. Then you'll find a parking place and you'll see the valley down there, the meanders of the Guadiana River and the Pulo do Lobo waterfalls! Really impressive and unusual landscape for Alentejo region as the rivers normally have no cliffs and run close to the river banks! If your intention is to get closer to the waterfalls then you must take the road connecting Mértola to Beja (IC27) and turning to the right after passing Mértola's urban area towards the Guadiana Natural Park. See more..