- Portugal
Lois Weeterings
Content
Alentejo is perhaps the most authentic region of Portugal. Unlike the crowded tourist spots, this region offers vast landscapes, cork oak forests, rolling vineyards, charming whitewashed villages, and one of the clearest starry skies in Europe. Alentejo is also famous for its culinary delights, from creamy sheep’s cheese to rich, flavorful wines. If you’re wondering what to do in Alentejo or looking for the most beautiful places in Alentejo, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we share our top highlights, tips, and experiences to help you plan an unforgettable trip through this hidden gem of Portugal.
1. Évora: historic gem and must-see in Alentejo
Évora is the charming capital of the Alentejo and one of the most beautiful places in the region. The historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and invites you to get lost through photogenic streets with typical yellow and white facades, atmospheric squares and impressive architecture.
Sights not to be missed include the Capela dos Ossos (the famous bone chapel), Roman ruins, the 16th-century aqueduct and beautiful churches such as São Francisco and Santo Antão.
The bustling Praça do Giraldo is Évora's central square, surrounded by historic buildings and a fountain, with the striking Santo Antão church as the eye-catcher. At the square you will find Café Arcada where they sell a variety of pastéis, the tastiest sweet snack in Portugal. Be sure to try the local variety here: pastéis de Évora!
Tip: Plan enough time to wander, take photos and really soak up Évora's historic atmosphere. For even more tips, you can read our article: ‘What to do in Évora: the historic capital of Alentejo’.
2. Hiking through cork oak forests in Alentejo
Did you know that over half of the world’s cork production comes from Alentejo? At first glance, cork may seem like a simple material, but there’s a fascinating story behind it. Cork comes from the cork oak, Portugal’s national tree, also known as the sobreiro. As you drive through the rolling hills of Alentejo, you’ll likely notice landscapes dotted with these iconic trees. You can easily recognize a cork oak by its unique shape and the white number painted on its trunk, which indicates the last year the bark was harvested.
Cork is harvested by carefully removing the bark from the cork oak tree, a skillful process carried out only by local experts who know exactly what they are doing. It’s crucial not to damage the tree, as this craft has been practiced for hundreds of years. The bark is stripped from each cork oak roughly once every 9 to 10 years, and the white number painted on the trunk indicates the last year the bark was harvested. Walking through a cork oak forest in Alentejo, you can see these numbers and truly appreciate the centuries-old tradition behind this unique Portuguese product.
Taking a walk through a cork oak forest is one of the most memorable experiences in Alentejo. It’s especially rewarding when you explore the forest with a guide, who can share fascinating insights about the traditional cork harvest. The surroundings are peaceful, scenic, and full of charm. A true taste of authentic Alentejo that will leave a lasting impression. One organization we highly recommend is Cork Trekking. They offer both walking and jeep tours around Redondo, where you can also visit their own winery and enjoy local wines.
3. São Pedro do Corval: the heart of Alentejan ceramics
What fascinates us about Alentejo is how authentic the region feels. Beyond its famous cork production, Alentejo is also renowned for its rich pottery tradition. The charming village of São Pedro do Corval is the heart of Alentejan ceramics and easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Alentejo, where generations of artisans have been handcrafting stunning terracotta pieces for centuries.
Here in São Pedro do Corval, you’ll find more than 20 artisanal potteries, where stunning terracotta pieces have been handmade and colorfully painted for generations. We loved wandering through the workshops, exploring the different studios, and seeing the craftsmanship up close. The ceramics are so beautiful that you almost want to take home an entire new set of dishes!
Tip: Be sure to check out the so-called ‘dump bins’ at some of the potteries. These contain ceramics with small imperfections, like a tiny flaw in the paint or a minor crack. They’re perfect for picking up an espresso cup or bowl as a charming souvenir, often for just a few euros.
4. Monsaraz: one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Alentejo
One of our favorite places in Alentejo is undoubtedly Monsaraz, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval villages in Portugal. Perched on a 350-meter hill, the village offers breathtaking views of Lake Alqueva and the surrounding rolling hills, especially from the top of its castle.
What makes Monsaraz so special is its authentic atmosphere. The narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses with blue and yellow accents, and the imposing castle all create a medieval charm that feels like stepping back in time. As we wandered through the village, we discovered artisan shops and cozy restaurants, perfect for taking a break and savoring local delicacies.
