Top Things to do in Alentejo
Top 10 Things to do in Alentejo, Portugal
Discover the best top things to do in Alentejo, Portugal including Parque Natural da Arrabida, Capela dos Ossos, Cathedral of Evora (Se Catedral de Evora), Centro Interpretativo dos Almendres, Santuario Nacional de Cristo Rei, Cabo Espichel, Mercado do Livramento, Centro Historico de Evora, Praia de Galapinhos, Sao Joao Batista Church.
Restaurants in Alentejo
1. Parque Natural da Arrabida
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,672 reviews
Reviewed By Fatima2020s
Mesmerising landscape. A lot of beautiful spots. Possibility of doing paddle, canoeing or simply walk.
2. Capela dos Ossos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,483 reviews
The walls and pillars of the chapel, built in the century XVII, are lined with thousands of human bones and skulls. Ceilings with murals realtivas death. Written on a plaque next to the door, the phrase "We bones that are here for your hope", reminds us how fleeting passage through life.
Reviewed By jonahNJ - Pennington, United States
The one place I was really looking forward to visiting in Portugal was the Chapel of The Bones. Once inside this relatively small chapel, it exceeded my expectations! Note that the chapel is small, so there is a staggering of groups admitted to the chapel. However, the visitors moved along well during my visit. Just outside of the chapel is a poem which compels travelers to ponder their existence. If that was not enough of a prompt, just over the entrance to the chapel is the engraved warning “Nós ossos que aqui estamos pelos vossos esperamos” which loosely translates to “We bones that are here, we are waiting for yours." I then entered the chapel and sure enough all of the walls and pillars are covered in a variety of human bones and skulls. Skulls are also used to trim portions of the ceiling. During my visit, I learned that approximately 5,000 skeletons from church cemeteries in Evora were used to “decorate” the chapel. Visiting this small chapel was one of the most surreal experiences of my life and a must see for visitors to Evora.
3. Cathedral of Evora (Se Catedral de Evora)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,119 reviews
Roman-Gothic 12th century cathedral. Guard a valuable treasure. Spectacular visit the cloisters of the cathedral and coverage, with magnificent views of the historic center. Is part of the monumental complex as a Unesco World Heritage
Reviewed By IndySig - Indianapolis, United States
We enjoyed viewing and walking around this old beauty. The cloister area was interesting with the spiral staircase and beautiful vaulted roof. Plus, the Madonna and the crypts were fascinating. The views from the top were great of the city and the cathedral was interesting. A great visit.
4. Centro Interpretativo dos Almendres
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,259 reviews
Reviewed By remcoh127 - Santa Barbara de Nexe, Portugal
The 8,000 year old, Cromeleque dos Almendres near Guadelupe (Évora, Alentejo) dates from the new Stone Age and Bronze Age. The double stone circle is made up of 95 egg-shaped megaliths and is located on top of a hill. There is a rolling landscape with cork oaks all around; the view is beautiful. The standing stones of the Almendres Cromlech are regarded as the finest example of Neolithic structures that remain on the Iberian Peninsula. Thankfully, the local government has not cordoned or fenced off the stones and visitors are free to wander around the entire site and even touch the stones. This relaxed approach extends to the management of the site, there is no entrance fee and the stones are open to visit at any time. You need a car to reach the stones from the visitors centre over a unpaved track of 4 km, walking is not advised because you share the track with cars. The atmosphere is peaceful and you experience a magical sentiment when think this was build 6.000 B.C.
5. Santuario Nacional de Cristo Rei
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,204 reviews
Reviewed By 535family - Brighton, United Kingdom
It’s easy to get the ferry to Cacilhas and then the bus 101 up to the statue. The park is a peaceful setting with great views of Lisbon and close up to the statue - a good place for a picnic - or you can ride the lift up to the viewing platform for the best views of Lisbon and the Iconic Bridge. Even if you don’t like heights there are very high railings and you will feel safe. There are quite a few narrow steep steps to climb so going to the viewing platform would be difficult for anyone with mobility issues. This is a religious place and there is a prayer room and a chapel for those who want it, but non religious folk are made to feel welcome too.
6. Cabo Espichel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 967 reviews
Reviewed By MaryleneS - Maputo, Mozambique
The Cabo Espichel may be a bit out of the way and definitely requires a car, but it is worth the effort: in addition to the beautiful landscape, especially during the sunset, it offers a combination of attractions: an historical lighthouse, a beautiful Sanctuary and Hermitage, containing footprints of sauropod dinosaurs and a water house with the ruin of an aqueduct to was bringing the water to the premises. It is said that part of the site is under restauration to house a hotel.
7. Mercado do Livramento
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 575 reviews
Reviewed By malc1005 - Kettering, United Kingdom
A lovely indoor market, that seems to sell, everything that you may want, food wise. Very interesting to visit, and take a look around.
8. Centro Historico de Evora
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,508 reviews
The city of Evora is world heritage not only for its monuments. Their culture, their streets, whitewashed houses, the latticed balconies, their uneven sidewalks, its Gothic doors and windows, narrow and irregular streets of the Jewish quarter, its whiteness contrasting with the blue sky, its people , traditions and cuisine, among others make Evora is one of the best preserved world heritage cities. Stroll through its elegant medieval arcades and the unpretentious streets breathe history in Romans, Arabs and medieval manor and detail framed by the picturesque. Get regional crafts, indulge in the cuisine of the area and be sure to enjoy their famous wines. With a good hotel infrastructure, with many good restaurants, with warm people and beautiful monuments, Evora awaits your visit.
Reviewed By Paul7407 - Potsdam, Germany
We loved walking from our hotel, on the outskirts of Évora, through to the centre. The houses are beautiful and streets still have that feeling of old! It has a peaceful atmosphere with a colourful feel to it. Add the historical discoveries on nearly every corner and it's just a fantastic tranquil place to visit. We loved it and wished we could stay a few days longer. ENJOY :)
9. Praia de Galapinhos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 474 reviews
Reviewed By 300X - Vancouver, Canada
Been going here for the vast majority of my life. This is by far the hidden gem ???? of the Arrabida beaches, this one and “Coelhos” next door... both require you to hike and that’s the reason that still to this day, they retain the privacy and its beauty. No matter what month it is, what the weather is doing, where exactly in the world I am, my heart’s always here 100%
