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Portugal
Alentejo UNESCO Heritage: Évora, Elvas and Medieval Villages
Two UNESCO sites, Templar castles, and Europe's oldest cromlech: the eternal Alentejo.
≈ 8
Days
257
Km
6
Stops
Discover monumental Alentejo: from Évora's Roman temple and history-laden churches to the world's largest bastion fortress in Elvas, passing through millennia-old dolmens, Templar castles, and magical Monsaraz suspended above Europe's largest artificial lake. A journey through Portugal's golden plains and stones that tell millennia of stories.
- Évora: museum city and UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Elvas: world's largest bastion fortification, UNESCO
- Almendres Cromlech: 7,000 years of megalithic history
- Monsaraz: Templar village above Lake Alqueva
- Estremoz: the marble city and the Holy Queen
- Arraiolos: Portugal's most famous carpets
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Discover Praça do Giraldo, the beating heart of Évora, with its iconic arcades, the Church of Santo Antão, and the historic fountain that served for centuries as one of the main water supply structures for the population. The square's name pays tribute to Geraldo Sem Pavor, a semi-legendary figure from the city's reconquest from the Moors.
2
Marvel at the Roman Temple of Évora, dating from the 1st century, the main vestige from when Ebora Liberalitas Iulia was one of the most notable Roman cities in Lusitania. Contrary to popular belief, this temple was likely dedicated to the imperial cult rather than to the goddess Diana.
3
Visit the imposing Évora Cathedral, the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal, built between the 12th and 13th centuries. Don't miss the cloisters, the main chapel, the Sacred Art Museum, and climb to the rooftop for a breathtaking panoramic view over this UNESCO World Heritage city.
4
Enter the Church of São Francisco, built in Manueline-Mudéjar and Renaissance style in the 15th century, which once had the Royal Palace annexed and was intimately connected to Portugal's maritime expansion era. Inside, the famous Chapel of Bones will remain forever etched in your memory.
Activities
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Explore Largo Conde Vila Flor, home to some of the city's main buildings: the stunning Church of the Lóios with its blue and white azulejo tiles at their finest, the 15th-century Convent of the Lóios now a pousada, the Dukes of Cadaval Palace, and the Évora Museum with nearly 20,000 objects.
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Stroll through the magnificent Public Garden built in the 19th century, where you'll find the 15th-century Palace of Dom Manuel, the place where Vasco da Gama was appointed commander of the fleet that would discover the maritime route to India. Don't miss the charming Fake Ruins with their peacocks.
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Discover the imposing Walls of Évora surrounding the entire historic center and the grand Silver Water Aqueduct, inaugurated in the 16th century to supply the city. Look for the houses built between its arches, a secret that not all visitors discover.
Next stop
Distance:
20 km
Travel time:
25min
2
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Visit the College of the Holy Spirit, the main building of the University of Évora founded by Cardinal Dom Henrique in the 16th century. The grand cloister is a must-see, bearing witness to the historical importance of this centuries-old educational institution.
2
Discover the Largo and Fountain of Portas de Moura, one of the most emblematic squares of the 16th-century city, surrounded by noble mansions of the most important families of the era. This square preserves the aristocratic atmosphere of Renaissance Évora.
3
Admire the Renaissance facade of the Church of Graça from the 16th century, a beautiful architectural example located in Largo da Graça. This temple demonstrates the wealth of Évora's religious heritage that extends throughout the city.
4
Visit the Art and Culture Center, the former Palace of the Inquisition, now a space of the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation dedicated to arts and culture with a special focus on contemporary art. A fascinating contrast between the building's dark history and its current cultural vocation.
Activities
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Climb to the Windmills of Alto de São Bento for the best panoramic view over Évora. This viewpoint offers a unique perspective of the World Heritage city, with its monuments and walls silhouetted against the Alentejo plain.
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Visit the Cartuxa Winery, one of the most prestigious in Portugal, where you can taste the renowned Alentejo wine and olive oil. This wine tourism experience is essential for those wishing to discover the authentic flavors of the region.
