Alentejo Road Trip: The Most Beautiful Route

Road Trip and the Most Beautiful Route Through Alentejo

The Alentejo region in Portugal is a wonderful place for a road trip. From historic cities and charming villages to breathtaking nature reserves and stunning coastlines. You’ll need at least a week to get a good sense of the region’s rich culture and natural beauty.

Read below about the most beautiful (at least) one-week driving route through the Alentejo. Plus, the three best routes from Lisbon to the Alentejo.

The Best 8-Day Alentejo Tour:

Day 1: Évora, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Start in Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover its medieval atmosphere. Explore the impressive Roman temple complex, visit the Gothic cathedral, and admire the Capela dos Ossos, decorated with human bones.

Day 2: Moorish Mértola and Charming Beja

Set out early for Mértola, a small town on the banks of the Guadiana River. Here you’ll see Moorish heritage, with narrow streets and whitewashed houses. Visit Mértola Castle before continuing on to Beja. Here you’ll find many charming restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal featuring local dishes and local wines.

Day 3: Enjoy nature at the Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana

Leave the cities and culture behind and embrace the tranquility and beauty of nature in the Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana. Hike through the forests, admire the wildflowers, and spot rare bird species. A boat trip on the Guadiana River is also well worth it.

Day 4: Charming Monsaraz

Drive to picturesque Monsaraz, a village perched high above the surrounding plains. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the view of Lake Alqueva, Europe’s largest artificial lake. Enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants and sample the delicious regional wine.

Day 5: The Alentejo Coast – Zambujeira do Mar

Drive toward the coast and spend the day in Zambujeira do Mar. Here you’ll find breathtaking cliffs and beautiful beaches. Explore the rocky coastline and take a refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean. End the day with dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Day 6: Sintra and Cascais

Leave the Alentejo for a day and drive to Sintra, a town known for its fairytale palaces and lush gardens. Visit the colorful Palácio da Pena and explore the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira. Afterward, you can continue on to Cascais, a charming seaside resort, to relax on the beach and enjoy the fresh sea air.

Day 7: Back to Évora

The 3 Most Beautiful Driving Routes from Lisbon to the Alentejo

From Lisbon, you can easily drive to the Algarve in about 3 hours via the E1 highway. But there are more scenic routes that allow you to get to know the region better. You can find more up-to-date information about the region on the official Visit Portugal website.

1. The N120 along the Costa Vicentina

This route takes about 3 hours and winds along the beautiful, rugged Costa Vicentina, with small

seaside resorts such as Porto Covo and Milfontes.

2. Portugal’s Route 66: the EN2

This road was built after World War II to connect the north with Faro in the Algarve. The route winds through a varied landscape of mountains, hills, and flat areas, which is why it is often compared to Route 66 in the United States. The EN2 stretches 750 kilometers from north to south. You’ll find many charming restaurants and villages along the way.

Best route to take:

  • Lisbon
  • Montemor-o-Novo
  • Alcaçovas
  • Torrâo-Ferreira do Alentejo
  • Castro Verde

3. The River Route, along the Guadiana

The Guadiana River flows along the border with Spain and lies just east of Castro Verde, the biosphere reserve. You can cool off and go swimming in the Guadiana River in the park. Lake Alqueva is one of the largest man-made lakes. You’ll pass through Corval, Serpa, Moura, Monsaraz, and Mértola.

The Most Beautiful Alentejo Road Trip on a Map

Accommodation Tips for a Road Trip Through the Alentejo

In Odemira, near the coast but just inland, you’ll find the unique Craveiral Farmhouse. A place to truly unwind and enjoy the countryside, the local cuisine, and the unique design of this sustainable hotel.

In Monsaraz, you’ll find the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve Montimerso Skyscape Countryhouse: eco-luxury and design in the heart of nature.

TIP: Alentejo train tour from Lisbon

The Oriente station in Lisbon is about 10 minutes from Lisbon Airport.

  1. Santarém: In just 30 minutes, the high-speed train will take you to Portugal’s Gothic capital, where you can enjoy views of the Tagus River valley. From Santarém, you can continue on the regional Portalegre train to Nisa, Portalegre, and Elas.
  2. There are five trains a day from Entrecampos Station in Lisbon to Évora on the Intercity service.
  3. From Entrecampos in Lisbon, you can get to Beja in 2 hours by intercity train.
Madelon Seignette - author

About the author

Madelon Seignette

With a passion for travel and photography and over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, I love to share my special nature travel tips. Travel is wonderful and important, you meet new people and cultures and it opens your view of the world.

ALL POSTS BY THIS AMBASSADOR

Check out other blogs

Get inspired

Are you looking for the most beautiful hiking and biking routes? Or do you want information about traveling by train or advice for the most beautiful road trips through nature. Get inspired for your next trip in green; ideas for planning your own trip or opting for an organized trip.