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In recent years, the Alentejo region, in Portugal, has become popular for its coastline of unspoiled and secluded beaches.
But Alentejo’s singular charm is best appreciated inland, with plains as far as the eye can see and whitewashed villages where time runs more slowly.
I recommend allowing at least two or three days, more if you can, to visit Alentejo central region and soak in the peaceful atmosphere and soothing scenery.
From some of the best places in Alentejo to delicious food and wine, here are 10 great things to do in Alentejo Central.
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Things to Do in Alentejo Central Region:
#1 Visit Évora, Alentejo’s capital city
Inhabited since Neolithic times, Évora is one of the oldest cities in Portugal, as well as one of the prettiest Alentejo cities, if not the prettiest.
Founded by the Romans, Évora has been able to preserve much of its rich cultural and architectural heritage, which earned it the classification of World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1986, and the title of museum-city.
In fact, wandering through the narrow, cobbled streets of Évora’s walled historic center, while stumbling upon monuments around every corner, feels pretty much like visiting an open-air museum.
The city’s most iconic landmark is the Roman Temple, dating back to the 1st century AD.
Also worth visiting is the stunning Évora Cathedral, a monumental Roman-Gothic church built between the 13th and 14th centuries. Make sure to visit the cloister and climb up to the terrace for panoramic views of the city.
Another famous Évora attraction is the unique, albeit sinister, Chapel of Bones, in São Francisco Church. Decorated with about 5 thousand human bones and skulls, this chapel was built in the 17th century to represent the transitory character of life.
About 13 km from Évora, you can also visit the impressive Almendres Megalithic site, the largest Neolithic monument in the Iberian Peninsula, and one of the oldest in Europe.
Book a day trip from Lisbon to Évora (with free cancelation) here.
#2 Taste the Alentejo wine at Herdade do Esporão
Alentejo is a vast and high-quality Portuguese wine region, producing some of the best Portuguese wines in 8 designated areas of origin – the Alentejo DOC wines.
With almost 700 hectares of vineyards and around 40 grape varieties, Herdade do Esporão, in Reguengos de Monsaraz, is a must-visit for wine lovers.
Dating back to the 13th century, the Esporão Estate also produces award-winning olive oil and other organic crops.
Visitors can enjoy some of the best wine in Alentejo (and the country!) on a guided tour of these wonderful Alentejo vineyards and cellars, including wine tasting.
In addition, Herdade do Esporão offers English speaking olive oil mill tours with tasting, nature walks, bike rentals, and picnics with local products.
If you’re short on time, you can simply visit the restaurant or take a pause at the wine bar/shop, as we did. And if wine is not your thing, I suggest trying their selection of the Portuguese craft beer Sovina.
Whatever you do, just make sure to have a stop at this amazing and mandatory place on the Alentejo wine route.
#3 Enjoy the delicious local food
Together with wine, food is a big part of Alentejo’s soul.
The region is known for its simple, yet comforting dishes based on meat, fish, and the ever-present Alentejo bread.
Some of my favorite Alentejo dishes are the delicious açorda à alentejana (a typical soup with bread, water, garlic, coriander, olive oil, and egg, or codfish) and pork with migas (a side dish prepared with bread, garlic, olive oil, and other ingredients).
Alentejo cheese and sausages are also mouth-watering, as well as its desserts – make sure to try the yummy Sericaia!
On my last visit to Alentejo, I ate at restaurant Medieval, in Évora, and Costa do Sol, in Alqueva, and can highly recommend both places.
But it’s hard to go wrong around here anyway. From the most modest taverns to the fanciest restaurants, the amazing Alentejo food will not disappoint you.
#4 Discover Alentejo quaint villages
Alentejo has the lowest population density in all of Portugal. Its scattered villages and towns are a quaint oasis in the heat and immensity of the region, which is also the largest in the country.
Near the Alqueva Lake, the lovely Amieira is one of such picturesque villages where time seems to have stopped.
Amieira was the base for my last visit to central Alentejo and I absolutely loved this place, with its whitewashed houses and flowery facades, quiet streets, and friendly residents.
#5 Swim in Amieira Beach
Just a short walk from the village, the newly opened Amieira river beach is a great spot for a refreshing swim in central Alentejo.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a kayak, a SUP board, or a seagull and explore the Great Alqueva Lake too.
This large and pleasant sandy beach has a bar/restaurant, outdoor showers, changing rooms, an area for kids, and lifeguard and first aid service.
It’s also accessible to people with reduced mobility.
#6 Watch the sunset at the Alqueva Dam
The giant Alqueva Dam is an almost mythical place in Alentejo, though not always for the best reasons.
But one thing is for sure: the stunning sunset over the largest artificial lake in Western Europe is something you should not miss while in the region.
The construction of the Alqueva Dam on the Guadiana River took about 50 years, from the first studies to the closing of the floodgates in 2002.
The purpose of such a huge enterprise was the irrigation of the dry region of Alentejo, the development of its agriculture, and the production of electricity.
However, the project did not please everyone and faced protests from environmentalists, archaeologists, and the residents of the old Aldeia da Luz village, which was submerged by the waters of the reservoir.
In 2002, the 400 residents of Aldeia da Luz were relocated to a new village with the same name about 3 kilometers from the old one. At the same time, a museum was built to evoke the cultural heritage of the old settlement.
Today, the Great Alqueva Lake is the largest water reserve in Portugal and has undeniably changed the landscape and boosted the economy of the region, namely the Alentejo tourism sector.
