The Alentejo is Portugal’s most undiscovered region but there are countless reasons to visit this magical landscape. Thanks to the diverse landscape, hilltop villages and many vineyards there is no shortage of unique places to stay in Alentejo. There is no doubt about it, if you want to find real Portugal you’ll find it during your stay in Alentejo.
WHERE TO STAY IN ALENTEJO
Alentejo is split into 3 sections Alto (high), Baixo (low) and Centro (you got it). Each section has it’s own charm and authentic experiences can be found across the entire region from top to bottom. If you have the time to spend I recommend visiting the whole region and make the most of everything- check out our 10-day Alentejo road trip for ideas. Don’t worry though if you only have a few days to explore Alentejo you’ll still leave with amazing memories.
*Some links included in this guide are affiliate links. This means if you click through one of these links and make a purchase I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you find my content useful or inspiring please consider using these links.
FINDING ACCOMMODATION IN ALENTEJO
Despite being more untouched than most of the rest of Portugal Alentejo has plenty of accommodation options available all over the region. I use a number of methods to find accommodation but often find Bookingcom comes up with the widest range of options . It is also worth noting that you should always try to support local businesses where possible, so if there is an option to book directly through them choose that.
If you want to find an authentic stay in a traditional village Casa Porfiros is your spot. This cosy well designed studio has a window that opens straight on to the street and looks out towards the church. Redondo is a gorgeous village in central Alentejo just a half an hour drive from Évora. The village is a maze of white buildings with colourful façades and is home to a wine museum. Redondo is a DOC wine region and there are plenty of well-known vineyards close by.
STAY INSIDE THE CASTLE WALLS | MARUAN HEAVEN, MARVÃO
3 bedroom holiday home : Sleeps 6
The perfectly kept Medieval village of Marvão is an essential stop on any Alentejo itinerary. You actually get to drive through the castle walls of this hilltop village to reach your stay at Maruan Heaven. The house still has original features and is equipped with everything you could need for a short or long stay. The best bit about Maruan Heaven though is the sunrise balcony overlooking beautiful Alentejo.
Relax in nature at this traditional Quinta in the serene São Serra Mamede natural park. To reach Quinta da Dourada you’ll drive through some of Portugal’s best scenery and then take a narrow gravel track to your very own slice of tranquility. The Quinta is family-run and you can guarantee owner Nuno will take good care of you during you stay.
This little haven of calm sits just 4km from the bustle of Évora. Stay in the best location in central Alentejo whilst remaining totally chilled. Quinta da Espada features traditional furniture in the bedrooms and alfresco breakfast is served on original Bordello Portuguese ceramics. Every detail and piece decoration at Quinta da Espada pays homage to Alentejo.
Monsaraz is one of Alentejo’s more well-known villages and with good reason. This hilltop village is a beauty to behold and you won’t help but gawk at it’s pretty streets and medieval details. For the ultimate experience in Monsaraz travel back in time and book a stay at Casa Tia Anica.
I recently returned from an 10 day road trip around Alentejo, Portugal. I drove 1500km around Portugal’s largest region in search of hidden villages, stunning views and unforgettable experiences. I found all of the above in abundance all thanks to curating this epic itinerary. By spending so much time on the road I was able to explore deeply and find the very best experiences the region has to offer.
On this particular Alentejo trip I stuck to the interior so you won’t see any coastal areas such as Porto Covo and Vila Nova de Milfontes in this itinerary. You can find a guide on the whole Alentejo region here (coming soon).
*Some links included in this guide are affiliate links. This means if you click through one of these links and make a purchase I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you find my content useful or inspiring please consider using these links.
WHY VISIT ALENTEJO?
The main reason I was attracted to Alentejo is that it still feels relatively undiscovered in comparison to many other places in Portugal. There are still a huge amount of sleepy villages, rolling swathes of countryside and (for me at least) the region offers an honest insight into Portuguese culture and lifestyle. I have always loved living in Portugal but perhaps in a somewhat superficial way (hot weather, cheap beer etc) but it was only when I returned from Alentejo that I started to understand more about the country and I feel so proud to call Portugal my adoptive home.
I’m not sure why Alentejo slips under most people’s radar when they visit Portugal but If it is somewhere you haven’t really thought of before then hopefully I’m about to change your mind.
If you want to find out more in-depth information about the Alentejo region don’t forget to visit the Visit Alentejo website.
WHERE IS ALENTEJO?
The Alentejo is the largest region in Portugal which is located on the Iberian peninsula. It is bordered by the Algarve, Lisbon and Central regions and despite being the largest region in the country it attracts the lowest number of visitors in mainland Portugal.
HOW TO GET TO ALENTEJO?
The region is easily accessible from all of Portugal’s major airports (Lisbon, Porto and Faro). Which one you choose will depend on how long you have in the region and what itinerary you are planning to take.