In addition, Monsaraz is located within an official Starlight Reserve, which means the night sky here is among the clearest in Europe. Just outside the village, at Montimerso, we enjoyed gazing at the stars through telescopes, truly experiencing the magic of Alentejo under its breathtaking starry skies.
Tip: We highly recommend planning an overnight stay in the Monsaraz area to fully enjoy the stunning views of Lake Alqueva and the crystal-clear starry sky. Spending the night here is a truly unforgettable experience that makes Monsaraz even more magical. One of our top picks for accommodation is Montimerso Skyscape Countryhouse.
5. Lake Alqueva: take a relaxing boat ride in Alentejo
Alqueva Lake, the largest reservoir in Western Europe, is surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque villages, making it a peaceful and scenic destination. We love the relaxed atmosphere by the water, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is by taking a boat trip. Step aboard and cruise past small islands, spot grazing cows along the shores, and let the gentle sway of the boat add to the calming and unforgettable experience of Alentejo.
6. Stargazing in Alentejo (Dark Sky Alqueva)
A sky full of stars is always a breathtaking sight, but in Alentejo, it’s something truly special. While you can admire the night sky anywhere in the world, only a few places offer such crystal-clear skies. Thanks to minimal light pollution, the area around Lake Alqueva has been officially recognized as one of the best stargazing spots on earth, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves astronomy and unforgettable night skies.
Seeing the Milky Way stretching above you, surrounded by countless brilliant planets, is truly awe-inspiring. We loved spotting numerous constellations and celestial bodies with the naked eye, though telescopes are also available for an even closer look. There are several stargazing points around Lake Alqueva, including in Monsaraz and Mourão.
7. Arraiolos: charming village and handmade carpets in Alentejo
Another beautiful place in Alentejo that we love to visit is the photogenic village of Arraiolos. This charming village is world-renowned for its handmade carpets. Colorful, hand-embroidered rugs that have been crafted here since the 16th century. Arraiolos radiates tradition, craftsmanship, and history, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in authentic Portuguese culture.
But Arraiolos has so much more to offer than just carpets. We loved wandering through its whitewashed streets with blue accents, sampling local delicacies, and exploring the impressive 14th-century round castle. From the top of the castle, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the vast Alentejo landscape, making it a truly memorable visit.
Tip: Book a carpet workshop or a visit to the Centro Interpretativo do Tapete de Arraiolos, so you can admire the craftsmanship up close and take home a unique souvenir.
8. Wine tasting in Alentejo at a winery
The rolling hills of Alentejo are dotted with cork oaks, but if you look closely, you’ll also spot olive groves and vineyards. This means you can taste some of the region’s finest wines and olive oils, two local products that we love to take home as souvenirs from our trips.
There are several wineries to visit in Alentejo, but an absolute must is Mainova Winery. Located at Herdade da Fonte Santa, this winemaker combines traditional viticulture with modern sustainability. To ensure the highest quality of the grapes, harvesting is done by hand at night, taking advantage of cooler temperatures to preserve the flavor of the grapes from vine to wine.
The focus on sustainability is clear throughout the winery. The bottles are made from recycled glass, the labels and packaging from recycled paper, and wax is used to seal the bottles, reflecting a true commitment to eco-friendly winemaking.
You can visit the winery and choose from several guided tours, followed, of course, by a tasting of wines and extra virgin olive oil. We especially enjoyed sampling the tasting along with local Alentejan delicacies like artisan bread, cheese, and cured meats, making it a truly authentic culinary experience in Alentejo.
Tip: A unique activity and experience that can only be booked once a year is the Night Harvest Experience. It is on a full stay basis and a special experience where you experience what it is like to pick the best grapes at night.
9. Explore the beaches of Alentejo on the Atlantic coast
Alentejo is famous for its rolling hills, cork oaks, vineyards, olive groves, artisan villages, and historic towns. But did you know that the region also boasts stunning beaches along the Atlantic coast? We love visiting these tranquil shores, making them some of the most beautiful places in Alentejo to relax, enjoy nature, and escape the crowds of the Algarve.
We loved walking along the rugged coastline and exploring miles of pristine sandy beaches and impressive cliffs.
For a relaxing day by the sea with stylish beach clubs, we recommend Praia da Comporta. If you prefer untouched nature, head to Praia do Malhão or Praia da Samoqueira near Vila Nova de Milfontes. And for surf lovers, Porto Covo and Zambujeira do Mar offer the perfect waves for an exhilarating session on the water.
