Planning an Alentejo itinerary? You’re in the right place.

With medieval villages, historic towns, incredible food, beautiful countryside, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in Portugal, there are countless things to do in Alentejo.

Alentejo may actually be my favorite region in Portugal. I don’t know if it’s because I spent part of my childhood visiting Portalegre, because of the fantastic gastronomy, or simply because of its slower pace of life. I just know that every time I return, I find another reason to love it.

From the whitewashed streets of Mértola and the castle of Castelo de Vide to the vineyards, hilltop villages, and endless plains that define the region, Alentejo offers a side of Portugal that feels completely different from the country’s more popular destinations.

In this 6-day Alentejo itinerary, I’ll share the places I visited, practical tips for planning your trip, where to stay, and some of the best things to do in Alentejo.

This itinerary focuses on inland Alentejo, where you’ll find many of the region’s most historic towns, villages, and landscapes.

However, Alentejo is also home to a spectacular coastline. If you’re interested in exploring that side of the region as well, I highly recommend reading my guide to Costa Vicentina, one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Portugal (where some of it is located in Alentejo).

One of the best things about visiting Alentejo is how easy it is to reach from Lisbon.

Depending on which part of the region you’re visiting, you can be in Alentejo in as little as one hour after leaving the Portuguese capital.

That said, I strongly recommend having a car for visiting Alentejo.

While larger cities such as Évora are connected to Lisbon by bus, many of the region’s highlights are spread across the countryside and are much harder to reach using public transportation.

Although Alentejo may look relatively compact on a map, it is actually Portugal’s largest region. Distances between many of the main attractions can be surprisingly long, especially if you plan on visiting several Alentejo towns and villages during your trip.

For example, driving from Marvão in the north-east of the region to Mértola in the south covers around 250 km (155 miles) and takes approximately 3.5 hours.

Having a car not only makes these journeys much easier, but also allows you to stop at viewpoints, wineries, and smaller villages along the way.

🚗 If you need a rental car, I recommend comparing prices through Discover Cars. It’s the platform I usually use to compare offers from different rental companies and find the best deals for my trips.

You can filter by things like insurance and reviews, which helps avoid unpleasant surprises at pick-up.

👉 Check prices for your dates here

Before diving into the day-by-day itinerary, I’m sharing a summary of the route below, as well as a map to help you visualize where each destination is located.

Throughout the post, I’ll also share where I recommend staying each night, along with alternative accommodation suggestions in the different towns and villages included in the itinerary. This way, you can easily adapt the route.

And because no trip to Alentejo would be complete without great food, you’ll also find restaurant recommendations along the way. After all, Alentejo is home to some of the best food in Portugal. Quite honestly, it’s one of my favorite regions in the country when it comes to gastronomy.

• Day 1: Castelo de Vide – Marvão – Portalegre – Elvas
• Day 2: Elvas – Vila Viçosa – Estremoz – Évora
• Day 3: Évora
• Day 4: Évora – Arraiolos – Alqueva – Monsaraz
• Day 5: Monsaraz – Beja – Mértola
• Day 6: Mértola

Day 1 in Alentejo

• 🚗 Driving time: 1 hour 40 minutes (88 km / 55 miles)
• 📍 Itinerary: Castelo de Vide – Marvão – Portalegre – Elvas
• 😴 Where to sleep: Elvas (my recommendation: Hotel D. Luís)

One of the prettiest towns in Alentejo, Castelo de Vide is the perfect place to start this itinerary.

The best way to explore it is on foot. Wander through its narrow streets, admire the colorful houses, and take the time to appreciate the many small details that make this town so charming.

Some of the highlights include Castelo de Vide Castle, the Jewish Quarter (Judiaria), Vila Fountain, D. Pedro V Square, and Mealhada Fountain.

Don’t also miss Ermida Nossa Senhora da Penha (photos above). Located just outside town, it offers some of the best views over Castelo de Vide and the surrounding countryside.

👉 Learn more about Castelo de Vide: Castelo de Vide Medieval Village Walking Tour

Where to eat in Castelo de Vide

I recommend Restaurant A Confraria (€€€), where game dishes are the specialty. Since there were so many interesting options on the menu, I opted for the tasting menu, which allows you to choose four different dishes in smaller portions.

Accommodation in Castelo de Vide

Perched on top of a rocky hill near the Spanish border, Marvão is one of my favorite villages in Alentejo.

Like Castelo de Vide, the best way to experience it is simply by wandering around. The village is small, but every street seems to lead to another incredible viewpoint over the surrounding landscape.