Although most towns and villages are accessible by train or (more likely) bus the best way to ensure you get the most out of Alentejo is by hiring a car. Having a car ill give you more freedom and flexibility with your itinerary but cruising around in your own four wheels (in my humble opinion) is the best way to experience Alentejo.
BEST 10 DAY ITINERARY FOR ALENTEJO
I spent 10 days exploring Alentejo and I there is still plenty more I still want to see but I do believe this 10 day itinerary will show you the absolute best of the region. I spent weeks of research making sure my itinerary included the perfect mix of medieval hilltop towns, quiet villages and true experiences. I also made sure I had gaps in my original itinerary so I that I could talk with the locals en route and squeeze more memorable moments into the trip. There will always be more to discover but I feel the this 10 day itinerary will allow you to really get beneath the surface of the Alentejo.
This itinerary is the exact route I took around the Alentejo and includes both places i stayed and spots I visited for just a few hours. I have included links for accommodation options in each place – these are places I stayed during my trip and can personally recommend.
I drove from Algarve and returned to Algarve. If you are driving from Lisbon or Porto you can switch the itinerary up and/or create a different loop easily enough. If you only have a short amount of time I recommend basing yourself in central Alentejo and making day trips from Ėvora.
MÉRTOLA
This gem of a medieval village sits proudly on the Guadiana river just a whisper into the region. It is small enough to wander around in a day but if you have the time stay for a few nights and enjoy the picturesque streets without rushing. If you have extra time take a drive to one of the river beaches nearby.
EXPERIENCE | Dinner, wine and sunset at Espaco Casa Amarela on the other side of the river.
VILA VIÇOSA
I spent a few hours walking the beautiful streets of Vila Viçosa and loved the spotting the pretty tiles, choosing an alfresco cafe and browsing typical artisan products from the region. This would be a great stay over too! Check out Bookingcom for Vila Viçosa accommodation options.
SERRA DE SÃO MAMEDE NATURAL PARK
I didn’t even know this natural park existed until I stayed at a beautiful Quinta (Quinta da Dourada) just outside Portalegre. The natural park is a dream to drive around; quiet, winding (but not too winding) roads with seriously gorgeous views. You can also visit one of Alentejo’s highest points in São Mamede, this summit gets snow in the winter which is unimaginable when you visit in July! I highly recommend the drive from Quinta da Dourada to Castelo de Vide.
EAT/DRINK | At the Quinta. Contact the owner Nuno in advance and you’ll be able to enjoy delicious Portuguese home cooking during your stay.
EXPERIENCE | Driving through the Mamede Natural Park.
CASTELO DE VIDE
I only spent a matter of hours here but I can confidently tell you it as one of my favourite places I visited in Alentejo. Castelo de Vide feels lived in yet looks beautiful from top to bottom. People shout from windows and Fado music drifts in and out of houses. It is also the most ‘flowery’ place I saw on my trip. Every house was a piece of wild art!
I didn’t stay the night here but I absolutely will next time. Find Castelo de Vide accommodation using the Bookingcom search function!EMBEDDED SCRIPTSThis block contains embedded scripts. Embedded scripts are disabled while you’re logged in and editing your site.PREVIEW IN SAFE MODEBooking.com
MARVÃO
Another big favourite for me was experiencing Marvão. This hilltop village is picture perfect, so much so that it kind of feels like you are in a medieval theme park. It may look like it is geared up solely for tourists but there is still authenticity to be found when you peek around the corners. Don’t leave until you have walked the circumference of the castle walls
The cutest village in central Alentejo you ever did see. White houses beam in the afternoon sunshine, olive groves stretch out from it’s borders and locals remain curious but friendly towards newcomers. Rendondo is also a DOC wine region and pottery centre. The town has a good selection of restaurants and bars and is well worth a stop overnight.
EAT/DRINK | Choose a lively one in the main square.
EXPERIENCE | Drinking with the locals at an authentic snack bar. There is also a wine museum and plenty of vineyards close by!
ÉVORA
The capital of Alentejo and its most well-known asset. Évora is probably the busiest you’re going to get when it comes to Alentejo but with good reason. The city is steeped in history, full of authentic Alentejan cuisine and surrounded by some of the region’s best vineyards. I have to admit I didn’t get a chance to make the most of Évora but I will certainly be back to spend a few days enjoying the city buzz.
EXPERIENCE | Capela dos Ossos (Chaple of bones). Enjoying tapas and cocktails with a view!
MONTE DA RAVESQUEIRA
I’m mentioning this as a must-stop experience on your Alentejo itinerary because Monte da Ravasqueira is one of the most alluring vineyards I have visited in Portugal to date. The experience also introduced me to my new go-to bottle of vinho branco. I have several chilling in my fridge as I write this. Book a tour, tasting or experience and you will be welcomed warmly, invited to sip on some award-winning wines and enjoy time soaking up sun-drenched vineyard views and the real beauty of Alentejo. Of course, Alentejo is not short on wine experiences and I fully encourage you to squeeze in a few if you can; but, if you only have time for one vineyard during your trip make it this one! Located only 5km from Arraiolos and 25km from Évora.
