Overview of hilltop citadel of Marvao in Serra de Sao Mamede mountains.

Matt Munro

The Alentejo

You'll be bewitched – Portugal’s largest region, covering a third of the country, truly captivates. Think dry, golden plains, rolling hillsides and lime-green vines. A rugged coastline, traditional whitewashed villages, marble towns and majestic medieval cities. Plus a proud if melancholic people, who valiantly cling to their local crafts.

Attractions

Must-see attractions for your itinerary

  • Roman temple of Diana, Evora, Portugal

    Templo Romano

    Évora

    Once part of the Roman Forum, the remains of this temple, dating from the 2nd or early 3rd century AD, are a heady slice of drama right in town. It's…

  • EVORA PORTUGAL- October 20, 2015:The Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), Church of St. Francis.The Chapel gets its name because the interior walls are covered and decorated with human skulls and bones; Shutterstock ID 530589013; Your name (First / Last): Tom Stainer; GL account no.: 65050 ; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial ; Full Product or Project name including edition: Best in Europe 2017

    Capela dos Ossos

    Évora

    One of Évora’s most popular sights is also one of its most chilling. The walls and columns of this mesmerising memento mori (reminder of death) are lined…

  • Museu Regional de Beja

    Museu Regional de Beja

    Baixo Alentejo

    Beja's must-see attraction is set in a 15th-century Franciscan convent and the backdrop to an unlikely romance between a nun and soldier that inspired…

  • Cais Palafítico da Carrasqueira

    Cais Palafítico da Carrasqueira

    The Alentejo

    Built in the 1950s and 1960s, this ramshackle, zigzagging, interlocking pier on wooden stilts is one of Europe's last surviving of its kind. At sunset, it…

  • The equestrian statue of Joao IV and Palace Square (Terreiro Do Paco) of the Ducal Palace of Vila Vicosa (Paco Ducal). Portugal, 17th century.

    Paço Ducal

    Alto Alentejo

    The dukes of Bragança built their palace in the early 16th century when the fourth duke, Dom Jaime, grew tired of his uncomfortable hilltop castle. The…

  • Archaeologic ruins of roman city of Ammaia. Columns and pavement at South gate. Marvao, Portalegre, Portugal. ; Shutterstock ID 217053121; Your name (First / Last): Tom Stainer; GL account no.: 65050 ; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial ; Full Product or Project name including edition: Best in Europe 2017

    Cidade de Ammaia

    Alto Alentejo

    This excellent little Roman museum lies between Castelo de Vide and Marvão in São Salvador de Aramenha. From São Salvador head 700m south along the…

  • Panoramic of Almendres Cromlech, Evora, Portugal.

    Cromeleque dos Almendres

    Évora

    Set within a beautiful landscape of olive and cork trees stands this huge, spectacular oval of standing stones, 15km west of Évora. It is the Iberian…

  • MERTOLA, PORTUGAL: General view of the fortified village and the surrounding hills from the castle; Shutterstock ID 511409617; Your name (First / Last): Tom Stainer; GL account no.: 65050 ; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial ; Full Product or Project name including edition: Best in Europe 2017

    Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana

    Mértola

    Created in 1995, this zone of hills, plains and deep valleys around Serpa and Mértola shelters the Rio Guadiana, one of Portugal’s largest and most…

View more attractions

Articles

Latest stories from The Alentejo

Filter by interest:

Pork and clams unite in carne de porco à Alentejana © REDAV / Shutterstock

Food

The Alentejo: dining in Portugal’s land of tradition

Mar 28, 2017 • 5 min read

Read more articles

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of The Alentejo with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Go Beyond

The Alentejo and beyond

Beyond The Alentejo