Location: Monsaraz
Top Things to do in Monsaraz
What to do and see in Monsaraz, Portugal: The Best Places and Tips
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. Lago Alqueva Observatory
Overall Ratings
5 based on 84 reviews
The Observatorio do Lago Alqueva – OLA (Lake Alqueva Observatory) is the first astronomical Observatory on the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve which helps astronomy curious to become acquainted with the night sky, which facilitates astrophotography to amateur astronomers and, that promotes meetings, workshops and conferences. It can be found next to Monsaraz village, at the center of the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve, the first Tourism Destination Dark Sky reserve, certified by the Starlight Foundation and supported by the UNESCO and UNWTO and the Canary Astrophysical Institute. Away from the large urban centres and their light pollution, the region also benefits of a mean of 286 days of clear skies per year. OLA has a vast program of activities that will please tourists, families, schools, amateur astronomers and astrophotographers. All find here a pleasant place where more about the Universe can be learned in an relaxed manner.
Reviewed By Hugo d
Nuno (The Astronom/ Physicist) and João (The Cute Assistent) made us feeling Astronomous!! They welcomed us at their Observatory and Nuno explained in a very understandable way everything we wanted to know about the Stars. Through the Night He explained the evolution of the Universe. You can literally feel Nuno's passion for it. He explained everything in portuguese and in perfect english. Nuno was very patient with our questions and had for everything Great Informative and Never boring answers! It was Worth all the Travel to get to the darkest Place in Europe!
2. Monsaraz Castle and Walls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 948 reviews
Reviewed By GFLX - Sintra, Portugal
Monsaraz castle with its village inside the walls is probably one of the places not to be missed if traveling around Alentejo. It's historical castle, along with the amazing views towards the lake, makes a perfect stop for lunch or quick visit during your trip. Totally recommended, worth to visit!
3. Nucleo Urbano e Tradicional de Monsaraz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
Reviewed By Gengis25 - Bradford, United Kingdom
We stayed a night in Monsaraz and what an absolutely amazing place it is. There are many hilltop villages throughout the Alentejo but Monsaraz has something special.
It is only small and it isn't over touristic. There were just a handful of shops, which all sold tasteful and traditional goods. There are also a few restaurants which I would advise booking for. What was amazing was that this beautiful, quaint and historic town still felt quiet answer peaceful. You were able to wander the streets without constantly bumping into others. We were able to park very close to the town gates and for free. If this was in the UK it would be charging a fortune to park, rammed with tourists and shops everywhere selling tourist tat! The fact that none of these happen is fantastic.
Monsaraz has a little gem and this is watching the sunset. Booking into a restaurant that faces west, sitting on the wall or a B&B with a roof Terrace will all give you what can only be described as a magical experience.
Close to Monsaraz are historical sites as well as Europe's biggest lake. A boat tour is advised as it is lovely to look back on the town from the middle of the lake.
4. Adega Ervideira
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
In this space with a traditional style, owned by Leal da Costa family, takes all visitors to travel back in time and in a dream world, where we want to share the Ervideira spirit. Here, with a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere, we want to share good times, inviting to taste wines Ervideira.
Reviewed By Christa4of4 - Fayetteville, North Carolina
Did a small group tour. Outdoor processing/fermentation tanks, cask rooms, bottling area. Learned about the processes for different wines. Tasting was excellent. Crackers, jam, cheese, sliced sausages. Tried 3 whites, a sparkling white, a rose, 2 reds, and a late harvest "raisin liquor" wine. Not a red fan in general, but loved theirs.
Great afternoon, wonderful wines.
5. Pelourinho de Monsaraz
Overall Ratings
4 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By Henrique d - Porto, Portugal
This is one of my favorite areas of Portugal and definitely the most beautiful town on Alentejo region.
With the view also, located on the top of a hill due to be a fortified city, part of Portugal´s history. The view over the river on one side and the green and brown fields on other.
The town it self it unique, inside the fortified walls, is like traveling back in time.Inside you cna find restaurants, churchs, a castle and some traditional and historical constructions.
6. Cromeleque do Xerez
Overall Ratings
4 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By Anka P - Krakow, Poland
In my opinion stones are not extraordinary interesting, however worth to see if you have some free time on the way from Lizbon to Evora. Although stones did not make a huge impression on me, I have to admit that place itself is extremely relaxing, and good if you need some time outside the city. If you want to see the stones, 1 hour is enough. If you plan to have a relaxing picnic there, or something similar, you should consider 3 to 4 hours stay.
7. Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Lagoa
Overall Ratings
4 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By Patrick D - Warsaw, Poland
Small church but very nice decoration
The Gothic church was built in the second half of the 13th century
Because of the black plague that devastated the region, the original church disappears under the reign of King John I, resulting in the construction of a new headquarters, because the small size of the building has not allowed the burial of the local population.
The construction of the present church is the 16th century, based on the Renaissance style with three naves supported by four Tuscan columns, dominated the régional..It Is the work of architect Pero Gomez
The pediment is decorated with a tiled panel headed by a cross of the Order of Christ, representing Our Lady. The main altar, made of gold, shows two wooden sculptures depicting St. Augustine and Santa Monica. Its interior is decorated with artistic decorations of the 17th and 18thcenturies and eight side chapels.
Worth the visit!
8. Menir do Outeiro
Overall Ratings
4 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By wanderlustger - Toronto, Canada
We had read about this and came across it quite by accident as we almost drove past. We turned around to go see it. Definitetly interesting but there isn't much to it. We did read the plaque that told us a bit about it, but I'm not sure that I would go out of my way for this. It happened to be between two towns, so we stopped.
9. Menir da Bulhoa
Overall Ratings
4 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Henrique d - Porto, Portugal
This area of Portugal is rich of ancient traces, this is one of many more possible to visit.
Maybe to many people this is meaningless spot, but if to you it is not, do not hesitate to reserve sometime to go here. unfortunately is reachable by car only, this is Portugal country side don´t expect to find transports as you can find on a big city.
10. Cisterna e Terraco da Cisterna
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By rainbowdolphin90 - Billericay, United Kingdom
although it is only visible by looking through a grill at the entrance (unsure why it wasn't open) the sense of space and grandeur is still possible the architecture visible is magnificent and it was disappointing not to be able to see it closer.
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