Don’t miss Marvão Castle and Portas de Rodão. The views from the castle walls are some of the most impressive you’ll find anywhere in Alentejo.

If you have some extra time available, I also highly recommend the Rail Bike Marvão experience. Riding along a former railway line through the stunning landscapes of the São Mamede Natural Park is one of the most unique things to do in this part of Alentejo and a great addition to any Alentejo road trip.

💡 EXTRA TIP: On your way to the next stop (Portalegre), make a quick stop at Alameda dos Freixos. The white-painted tree trunks create a surprisingly photogenic scene and make for a nice short break during your drive.

Accommodation in Marvão

The next stop on this Alentejo road trip is Portalegre, the district capital and the least populated district capital in mainland Portugal.

Although many visitors pass through quickly, I think it’s worth spending some time exploring its historic center. Highlights include Portalegre Cathedral, Rua do Comércio, and Praça da República.

Portalegre also makes a good stop to enjoy a coffee and take a break before continuing towards Elvas.

Accommodation in Portalegre

Day 2 in Alentejo

• 🚗 Driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes (97 km / 60 miles)
• 📍 Itinerary: Elvas – Vila Viçosa – Estremoz – Évora
• 😴 Where to sleep: Évora (my recommendation: Lavradores Boutique Guesthouse)

Elvas is one of the most impressive towns in Alentejo and one of the highlights of this itinerary. Thanks to its extensive system of fortifications, the city was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012.

The historic center is best explored on foot, wandering through its streets and squares. The only places where you’ll need a car are the two fortresses located outside the city center.

Some of the main points of interest in Elvas include:

• Santa Luzia Fort
• Graça Fort
• Amoreira Aqueduct
• Elvas Wall
• Misericórdia Square
• Cadeia Street
• Republic Square
• Nossa Senhora da Assunção Church
• Alcáçova Square
• Santa Clara Archway
• Beatas Street
• Castle

If you’re short on time, I would prioritize Graça Fort, the Amoreira Aqueduct, and a stroll through the historic center.

👉 Learn more about Elvas: Elvas walking tour

Accommodation in Elvas

When I stayed overnight in Elvas I opted for Hotel D. Luís. This hotel has a privileged view over the Amoreira aqueduct. The hotel is old, but has been recently renovated and offers good value for money.

Although it is a bit far from the centre of Elvas, you can easily get there (about 10 minutes on foot).

Here are more recommendations for accommodation in Elvas:

Where to eat in Elvas

Elvas has some of my favorite restaurants in Alentejo:

• Pompílio (€€) – was one of my favorite restaurants of this entire Alentejo road trip. Portions are generous and the food was excellent. In fact, this is where I had the best secretos de porco preto of the whole trip.

• Taberna do Adro (€) is much smaller, with only a handful of tables, so I strongly recommend booking ahead. The atmosphere is simple and traditional, and the food is outstanding. We tried carne do alguidar, grilled chicken, and a selection of migas made with potatoes, cauliflower, and tomatoes. Everything was delicious.

» Vila Viçosa

Known as the historical seat of the Portuguese royal House of Braganza, Vila Viçosa is one of the most elegant towns in Alentejo.

Start your visit inside the castle walls before heading towards the impressive Terreiro do Paço, one of the most beautiful squares in the region.

Other places worth visiting include the Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa, the Republic Square, and the Varandinha dos Namorados. Although the latter was somewhat neglected when I visited, the views are still worth checking out.

Accommodation in Vila Viçosa

The next stop on this Alentejo road trip is Estremoz, a town famous for its marble, wine, and historic center.

Like many Alentejo towns, Estremoz is relatively compact and easy to explore on foot. I recommend simply strolling through the old town and visiting its main landmarks.

Some of the highlights include:

• Évora Gate
• City Hall
• Castle
• Pillory of Estremoz
• Currais Gate

If you’re visiting on a Saturday, don’t miss the famous Estremoz market. Held in Rossio Marquês de Pombal, it combines one of Portugal’s best-known antique and flea markets with a traditional market selling local products.

Although it is often overshadowed by nearby Évora, I found Estremoz to be a very pleasant stop and a great addition to this itinerary.

👉 Learn more about Estremoz: Walking tour in Estremoz

Where to eat in Estremoz

If you’re looking for a good place to eat in Estremoz, I highly recommend Alecrim (€€).

The restaurant serves traditional Alentejo cuisine with a more modern and creative approach. Although I only had the chance to try the presa de porco ibérico com migas, it was an excellent choice. The portion was generous enough for two people to share and everything was cooked to perfection.

Alecrim is also quite popular among both locals and visitors, so I strongly recommend making a reservation in advance, especially on weekends.

