La Alentejo region is found mostly in Portugal, in its southern area, covering what was the historic Alentejo region, but also adding a part of Extremadura. Some say that this is the most authentic Portugal and also the most rural, away from the tourist centers. There is no doubt that it is one of its most charming areas, which you have to visit by making stops in different towns.
Let's see some of the most important points of interest in the Alentejo region. To visit this area it is recommended to rent a vehicle, since you have to go from one place to another discovering its coastline, the small towns with white houses and all its charming corners. Although it is one of the most unpopulated regions of Portugal, we can find beautiful places and many interesting towns.
Évora
Évora is a small town in Alentejo and one of its most important points, that's why we started with it. Its historic center is already a World Heritage Site and has important historical remains, some even from Roman times. In the Plaza de Giraldo you will find the tourist office and it is the center of the city. In the Count Vila Flor Square you can see the ruins of a Roman temple. This city also has many important religious buildings such as the Church of San Francisco and the Chapel of Bones, as well as the cathedral in the Gothic style of the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries.
Arraiolos
This small town stands out because since the XNUMXth century it has been dedicated to artisan production of rugs and carpets, something that we can deduce when we get to it. In the main square you can see the old dyeing rooms and today the tradition continues, so walking through its old town it is possible to see some inhabitants who still weave these beautiful carpets. In the village you should also visit the church of Mercy with tiles from the XNUMXth century.
County Dublin
This is one of the calls marble cities in this area of Alentejo. One of its most interesting places is the Republic Square, in addition to the marble palace and the castle. This town was the place where the Braganza dynasty lived, where Catherine de Braganza was born.
Estremoz
The city of Estremoz is another of those typical Alentejo places. Is a walled city with a XNUMXth century medieval castle. The town stands out for its pottery and crafts. On Sundays a market is held in the main square where you can enjoy all kinds of products. Some of the things that can be seen in this town is the unfinished Convento dos Congregados in which the Museum of Sacred Art is located.
Elvas
Near the border with Spain is the town of Elvás. A town that stands out for being walled and having a medieval castle. You have to get lost in those streets with irregular layout typical of the old towns. Leaving its historic center you can visit the Fort of Santa Luzia and Fort da Graça. In the town there are also other monuments, such as its beautiful cathedral and the XNUMXth century Paços do Concello. Outside the city you should visit the Amoreira Aqueduct from the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, as well as the Santuario do Senhor Jesus da Piedade.
Mértola
This is a nice town that is next to the Guadiana river. It is located on rocky hills and at the top there is an old castle, being one of the Portuguese towns in which the Arab style is best preserved. In the castle you can see the tall keep from the XNUMXth century. In this town there are also several museums of interest to tourists, such as the Museum of Sacred Art, the Museum of Islamic Art or the Paleo-Christian Museum.
Monsaraz
Monsaraz is one of those quiet towns in the Alentejo area where it is possible to enjoy surroundings with fields and beautiful landscapes. It has a XNUMXth century castle and when entering through the Porta da Vila you can see the Main Church and the Plaza de Don Nuno Álvares Pereira.
Sines
The Alentejo area also has the sea, so we can enjoy a beautiful coastline with beaches. The town of Sines has a beach, a castle and an Archaeological Museum. This is the birthplace of Vasco de Gama. Another important building in the city is the Church of Nossa Senhora das Salas in a beautiful Manueline style. In the coastal area there are other towns that also have beaches such as Comporta. It is one of the most touristic areas of the Alentejo.