Alentejo

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• davidx (63%)
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Introduction

Alentejo is a very large southern region in Portugal stretching from the sea to the Spanish border.

Geography

There's plenty of variety with cliffs and beaches along a beautiful coast and a mountainous area in the north but the majority comprises sweeping plains. There is plenty of agriculture but the main crop is cork. Alentejo claims to produce well over half the world's supply.

Cities

• Evora - perhaps Portugal's loveliest city, going back to Roman times with the Temple of Diana near to the Cathedral and a splendid Pousada. There is also a chapel of bones and an aqueduct with houses built into the arches.
• Estremoz - one of three marble towns. Marble has been so cheap in the area that is used for pavement edges and even humble dwellings have marble staircases! The Pousada is reckned to be one of the very best in the country.
• Elvas - frontier town in battles between Christians and Moors and later between Portugal and Spain - full of fortifications and old Arab arches.
• Portalegre - Principal town of Alto Alentejo - situated on a steep hill with the castle and cathedral on top. Lower is the Museum of Tapestry.
• Marvão - Small walled village occupying a mountain top with a fairy tale castle - all free except €1 for a small museum!
  

  To the inner castle

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• Castelo de Vide - castle and old synagogue and terrific views.
• Beja

Sights and Activities

Events and Festivals

Weather

Getting There

By Plane

There are buses from Lisbon and Faro airports.

By Train

There are trains from Lisbon.

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

By Train

By Car

By Bus

From Evora to Estremoz, Elvas, Beja and Portalegre there are regular buses. Also, from Portalegre to Marvão and Castelo de Vide there are buses. Taking a bus to Marvão may involve a change. The only safe way is to ask the driver of the bus.

Eat

Drink

Sleep

• Pension Casa D. Dinis - Marvão - excellent situation near the castle - reasonable rates.
• http://www.pensaopolicarpo.com/english/evora.html - Evora - once a noble household - reasonable rates.