Take a look at my full review of Alecrim.

Accommodation in Estremoz

To end the day, head to Alto de São Bento Viewpoint for sunset.

This is one of my favorite viewpoints near Évora and a wonderful place to appreciate the Alentejo landscape. The panoramic views stretch across the surrounding plains and become even more beautiful as the sun starts to set.

When I visited, I noticed several locals bringing food and drinks to enjoy the sunset from here and after seeing the views for myself, I completely understood why. If the weather cooperates, this is a stop you shouldn’t miss.

Day 3 in Alentejo

• 🚗 Driving time: none
• 📍 Itinerary: Évora
• 😴 Where to sleep: Évora (my recommendation: Lavradores Boutique Guesthouse)

After two days exploring several Alentejo towns and villages, it’s time to slow down and spend a full day in Évora.

As the region’s most famous city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Évora is one of the highlights of this Alentejo itinerary and deserves at least a full day of exploration.

Évora is often associated with its famous Roman Temple, but there is much more to see beyond this iconic landmark.

The historic center is relatively compact and easy to explore on foot, making it perfect for a leisurely day of sightseeing.

As you wander through the city, you’ll come across medieval streets, beautiful churches, charming squares, and reminders of the many civilizations that have shaped Évora over the centuries.

🎫 If you’d rather explore Évora with a local guide, this small-group walking tour is a great option. It covers many of the city’s main highlights, including the famous Bones Chapel, and is ideal if you want to learn more about Évora’s fascinating history.

Some of the places you shouldn’t miss include:

• Roman Temple of Évora
• Évora Cathedral
• Giraldo Square
• Rua 5 de Outubro
• Church of St. Francis Bones
• Chapel Portas de Moura

And the list goes on:

• Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo Misericórdia
• Church Church of Graça
• Praça 1.º de Maio
• Raimundo Gate
• Rua do Cano
• Água de Prata Aqueduct
• Avis Gate
• Five Corners Tower
• Dona Isabel Roman Arch
• Cadaval Palace

Located just outside Évora, Cromeleque dos Almendres is one of the most important megalithic monuments in the Iberian Peninsula and is often referred to as the Portuguese Stonehenge.

If you’re following this Alentejo road trip, I think it’s well worth the short detour from the city.

When I visited, Google Maps directed us to a dirt road leading to a parking area near the monument. However, the road was in poor condition, and we decided not to risk it. Instead, we parked near a nearby farm and walked approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) to reach the site.

The walk is easy and straightforward, and once you arrive, it’s fascinating to see the collection of standing stones that have been there for thousands of years. Information panels explain some of the engravings found on the stones, although spotting them isn’t always easy.

Where to eat in Évora

If you’re looking for a more refined dining experience, I highly recommend Enoteca Cartuxa (€€€).

Service was excellent and the food offered a more contemporary take on traditional flavors. We particularly enjoyed the codfish chips with potatoes and fried egg, as well as the sautéed squid with chili, rosemary, lemon, and mushrooms.

For something more casual and memorable, head to O Templo (€€).

The restaurant is tiny, so booking ahead is essential. Portions are generous, prices are reasonable, and the food is traditional Alentejo cuisine at its best. The honey and walnut cake was one of my favorite desserts of the trip.

That said, the real highlight is the owner. As one Tripadvisor reviewer perfectly described him, he’s a true one-man show. Expect plenty of stories and conversation throughout your meal.

Although I haven’t had the chance to eat there yet, Taberna Típica Quarta-Feira is probably the restaurant I hear recommended most often in Évora. It’s been on my list for years, and hopefully I’ll finally get to try it on my next trip.

🍷 Food lovers may also enjoy this evening food and wine tour in Évora. It’s a great way to discover traditional Alentejo flavors, sample local wines, and learn more about the region’s gastronomy with the help of a local guide.

Accommodation in Évora

One of my favorite accommodation finds during this Alentejo itinerary was Lavradores Boutique Guesthouse.

Located just outside the city walls, it offers an excellent balance between location, comfort, and value for money. The rooms are spacious, beautifully decorated, and it is clear that a lot of attention has been given to the small details.

The property also includes several common areas, including a shared kitchen for guests who prefer to prepare some of their own meals.

One detail I particularly liked was the breakfast concept. Instead of a traditional buffet, guests select their preferred items in advance and receive a basket prepared for them the following morning.

Would I stay here again? Absolutely.

