The Alentejo offers unique experiences to its visitors, with its impressive bucolic scenery and rich historical heritage. One of the best ways to experience all this beauty is to discover every detail of your small towns and villages.
So, check out below four must-see destinations in the most authentic region of Portugal.
Marvão
Credit: Victor Carvalho
Located at the highest point of the Serra de São Mamede, Marvão is one of the most charming villages in Alentejo. Because of its strategic location, it played a key role in major military conflicts in the past. Inside its stone walls, you can see the typical Alentejo architecture, with Gothic arches, Manueline windows, wrought-iron balconies and lots of granite. From the outside, enjoy the breathtaking view of the green and golden fields. Do not miss the Church of Santa Maria, the Church of Santiago, the Renaissance Chapel of the Holy Spirit and the Convent of Our Lady of the Star.
Vila Viçosa
Credit: Press release
The town of Vila Viçosa is home to one of Portugal’s most emblematic and luxurious buildings, the Paço Ducal, which for centuries was the favorite of the Portuguese royal family, the Dukes of Bragança. The impressive 110-meter façade is covered in marble, a raw material with an important role in the local economy. The collection of the palace includes the old furniture of Portuguese royalty distributed in 50 rooms open to visitors. Of medieval architecture, the castle of the city guards the Shrine of Our Lady of the Conception, patroness of Portugal. Also visit the Museum of Archeology and the Marble Museum.
Comporta
Credit: Alentejo Tourism
With white sand and crystal-clear sea, Comporta beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Alentejo coast, visited by national and international celebrities. Despite this, the destination is still a little known paradise by the crowds of tourists and its visitors can enjoy a quiet and pleasant experience. There are excellent options of bars and restaurants with the best of Alentejo gastronomy. Also worth a visit to the small village, with its little whitewashed houses, and the Rice Museum.
Arraiolos
Credit: Alentejo Tourism
Of fascinating tradition and history, Arraiolos has magnificent scenery of narrow streets of stone, white houses and numerous shops of carpets, local craftsmanship produced with pure wool and that is a true work of art. At the top of a hill, the imposing circular wall protects the Romanesque-Gothic style castle built in the 14th century. To know even more about its history, the Convent of Our Lady of Asuncion accumulates architectural styles like Manueline-Mudejar and seventeenth-century Baroque. Its interior is all clad in typical Portuguese tiles. Also visit the Stone Fountain and the Public Garden of the municipality.
About Alentejo
Considered to be the most genuine destination in Portugal, Alentejo is the largest region of the country. Privileging a quiet lifestyle where the experience of living well sets the tone, it has beautiful unspoiled beaches and cities full of unique attractions such as castles and historic monuments. With three UNESCO titles and several other international awards and recognitions in the tourism sector, Alentejo offers options for all types of travelers, whether families, honeymooners or adventurers.
Credits in the subtitles; cover photo: Victor Carvalho