#7 Take a river cruise on the Great Alqueva Lake
The best way to admire the beautiful scenery of the Great Alqueva Lake is from the water on a boat tour.
I took a one-hour river cruise with Amieira Marina and truly recommended it as a great way to see and learn more about this immense body of water stretching out over 86 kilometers of length and more than 1,000 kilometers of shoreline.
They also offer cruises with lunch on board and something definitely on my bucket list: houseboats where you can sleep and explore the Alqueva at your own leisure (no license needed).
#8 Have lunch with a view at Amieira Marina
After your boat trip through the Alqueva Lake, head to Amieira Marina panoramic restaurant for a delicious meal with a spectacular view.
I’ve had their lunch buffet and really liked the food inspired by traditional Alentejo cuisine.
But, in my opinion, the best thing about this place is no doubt the view. I could definitely spend hours here meditating on the still and peace-inducing Alentejo landscape.
#9 Visit the medieval village of Monsaraz
The walled village of Monsaraz is one of the oldest and most beautiful places in Alentejo and even Portugal.
Dating back to medieval times, this picture-perfect village has stood the test of time and retains all of its original charms.
Wondering through its narrow, schist cobbled streets and picturesque, whitewashed houses is an experience in itself!
Let yourself get lost in the streets and alleys of this romantic village for a while, before finding your way to its main landmark – the Monsaraz Castle.
From Monsaraz Castle, strategically built on the top of a hill, you can admire the most spectacular view over the Great Alqueva Lake and the plains of Alentejo, all the way to Spain.
Some other noteworthy places here are the church of Nossa Senhora da Lagoa, located in the village main square, and the former court building, now a museum where you can see the medieval fresco The Good and Bad Judge and learn more about the history of the region.
A good time to visit Monsaraz is in July when the whole village turns into an open-air museum showcasing the best of its crafts, cuisine, art, and culture.
#10 Admire the stunning Alentejo scenery
Alentejo is all about its great plains dotted with cork and holm oaks or covered with vineyards and olive trees.
The result is a breathtaking landscape worth visiting and contemplating in its own right.
Biking, hiking, and trekking in Alentejo are all great ways to enjoy the region’s stunning scenery.
I suggest joining this guided hike to Almendres Megalithic for a great overview of the Montado Alentejano.
Where is Alentejo in Portugal
The word Alentejo means literally “beyond the Tagus river”.
Alentejo is located in southern Portugal, between the Tagus river and the Algarve. It borders Spain to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
It is the largest Portuguese region in area, occupying about one-third of the country’s territory.
Predominantly rural and sparsely populated, Alentejo has also the lowest population density in the country.
The city of Évora is a 1,5-hour drive from Lisbon, while the Alqueva Lake is about a 2-hour drive from the Portuguese capital.
Taking a road trip through Alentejo is the best way to get to know the region, so I recommend renting a car and exploring at your own rhythm.
Alternatively, you can book a private tour of Alentejo central region here.
Where to Stay in Alentejo
Aldeia do Lago
Aldeia do Lago is an adorable village tourism accommodation in Amieira, on the Alqueva Lake.
These traditional vacation homes offer you the unique opportunity of living in an authentic Alentejo village of 300 inhabitants.
Spread around Amieira village, all 5 houses of Aldeia do Lago have been fully renovated while preserving its original character and decoration.
I’ve stayed at Casa do Chafariz and loved everything about it!
This beautiful and cozy house has one double bedroom, private bathroom with shower, and a fully equipped kitchenette, making it perfect for one person or a couple.
But they have bigger houses too, with up to two bedrooms and a living room, which are ideal for groups or families.
A delicious breakfast made of local and fresh products is included in the price and delivered to your door every morning.
Around the village, you can find several grocery stores, cafés, restaurants, a church, and two docks for water sports and activities.
I can promise you, waking up in the heart of Alentejo is an experience you will not forget – I certainly won’t!
Click here for more info and booking.
If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, Alentejo should definitely be in your itinerary, with the central Alentejo area offering some of the best scenery, history, food, architecture, and culture in the region.
From what to do and see in Alentejo, to some of the best Alentejo wine and food, this Alentejo travel guide has got you covered for an amazing time!
More travel tips
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Cheap flights
Looking for the best airfare deals? Skyscanner is my favorite travel search engine for finding cheap flights around the world. They also offer price tracking and alerts to help you secure the best deals.
Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation, Booking.com is the best site out there. From hotels to apartments, resorts, villas, B&B, and guest houses, it offers the best prices for accommodation all over the world. I book the vast majority of my stays through them.
Yoga Retreats
Looking for a yoga retreat near home or in an exotic destination? BookYogaRetreats offers the best yoga retreats, holidays, and courses around the world for all budgets and levels of experience.
Tours
GetYourGuide is my favorite platform for local tours, unique experiences, and skip-the-line tickets to attractions all around the world.
Klook is another great resource for tours and activities, especially if you’re looking for things to do in Asia.
Car Rentals
Booking.com has a car rental search engine that compares the biggest brands in car hire and allows you to find the cheapest deals all around the world.
Have you been to Alentejo? What would you add to this list of things to do in Alentejo, Portugal? Share in the comments section below!
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Wendy says
I’m definitely bookmarking this post for future travels! Since international travel is off the cards for a while, I’ll be exploring Portugal from my home base in Lisbon this year. There’s definitely lots of Alentejo that I still haven’t seen!