Anyway, here are some more recommendations for accommodation in Évora:

Day 4 in Alentejo

• 🚗 Driving time: 2h15 (163 km/ 101 miles)
• 📍 Itinerary: Évora – Arraiolos – Alqueva – Monsaraz
• 😴 Where to sleep: Monsaraz

Famous for its traditional hand-embroidered rugs, Arraiolos is one of the most charming towns in Alentejo and an easy stop on the way to Monsaraz.

Although relatively small, it’s well worth spending an hour or two wandering through the historic center. Don’t miss the Misericórdia Church and make sure to climb up to Arraiolos Castle, which offers fantastic views over the surrounding countryside.

If you have some extra time, it’s also worth browsing the local shops selling the famous Arraiolos rugs, one of the region’s most traditional crafts.

🎫 If you’d like to learn more about one of Arraiolos’ most famous traditions, consider joining this embroidery workshop with local artisans. Not only will you discover the history behind the iconic Arraiolos rugs, but you’ll also have the chance to try the craft yourself and take home a unique souvenir.

Where to eat in Arraiolos

With a space different from usual, I recommend the restaurant O Alpendre (€€).

The restaurant has a slightly different atmosphere from most traditional Alentejo restaurants and the service was exceptionally attentive. We shared a starter of pataniscas with tomato rice and a portion of lagartos com migas, and the amount of food was more than enough for two people.

Every time I return to Alentejo, I try to stop at O Alpendre. It’s easily one of my favorite restaurants in the region and a place I keep coming back to. Check out my full experience at O Alpendre.

When researching what to do in Alentejo, Alqueva quickly stood out as one of the most interesting destinations.

The region is home to Europe’s largest artificial lake and is famous for activities such as stargazing, boat trips, kayaking, and canoeing. In fact, Alqueva is one of the best places in Portugal for observing the night sky thanks to its Dark Sky Reserve status.

As I had never tried canoeing before, I decided this would be the perfect place for my first experience.

We booked a guided canoe tour with Alentejo Break, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the activity. The tour lasted approximately two hours and was conducted in a small group, with the guide sharing interesting stories about the region and the construction of the Alqueva Dam along the way.

One of the highlights was stopping at a small islet for a swim. Given the temperatures that day, jumping into the water was exactly what we needed.

Besides canoeing, Alentejo Break also offers several other activities in the area, and it’s definitely a company I would book with again on a future visit.

💡 EXTRA TIP: If you’re spending the night near Monsaraz, consider booking a stargazing experience. Alqueva is one of the best places in Europe to observe the night sky.

Monsaraz is one of my favorite places in Alentejo and a destination I never get tired of recommending. Perched on a hill overlooking the vast Alqueva Lake, this medieval village is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the region.

Surrounded by ancient walls, Monsaraz is filled with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, small craft shops, and stunning viewpoints. It’s the kind of place where the best thing to do is simply wander around without a plan and enjoy the atmosphere.

Although the village is relatively small, I recommend setting aside a few hours to explore it properly. Don’t miss Monsaraz Castle, which offers some of the best views in Alentejo and across the Alqueva Lake.

👉 Read more: Best things to do in Monsaraz

Accommodation in Monsaraz

If you’re looking to treat yourself during your trip, consider staying at either Montimerso Skyscape Countryhouse or São Lourenço do Barrocal. Both are among the most unique and memorable places to stay in Alentejo.

Day 5 in Alentejo

• 🚗 Driving time: 2h10 (146 km/ 91 miles)
• 📍 Itinerary: Monsaraz – Beja – Mértola
• 😴 Where to sleep: Mértola (my recommendation: Hotel Melius)

The first stop of the day is Beja, another district capital and one of the oldest cities in Alentejo.

Although often overlooked by visitors heading straight to Évora or Monsaraz, Beja has a rich history that dates back to Roman times and is well worth a few hours of exploration.

The historic center is relatively compact and easy to explore on foot. Some of the main attractions include:

• Nossa Senhora da Conceição Convent
• Misericórdia Church
• Castle
• Cathedral
• Ermida de Santo André

If you’re short on time, I would prioritize the castle, which offers some of the best panoramic views over the city and the surrounding Alentejo countryside.

Where to eat in Beja

One of my favorite restaurant recommendations in Beja is Dom Dinis.

We started with chouriço de porco preto and then shared a pijaminha, which is a great option if you’d like to sample different cuts of meat in a single meal. Portions are extremely generous and come served with two types of migas and applesauce, which pairs surprisingly well with the grilled meat.

If you’re interested in experiencing traditional Alentejo cuisine, this is an excellent place to do so.

Accommodation in Beja

I recommend staying in Hotel Melius. The hotel is somewhat dated, but perfectly comfortable for a short stay. One thing I particularly remember is the breakfast, which included freshly baked bread and delicious puff pastry croissants.

