📍 Portugal

ALENTEJO DISCOVERY: CORK FORESTS, WHITE VILLAGES AND PLAINS

Cork oaks shading endless golden plains, white villages crowning silent hills, bone chapels whispering worldly vanity. Alentejo suspends time.

≈ 10
Days
462
Km
9
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore Évora and its Roman temple, then enter the Chapel of Bones before reaching Monsaraz and its white heights. Cross Vila Viçosa and its marble, pause at Estremoz around red wines, then end at Zambujeira facing Atlantic cliffs. The Alentejo reveals itself slowly, between pale stone, silence and sea.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Evora

roman temple bone chapel university town

Evora - Photo 1Evora - Photo 2Evora - Photo 3Evora - Photo 4Evora - Photo 5Evora - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
City of Évora UNESCO World Heritage Site
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 35.4 km
Travel time: 1h11
2
Day

Vianadoalentejo

cork plains quiet village agricultural rhythms

Vianadoalentejo - Photo 1Vianadoalentejo - Photo 2Vianadoalentejo - Photo 3Vianadoalentejo - Photo 4Vianadoalentejo - Photo 5Vianadoalentejo - Photo 6Vianadoalentejo - Photo 7Vianadoalentejo - Photo 8Vianadoalentejo - Photo 9Vianadoalentejo - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
City of Viana do Alentejo and its pentagonal castle
2
Nossa Senhora d'Aires Sanctuary (Viana do Alentejo)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 17.9 km
Travel time: 36min
3
Day

Arraiolos

carpet weaving tradition whitewashed circular castle

Arraiolos - Photo 1Arraiolos - Photo 2Arraiolos - Photo 3Arraiolos - Photo 4Arraiolos - Photo 5Arraiolos - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
City of Arraiolos and its medieval castle
2
Arraiolos Carpet Interpretive Center
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 60.4 km
Travel time: 1h
4
Day

Vilavicosa

marble palace ducal residence royal heritage

Vilavicosa - Photo 1Vilavicosa - Photo 2Vilavicosa - Photo 3Vilavicosa - Photo 4Vilavicosa - Photo 5Vilavicosa - Photo 6Vilavicosa - Photo 7Vilavicosa - Photo 8Vilavicosa - Photo 9Vilavicosa - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
City of Vila Viçosa and marble quarry
2
Paço Ducal Palace (Vila Viçosa)
3
São João Evangelista Church (Vila Viçosa)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 20.7 km
Travel time: 41min
5
Day

Estremoz

marble town fortress bold red wines

Estremoz - Photo 1Estremoz - Photo 2Estremoz - Photo 3Estremoz - Photo 4Estremoz - Photo 5Estremoz - Photo 6Estremoz - Photo 7Estremoz - Photo 8Estremoz - Photo 9Estremoz - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 5
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Discover

1
City of Estremoz and its medieval castle
2
Typical white facades of Estremoz
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Next stop
Distance: 47.4 km
Travel time: 1h35
6
Day

Elvas

star fortress aqueduct border garrison town

Elvas - Photo 1Elvas - Photo 2Elvas - Photo 3Elvas - Photo 4Elvas - Photo 5Elvas - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
City of Elvas and its fortified walls
2
Amoreira Aqueduct (Elvas)
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Next stop
Distance: 57.8 km
Travel time: 58min
7
Day

Monsaraz

hilltop silhouette lake alqueva stargazing dark

Monsaraz - Photo 1Monsaraz - Photo 2Monsaraz - Photo 3Monsaraz - Photo 4Monsaraz - Photo 5Monsaraz - Photo 6Monsaraz - Photo 7Monsaraz - Photo 8Monsaraz - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 7
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Discover

1
Medieval village of Monsaraz
2
View over Lake Alqueva from Monsaraz
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Next stop
Distance: 96.4 km
Travel time: 1h36
8
Day

Beja

moorish tower plains capital roman origins

Beja - Photo 1Beja - Photo 2Beja - Photo 3Beja - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
City of Beja and its Torre de Menagem keep
2
Beja Cathedral
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 126 km
Travel time: 2h06
9
Day

Zambujeiradomar

wild atlantic cliffs fishermen village remoteness

Zambujeiradomar - Photo 1Zambujeiradomar - Photo 2Zambujeiradomar - Photo 3Zambujeiradomar - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Village of Zambujeira do Mar and its beaches

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🛡️ Travel advice - Portugal

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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 8 and 12 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.