Tomi & Pedro
Things To Do
Évora
Évora is an UNESCO site famous for its medieval and Roman sites. We suggest spending a few hours walking around the town. Here are a few "musts:" (1) the “Diana” Roman Temple is 2000 years old and is at the city's highest point – you will see it at Friday’s reception at the Pousada de Évora. (2) Évora’s Sé (Cathedral) dates back to the 13th century and we recommend you go to its rooftop terraces and enter its Gothic cloisters. (3) Praça do Giraldo is Évora's most famous square and a nice place to sit down for a bit. Explore many of the maze-like streets surrounding it. (4) Capela dos Ossos - there are several beautiful Churches you can visit in Évora, but the Capela dos Ossos is one you won't soon forget. It’s an ossuary, with walls, arches and supporting pillars lined with bones and skulls in various arrangements. We also recommend checking out the (5) Aqueduct – built in 1537 and extends 20km from Évora and the (6) City Walls encircling the City – part Roman, part 15th century.
Arraiolos
Arraiolos is a village around 20km from Evora that is worth a visit. Like many Alentejo towns, Arraiolos is dedicated to a specific craft. For centuries, it has been well-known for its quality carpets. We recommend having lunch at Alpendre, visiting the castle on top of the hill and having a coffee at the beautiful Pousada (a chain of historic hotels). The Pousada offers some beautiful views of the countryside. If you don't have much time in the Alentejo, our suggestion is to go to Arraiolos on the way back to Lisbon.
Megalithic Sites
Évora is surrounded by dozens of megalithic sites (smaller, but older than Stonehenge) which are fun to explore if you have time to drive around the countryside. One of the largest sites is relatively close to Évora, and is called the Almendres Cromlech (6,000 BC). If you are not renting a car, you can also go on a tour where you can visit several sites. Évora also has a megalithic museum if you want to learn more.
Vila Viçosa
Vila Viçosa (40 mins from Évora) is a magnificent town that was home to the royal holiday residence in the 17th century. It is almost like an open-air musuem, with palaces, castle, churches and other sites. We recommend driving to Vila Viçosa and staying at least 1 night at the Pousada Convento Vila Viçosa, a historic hotel known for its many 16th century frescoes. You can easily see most of Vila Viçosa by walking around, but there are a few fun day trips that you can make by staying in Vila Viçosa. We detail one under "Suggested Drive."
Suggested Drive
One suggested daytrip around Alentejo only involves around an hour drive but offers many fantastic stops. Starting at Vila Viçosa, drive south on N255, stopping after 10 minutes at Alandroal (town with 13th century castle), then Terena (beautiful, living postcard village), and Monsaraz (a village surrounded by a castle on top of a steep hill that offers dramatic views of the countryside. Afterwards, you can visit the Herdade do Esporão, one of the better known vineyards in the Alentejo region.
Monsaraz
Monsaraz is another UNESCO site and a recent winner of the 7 "Wonders of Portugal." It's a beautiful village on top of a steep hill overlooking the Guadiana River and Alqueva Dan, separating Portugal and Spain, and is worth a visit. Look at our "suggested drive" if you have a car or book a tour from Évora.
Vineyards / Wine Tourism
USA Today called the Alentejo the “best wine region in the world” and you will see vineyards everywhere as you expore the countryside. As a starting point, we suggest looking at the region’s website (click View below) and also going to the regional wine tasting room in Évora where you can learn about the many varietals unique to the Alentejo, suggestions on which vineyards to visit and some free tastings. There’s also a “Wine Route” or “Rota dos Vinhos” map available. Suggested vineyards include: (1) Adega Cartuxa is 5 mins from either hotel and also have a tasting room in Évora, near the Temple. (2) Monte da Ravasqueira – is outside Arraiolos which makes it easy for those visiting Arraiolos. (3) Esporão – the largest producer in the Alentejo which also has a restaurant. It is near Monsaraz for those planning a visit. (4) Herdade das Servas – is on way to Estremoz / Vila Viçosa. Perhaps go here on the way to Vila Viçosa, which offers you a vineyard (and restaurant) to stop by.