Nevertheless, I leave here other suggestions for accommodation in Beja:

If I had to choose one of the biggest surprises of this entire Alentejo itinerary, Mértola would be a strong contender.

In fact, after this trip, Mértola quickly became one of my favorite towns in Alentejo.

Perched above the Guadiana River and shaped by centuries of Christian and Moorish influence, Mértola feels completely different from many other places in the region. The whitewashed houses, narrow streets, river views, and relaxed atmosphere make it an unforgettable place to visit.

The best way to experience Mértola is simply by wandering through its historic center. That said, some of the highlights include:

• Views over the Guadiana River
• Mértola Castle
• Mother Church of Mértola
• Clock Tower
• Town Hall

Accommodation in Mértola

In Mértola, I stayed at Beira Rio Hotel, and the location alone makes it worth considering.

While the hotel itself is somewhat dated, the views over the river are fantastic. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool, which is particularly welcome during the hot summer months.

One of my favorite moments was spending the evening on the terrace with a drink while watching the sun set over Mértola. After a full day exploring Alentejo, it was the perfect way to end the day.

However, there are other accommodation options in Mértola:

Day 6 in Alentejo

• 🚗 Driving time: 30 min (20 km / 12 miles)
• 📍 Itinerary: Mértola – Mina de São Domingos – Tapada Grande River Beach
• 😴 Where to sleep: Mértola (my recommendation: Beira Rio Hotel)

Located around 20 minutes from Mértola, Mina de São Domingos is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Alentejo.

Once one of the most important mining complexes in Portugal, today it offers a glimpse into the region’s industrial past. Although many of the buildings are now abandoned and in varying states of decay, that’s also part of what makes the site so interesting.

The area is relatively large and easy to explore by car. Some of the places worth visiting include:

• The striking acid water lagoon
• The former railway workshops
• The mineral loading pier
• The abandoned mining buildings

I have always been fascinated by abandoned places, and Mina de São Domingos is one of those locations that inevitably makes you wonder what life must have been like here during its peak years.

A visit to Mina de São Domingos pairs perfectly with a stop at Tapada Grande River Beach, which is located nearby.

Widely regarded as one of the best river beaches in Alentejo, it’s an excellent place to cool off, especially during the warmer months. The calm waters, surrounding pine trees, and peaceful atmosphere make it easy to spend a few relaxing hours here.

If you’re visiting Alentejo in summer, I would strongly recommend bringing your swimsuit. After several days exploring Alentejo towns and villages, this is the perfect way to end your trip before heading home.

Alentejo is Portugal’s largest region, and there are many places to explore.

Just as importantly, Alentejo is a destination that is best enjoyed at a slower pace. Long lunches, scenic drives, and leisurely strolls through charming Alentejo towns are all part of the experience.

For that reason, I recommend spending at least 6 to 7 days in the region. This Alentejo itinerary is designed around a 6-day trip and covers many of the highlights, but you could easily spend longer exploring some of the region’s lesser-known villages and hidden gems.

Alentejo can be visited year-round, but some seasons are definitely more enjoyable than others.

Personally, I think spring and fall are the best times to visit. Temperatures are pleasant, the countryside is at its most beautiful, and sightseeing is much more comfortable.

While winter is generally mild compared to many other European destinations, some days can be rainy and cooler.

I would generally avoid visiting in July and August. Alentejo is one of the hottest regions in Portugal, and summer temperatures frequently exceed 35°C (95°F), making sightseeing and exploring during the middle of the day far less enjoyable.

I hope this Alentejo itinerary has helped you plan your trip and discover some of the many incredible places this region has to offer.

From historic cities such as Évora and charming medieval villages like Monsaraz and Marvão to stunning landscapes and traditional Alentejo towns, there are countless things to do in Alentejo. While this 6-day itinerary covers many of the region’s highlights, it is by no means the only way to explore Portugal’s largest region.

If you have extra time available, I also highly recommend combining your trip with a few days on the coast. The Alentejo coastline is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, and my guide to the best beaches in Costa Vicentina is the perfect complement to this itinerary.

One thing is certain: Alentejo is a region that rewards slow travel. The more time you spend here, the more you’ll appreciate its landscapes, gastronomy, and unique atmosphere.

Have you visited Alentejo before? Or are you currently planning your own Alentejo road trip? I’d love to hear about your experience, or answer any questions you may have, in the comments below!

Disclaimer: this post may contain some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you buy something through my links. This doesn’t represent any additional cost to you and you’ll be supporting my work here on the blog😊