Location: Monsaraz
Top Things to do in Monsaraz
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Monsaraz, Alentejo
Monsaraz is a civil parish (freguesia) of the municipality of the Reguengos de Monsaraz, on the right margin of the Guadiana River in Portuguese Alentejo region, near its border with Spain. The population in 2011 was 782, in an area of 88.29 km².
Restaurants in Monsaraz
1. Observatorio do Lago Alqueva
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 264 reviews
The Observatorio do Lago Alqueva – OLA (Lake Alqueva Observatory) is an astronomical observatory next to the medieval village of Monsaraz. OLA offers almost daily tours of the magnificent night sky of Monsaraz, where one can learn the orientation by the North Star, identify the constellations and know their legends, relate stellar colours with their ages, observe star clusters, nebulas and distant galaxies with the help of telescopes. The explanations are presented with clear examples and language by OLA’s guides. When the weather is cloudy, we resort to a simulation using astronomy software. The observatory also promotes courses on astronomy and astrophotography and has a vast program of outreach talks and activities for the general public, schools and senior groups.
Reviewed By IdB11_NL - Utrecht, The Netherlands
We had a great evening with Nelson (and other families). He explained a lot about the (newborn) stars, planets, galaxies etcetera. And showed them with his telescopes. He has an enormous knowledge and can explain it very well. And every question was answered in a very clear way.
2. Monsaraz Castle and Walls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,282 reviews
Reviewed By martyncymro - Coimbra, Portugal
Monsaraz is one of the gems of Portugal and after the major urban centres of Lisbon and Porto, should be one of the first in the list of places to visit when touring Portugal. Monsaraz has preserved its medieval buildings and town walls, although settlement on the hill dates from prehistory. The walls proved ineffective as the town passes from Christians to Muslims, back to Christians and back to Muslims and once the Muslims were defeated it passed between the Spanish and the Portuguese. These days it's possible to walk along part of the walls and castle and see the splendid views they offer over the surrounding countryside. Well worth a visit and highly recommended. You cannot drive into the town, but there are several carparks outside the walls and then a short walk of 100 metres, or so, into the town.
3. Urban and Traditional Center of Monsaraz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By 323MarcK - Bremen, Germany
Another time travel spot to visit. Impressive located on top of a mountain with an amazing view over the region Alentejo. Especially in the evening when most of the tourists are gone you can catch up the certain flair.