Next stop
Distance:
15 km
Travel time:
20min
3
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Discover the Almendres Cromlech, built nearly 7,000 years ago, the largest megalithic enclosure on the Iberian Peninsula and one of the oldest in the world. This prehistoric monument testifies to human occupation of this region since time immemorial.
2
Just over 1 km from the cromlech, visit the Almendres Menhir, another impressive megalithic monument that complements this extraordinary archaeological complex. These monuments are unique testimonies to the civilizations that inhabited the Alentejo thousands of years ago.
Activities
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Travel the Évora Ecovia - Mora Branch on foot or by bicycle, an alternative way to discover the Alentejo landscape. This route allows direct contact with nature and the golden plains that characterize this region.
Next stop
Distance:
22 km
Travel time:
25min
4
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Visit the unique Circular Castle of Arraiolos, a defensive structure that is unique in Portugal for its rounded shape. From atop its walls, enjoy spectacular views over the green landscapes of the Alentejo and the historic village below.
2
Explore the Arraiolos Carpet Interpretive Center, an interactive museum that tells the story of this centuries-old art considered one of Portugal's first crafts. Arraiolos carpets are world-famous, and the town breathes this tradition on every corner.
3
Wander through the historic center of Arraiolos, discovering the Arraiolos Carpet Square, the central plaza with cafés and craft shops. The village preserves its picturesque character with white houses and cobblestone streets typical of the Alentejo.
Activities
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Visit the Monte da Ravasqueira winery, which offers wine tourism experiences including tastings and a visit to the Private Carriage Collection. Discover the stories behind the wines of this prestigious Alentejo winery.
Next stop
Distance:
45 km
Travel time:
40min
5
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Discover the unique Castle of Évora Monte, erected by King Dinis in the 14th century atop Roman fortifications, in a spectacular position on a steep hilltop. The almost triangular structure with five towers and an imposing keep is a unique example of Portuguese military architecture.
Activities
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Explore the small village of Évora Monte where the Convention of Évora Monte was signed in 1834, ending the Portuguese civil war. Legend has it that the signing took so long that only stale bread was left to eat, leading to the invention of the Alentejo açorda.
Next stop
Distance:
85 km
Travel time:
1h10
6
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Visit the Medieval Castle of Estremoz from the 13th century, now transformed into the Pousada Rainha Santa Isabel. The Tower of the Three Crowns, so called because three kings participated in its construction (Afonso III, Sancho II, and Dinis), offers splendid views over the marble region.
2
Explore the Professor Joaquim Vermelho Municipal Museum, located opposite the keep, with exhibitions on Alentejo life and the region's famous ceramics. Highlights include the Moringues, traditional globe-shaped jugs from Estremoz.
3
Admire the elegant Church of Santa Maria, a 16th-century hall church in late Renaissance style that replaced a medieval temple. This monument impresses with its monumentality and decorative richness.
4
Visit the Chapel of Senhor Jesus dos Inocentes from the 18th century, next to the statue of Queen Saint Isabel. This pays tribute to the wife of King Dinis, famous for her charity and the miracle of the roses, who died in Estremoz.
Activities
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Stroll through Rossio Marquês de Pombal, the main square dominated by the twin marble towers of the former 17th-century Convent of the Congregados. Climb the tower for glorious views over Estremoz and visit the Sacred Art Museum.
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Discover the Living Science Center in the former 15th-century Convent of the Maltese Sisters, with its beautiful cloister and exhibitions on Earth and Geology. The T-Rex skeleton replica is a must-see attraction for all ages.
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Explore the Porta de Santarém, the main entrance to the medieval village enclosed by the 13th-century wall, and the 17th-century Porta dos Currais. Also admire the Manueline pillory and Lago do Gadanha with its iconic statue.