If you’re curious to discover more tips about the Alentejo region, we recommend checking out the website of Visit Alentejo!
Great places to stay in the Alentejo region: the best hotels and B&Bs
In the Alentejo region, there are plenty of wonderful accommodations to choose from. We personally prefer staying in a hotel surrounded by the serene rolling hills, as that’s truly what makes this region so special. Of course, you can also opt to stay in one of the charming villages, such as in Évora or Monsaraz.
From cozy B&Bs to boutique luxury hotels, these are the accommodations we’ve stayed at in Alentejo and highly recommend for an unforgettable stay in the region:
Octant Évora - A luxury hotel in the heart of the Alentejo, where tranquility and nature meet modern design. Enjoy vast landscapes, an infinity pool with views and blissful gastronomic experiences.
Land of Alandroal - A charming, small-scale retreat where authenticity and comfort go hand in hand. Here you will stay in an atmospheric setting surrounded by olive trees and vineyards.
Monte da Estrela - An idyllic family-run retreat, where we felt completely embraced by peace, nature, and warm hospitality. Stay overnight in an intimate setting with traditional architecture, enjoy delicious local produce, and fall asleep under a starry sky that you won’t soon forget.
Montimerso Skyscape Countryhouse - A unique place perfect for stargazers. Located near Monsaraz in the Dark Sky Reserve of Alqueva, we loved staying in a stylish suite with breathtaking views over Lake Alqueva. An experience that truly stays with you.
Want to discover more about these special accommodations in Alentejo? Then check out our article "Where to stay in Alentejo: charming country houses and cozy B&Bs”.
Want to take a road trip through Alentejo?
Alentejo, located in the southern part of Portugal between the Tagus River, the Algarve, and Spain, covers about a third of the country, making it Portugal’s largest region. Its most beautiful spots are spread across the region, from historic villages and medieval castles to vast cork oak forests, rolling vineyards, and pristine Atlantic beaches.
For us, Alentejo is one of the most enjoyable destinations for a road trip in Portugal. With a rental car, you can easily explore the region’s charming villages, natural gems, and hidden highlights, all at your own pace.
Tip: Would you like a customized travel plan for the Alentejo region? We’re happy to help! You can schedule a video meeting with us to discuss your travel wishes and create the perfect route together.
Flying to Lisbon
You can fly directly to Lisbon from many international airports. Use Skyscanner to find the best flights for your trip. The flight time from most European cities is around 3 hours, and Lisbon is just one hour behind Central European Time, making it easy to start exploring Alentejo right away.
Rent a car in Portugal and discover the Alentejo region
To explore the most beautiful spots in Alentejo, we highly recommend traveling around by rental car. We usually book our cars through SunnyCars, as they offer an all-inclusive price. This means you don’t need to take out insurance on the spot, and you’re fully covered in case of any damage. Super convenient!
Combine Alentejo with Lisbon, the Algarve and Porto
Since most travelers fly into Lisbon to explore Alentejo, it’s a great idea to combine your trip with a few days in the Portuguese capital. You can explore what to do in Lisbon, discover where to stay in Lisbon, or visit the famous Belém district. In addition, you can continue your journey from Alentejo to the Algarve, as the regions border each other. From there, it’s easy to fly back home from Faro or other nearby airports.
More practical tips and inspiration:
Discover Lisbon: check out our tips on what to do in Lisbon to discover the most beautiful sights and highlights.
The best places to stay in Lisbon: discover the best neighborhoods and accommodations with our guide where to stay in Lisbon.
Explore Belém in Lisbon: Visit Lisbon's historic Belém district, known for its monuments, museums and traditional pastéis de nata.
A city break in Porto: the best sights and tips for your visit to Porto
A road trip through Alentejo in Portugal
Want to take a road trip through the Portuguese region of Alentejo? We’d love to help you! From Lisbon to Évora and Monsaraz, we create a fully customized tour through Portugal just for you. From transportation and accommodations to excursions and unique local experiences, everything is arranged to perfection. Immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, taste authentic Alentejan cuisine, and discover traditional crafts. Request your personalized travel proposal now and experience Alentejo at its very best!
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
The 7 Best Beaches in Aruba: Our Favorite Beaches & Hidden Gems
August 13, 2026
7 Best Things to Do in Tirana, Albania
July 22, 2026
More Portugal? Be inspired!
Portugal
June 3, 2026
