Portugal Alentejo

Tomar, with its distinct medieval character, is one of the most beautiful and charming towns in Portugal. Tomar is known as the Knights Templar City because it had served as the seat of the Order of the Knights Templar from 1118 to 1308. In fact, it is the world’s most important center of Templar history, and its well-preserved castle and church reflect the town’s rich history.

Evora, the capital of the Alentejo region, is a beautiful town- a museum-city – with roots dating back to Roman times. Surrounded by 14th century walls and home to narrow, winding alleys, diverse and outstanding architecture, Roman antiquities, and a picturesque central square, it is one of the best preserved and oldest towns in Portugal and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Evora is also a lively university city, full of bars and excellent restaurants. 

Marvao is one of Portugal’s most beautiful medieval towns. It is perched on a huge granite cliff, about 2800 feet high, near the border with Spain, offering spectacular views over the vast plains of the Alentejo region. Marvao is often described as an “eagle's nest" as it is hidden in the hills in a fairytale-like setting. Marvao even made it to the New York Times bestselling book, 1000 Places to See before You Die!

It had great strategic importance due to its location near the border with Spain, and, having served as a natural crossing point between the countries, it was dubbed the “Key to the Kingdom." It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Beja, the capital of the lower Alentejo region (Baixo Alentejo), is a tranquil, welcoming city with a historic walled center, picturesque squares, outstanding wine, and great traditional cuisine. It is located on a high hilltop, overlooking the golden plain which is full of seemingly endless wheat and corn fields.

Estremoz, a beautiful town in the Alentejo region, is one of the regions famous “white cities,” also known as “marble cities” – called in Portuguese “Cidade Branca.” The excellent quality white marble is quarried in and around Estremoz, and it has been used not only for the construction of buildings and monuments, but also for cobblestones! There are tours of the quarries available.

Dating back to medieval times, the town has spectacular natural beauty, outstanding architecture, and a rich history. It has, uniquely, managed to retain its historic authenticity, giving the feeling that it is suspended in time. Today historic Monsaraz is a museum village, and it can be explored only on foot as vehicles are not permitted within the walls.