You can read more about my wine travels in Portugal here (coming soon).
ESTREMOZ
Estremoz sits nicely between Évora and Elvas and has an attractive buzz about it. It is obvious that this isn’t a tourist town but there are lots of cute streets and a pretty epic castle view to top it off. Estremoz also has plenty of vineyards within a short distance.
EXPERIENCE | Take a stroll up to the old castle wall and take in the vineyard views.
MONSARAZ
Most people who already know about Alentejo will direct you to Monsaraz as a place to add to your itinerary and with good reason too. Monsaraz is pocket-sized and picturesque (almost to a fault) and a magical introduction to Alentejo. Tiny streets boast restaurants with panoramic views and little nooks host artisan shops filled with ceramics and honey.
EAT/DRINK | I ate in my apartment during my stay but I had several recommendations for Taverna Os Templários and Restaurante Bar Sem-Fim.
EXPERIENCE | Wandering the cobbled streets early morning.
VIDIGUEIRA
This town usually doesn’t make it on a typical Alentejo itinerary which is exactly why i wanted to visit. Vidigueira is actually a really important town for the history of wine in Portugal and its also delightful to explore by foot.
EXPERIENCE | Adega Cooperativa Vidigueira for a wine tour and unique Talha wine tasting.
So here ends my Alentejo itinerary! I hope this helps you capture at least a small picture of how wonderful this region is to explore. Stay tuned for a complete ‘’Alentejo travel guide’ and ‘unique places to stay guide’.
Don’t forget to check out my other Portugal experience based travel guides.
Tavira is a gorgeous Algarvian town located in the warmest and sunniest corner of Portugal. Tavira has it all – a charming old town, a medieval castle, authentic restaurants, river-side bars, an 11km island with white sand beach and a wild natural park.
WHERE IS TAVIRA
Tavira is located in east Algarve on Portugal’s south coast. Just a 30 minute drive from Faro and close to the Spanish border (just two hours from Seville).
WHERE TO STAY IN TAVIRA
There is no shortage of accommodation options in and out of Tavira but during my search I did find it difficult to find good quality rooms. When I finally found Formosa Guest House I was able to celebrate. The photos looks great online but it is even more wonderful in real life. The guest house is right on the Praça da República in the old town and offers bright, well- styled rooms with balconies and a spectacular view over the river. My stay here turned out to be one of my favourites in Portugal to date.
Whether you are staying for a few days or a few weeks you will find plenty to do to keep you mesmerised with this Algarvian town. Here are a few things you should add to your itinerary while you are in Tavira :
Basking in sunshine on Ilha de Tavira
Getting lost in charming old town
The Ponte Romana bridge at sunset
Find backstreet tapas
BEST CAFES TAVIRA
There are lots of cafes to satisfy your coffee/breakfast/brunch needs in Tavira and lots ate open early which can be hard to find in Portugal. Some of my personal favourites :
Flavour Cafe – Everything from eggs and granola to pancakes and waffles. Friendly service too!
There are so many bars in Tavira. Everything from little backstreet dens to busy main square hangouts. I had no problem finding beers, good wine and cocktails during my time in Tavira. Some spots I recommend to check out :
Arcada – Right on the Praça da República. Perfect for a sundowner.
Tasca do Zé André – The cheapest and best Aperol spritz in town plus great tapas)
Rosa e Gianni – Small, cosy Italian with fresh pasta
As always my favourite thing to do while visiting a new place is wandering the backstreets with no plan and seeing what I can find. I recommend doing just that in Tavira; set off on a self-guided tour and breathe in the sights and sounds of the town. While you here there are a few experiences you shouldn’t miss. I find these types of experiences leave you with the best memories of a place.
ESCAPING THE CROWDS ON ILHA DE TAVIRA
Pulling into Ilha de Tavira can be a little overwhelming in summer due to the crowds flocking off the beach. Luckily the Tavira island is 11km long so there is plenty of space for everyone. Take off behind the sand dunes and walk 10 minutes along the back of the beach to find your own private stretch of sand for the day.
FIND A BACKSTREET TAPAS BAR
Tavira has some great hidden tapas bars to be found. Take yourself on a wander around the cobbled streets in search of cheap and tasty tapas.
PRAÇA DA REPÚBLICA AT SUNSET
Tavira’s main square is a pleasure at all times of day but grab a seat for an hour or so before sunset, order a drink of something delicious and soak up the buzz.
Tavira is one of my favourite towns in the Algarve and I’m looking forward to spending some more time getting to know it. Hopefully this mini travel guide to Tavira can help you plan your next trip.