Next stop
Distance:
15 km
Travel time:
20min
7
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Marvel at the grand Amoreira Aqueduct, stretching 7 km with 843 arches, built by architect Francisco de Arruda, the same author of the Belém Tower. This impressive monument marks the entrance to the world's largest bastion fortification, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2
Explore the fortifications of Elvas, whose star-shaped defensive structures with a perimeter of nearly 10 km are a unique testimony to the evolution of military strategy up to the 19th century. The complex includes Islamic and medieval walls, the 17th-century wall belt, and the Forts of Santa Luzia and Graça.
3
Visit the former Cathedral, now the Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, the Church of the Dominicans with its original octagonal floor plan, the Manueline pillory, and the Fernandina Tower. In the streets of the historic center, identify the arches that mark the ancient entrances through the walls.
4
Discover Praça da República, the city's living room in Portuguese cobblestone, spacious and airy, with welcoming terraces. This is the heart of Elvas, where residents and visitors meet to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this border garrison town.
Activities
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Visit the museums of Elvas: the Contemporary Art Museum, the João Carpinteiro Photography Museum with cameras from 1898 and prints dated 1860, the Sacred Art Museum, and two military-themed museum spaces.
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Explore the Church of São Domingos, the Third Order of São Francisco Church, and outside the walls, the Sanctuary of Senhor Jesus da Piedade where the famous annual pilgrimage takes place in September, coinciding with the São Mateus Fair.
Next stop
Distance:
55 km
Travel time:
50min
8
Day
9 photos
Discover
1
Discover Monsaraz, the graceful medieval village winner in the Monument Villages category of Portugal's 7 Wonders. Made of lime and slate, this settlement suspended in time whispers stories of bold kings and Knights Templar, maintaining its ancient magic like few places in the world.
2
Visit Monsaraz Castle, built by King Dinis in the 14th century, classified as a National Monument. The former parade ground has functioned as a bullring since 1830, hosting the traditional bullfight annually during the festivities of Our Lord Jesus of the Steps. From the castle, enjoy views over the Alqueva Dam, the largest artificial lake in Europe.
3
Enter the Parish Church of Nossa Senhora da Lagoa from the 16th century, in Renaissance style using regional slate. Inside, admire the tomb of Gomes Martins Silvestre, a Knight Templar, first governor and settler of Monsaraz, sculpted in Estremoz marble with a funeral procession of seventeen figures.
4
Explore the Former Courthouses in Travessa da Cadeia, the old administrative headquarters and tribunal of Monsaraz. Don't miss the medieval fresco The Good and the Bad Judge, a satire on the corruption of justice of the era depicting two judges in contrasting attitudes.
Activities
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Walk through the four gates of the walls: Porta da Vila protected by two towers with a plaque dedicated to the Immaculate Conception by King João IV in 1646, the Gothic-arched Porta d'Évora, and the Alcoba and Buraco gates. Admire the views over the Alentejo fields.
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Discover the hidden treasures of Monsaraz: the Chapel of São João Batista known as Cuba due to its cubic Moorish-influenced shape, the ancient Cistern that may have been a mosque, the Inquisition House, Santiago Church, and the hermitages of São Bento, São Lázaro, Santa Catarina, and São Sebastião.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Late Spring (April-June): Perfect weather conditions (18-25°C) with mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and blooming landscapes. Ideal for exploring cities, coastal areas, and countryside with comfortable conditions and fewer crowds than summer.
Early Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures after summer heat, warm ocean waters, and stable weather patterns. Best time for beach activities combined with cultural exploration, moderate prices and pleasant conditions.
Winter (November-March): Mild temperatures (10-18°C) with increased rainfall but lowest prices and authentic experiences. Good for cultural immersion, indoor attractions, and experiencing Portuguese daily life without tourist crowds.
Summer (July-August): Peak season with hottest weather (25-35°C), highest prices, and largest crowds. Perfect for beach holidays but challenging for extensive sightseeing in inland areas due to heat intensity.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 6 and 10 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in Portugal?
Atlantic charm with stunning coastlines, rich history, and authentic culture. Experience traditional fado music, beautiful cities, and genuine Portuguese hospitality. The country offers cultural depth with natural beauty and culinary excellence. Portugal provides authentic European experiences with natural wonders and cultural richness.