After exploring the Portuguese coast for three weeks in our campervan, our final destination from Peneda-Gerês National Park was the region of Alentejo which we’d been told was one of the country’s hidden gems.
Along our route, we explored Nazare, Peniche, Aveiro, Ericeira, Sintra, Arrabida Natural Park and many other spots along the west coast of Portugal. Recently, we explored the beautiful coastal town of Cascais, a short drive from the capital Lisbon.
Little did we know, we had saved the best for last. The charming village of Monsaraz was going to be our last stop before crossing the border back to Spain and eventually returning to the UK.
We drove up the hill, along a cobbled road to the medieval village and experienced one of the most magnificent sunrises of the trip.
This guide will share everything you need to know before visiting Monsaraz, how to get there, the best restaurants, places to stay and what things you shouldn’t miss when visiting.
Where is Monsaraz?
Monsaraz is a picturesque, fortified medieval village located in the eastern area of the Alentejo region of Portugal. The village is perched on top of a hill overlooking Alqueva Lake, the largest man-made reservoir in Europe offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside in the Guadiana Valley.
How to get to Monsaraz?
The village of Monsaraz is located close to the border of Spain surrounded by the nearby towns of Reguengos de Monsaraz, Campo and Mourão. The city of Evora sits between Lisbon and Monsaraz and to drive from Lisbon to Monsaraz, it takes just over 2 hours by car, with tolls along this route.
There is the option to travel to Monsaraz by public transport via bus and train. Public transport options outside the main cities are limited and long-distance coaches are the preferred option.
Take a bus from Lisbon to Reguengos de Monsaraz and then a final bus from Reguengos de Monsaraz to Monsaraz. Check the online bus timetables and book your tickets in advance for the best prices.
The best way from Lisbon to Monsaraz by train is to catch a train to Evora and from there to take a bus or taxi to the village of Monsaraz where the drive will take around 1 hour.
is it worth visiting Monsaraz in Alentejo?
Monsaraz is an essential place to visit when in Portugal, you will not regret visiting the charming village on your trip and exploring more of the region of Alentejo is a must. The scenic landscapes of the Guardiana Valley and the views from Monsaraz are out of a fairytale, with stunning 360 panoramic vistas it makes a wonderful sunrise or sunset location.
Monsaraz and the region of Alentejo offer you the opportunity to enjoy the slow pace of life and a relaxing break in the picturesque Portuguese countryside. The world stands still in this magnificent and charming place, where the struggles of daily life seem to slowly slip away.
What is Monsaraz known for?
The village is home to an impressive medieval castle and a 16th-century church which when you enter feels like for a moment you’ve stepped back in time. Monsaraz presents visitors with the opportunity to glimpse into Portugal’s past to experience its rich cultural heritage, through traditional crafts and well-preserved ancient architecture.
Referred to as one of the most beautiful villages in Portugal, Monsaraz is distinctive in style from its winding cobbled streets surrounded by dark schist stone walls, a stark contrast to the quaint white-washed homes. The Alentejo region is often referred to as ‘the land that time forgot’ and walking around Monsaraz it’s clear to see how this saying holds true.
The area is also well known for its wine, make sure to try one of the local varieties in the many bars and restaurants in the village or book a wine tasting. Alqueva was designated as a Dark Sky Reserve and is one of the best places in Portugal to observe the spectacular Milky Way and is the first Starlight Tourism Destination in the World.
When is the best time to visit Monsaraz?
The region of Alentejo benefits from a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild temperatures throughout the year. The best time to visit Monsaraz is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) which offers warm temperatures and fewer visitors when compared to the peak season in summer.
In the spring months, Altenjo is covered in a blanket of wildflowers in bloom and many swallows migrate to nest in the region at this time of year. In comparison, early autumn is a busy season for winemakers where the harvest season is in full swing with early morning starts to catch the grapes in their prime.
What are the best things to see and do in Monsaraz?
There are a number of wonderful things to do when visiting Monsaraz and the surrounding area of Alqueva and Alentejo. A memorable experience would be to take a hot air balloon ride over Alqueva Lake at sunrise or explore the grounds of the 14th-century Monsaraz Castle perched on top of the hill, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this special place.
Named as one of Portugal’s most beautiful villages, once you visit Monsaraz it is easy to appreciate why it has claimed this esteemed title. After only spending one night in Monsaraz, we were enchanted by its beauty, charm and impressive history which left us with an impulse to explore more of the region.
Taste the Regional produce in Monsaraz
The regional produce in Monsaraz from the food to the wine will offer you to experience the flavours of this spectacular region. Alentejo dishes that are worth trying include freshly baked bread, olives and pork dishes such as porco à Alentejana (stew of pork cubes and clams with potatoes and lots of coriander).
Follow the Alentejo wine route, and discover the incredible wine in Monsaraz, which has a distinct taste and smell as a result of the soil, sun exposure and high-quality grape varieties. There are unique opportunities to stay at a vineyard hotel, visit a wine cellar or book a wine tasting to get the full experience.
We really enjoyed tasting the regional flavours at sunset in a local bar called Xarez in the heart of Monsaraz with stunning views of the Guardia Valley. There are a large number of restaurants in Monsaraz that serve traditional dishes and it is worth booking in advance, especially at weekends or during the summer months. Some of the best places to eat in Monsaraz include the restaurants; SAHIDA, Xarez and Taverna Os Templários.
watch the sunset over Lake Alqueva
Monsaraz was built on a rocky hill formation and is one of the highest points for miles in the area at 195 metres high, providing a spectacular viewpoint from the walls of the fortified village.
It is one of the best places to view the sunrise and sunset over Lake Alqueva which was created in the early 2000s as a result of building the Alqueva dam. The lost village of Aldeia da Luz was flooded after the creation of the lake where the residents relocated to a newly built village Aldeia da Luz. One unique way to watch the sunrise in the region is to head to the skies and take a hot air balloon ride over the valley for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Explore the streets of Monsaraz
Enter one of the four historic entrances that are found on the ancient schist stone walls of Monsaraz, with the main entrance found on the north side of the village displaying impressive craftsmanship. As you enter the village it feels as though time stood still for many years and everywhere you look there are charming corners of the village.
Navigate the narrow cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed houses and terracotta roofs, separated by the occasional street lamp. The road up to Monsaraz is relatively steep due to the hilly position of the village and this gives some of the best vantage points in the Alentejo with panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see.
There is an evident creative spirit in the village and you can explore the local galleries including Igreja de Santiago and Atelier Galeria Monsaraz which take you on a journey through time to discover ancient megalithic stone collections to contemporary masterpieces. Make sure to visit the gift shops showcasing local handcrafts including intricate ceramics and paintings.
The dark wooden doors and schist stone walls perfectly complement the whitewashed houses adorned with colourful flower pots in the doorways and handcrafts proudly displayed on the walls. The village has stood for over 5 thousand years and If these walls could talk…they would have a lot to tell us.
Discover the ancient Monsaraz Castle
The Monsaraz Castle is found in the southern corner of the fortified village and was built in the 14th century by King D Afonso III and finished by King D. Dinis. The castle stood for many years as a military stronghold and in the 19th century was re-purposed as an arena for bullfighting.
Today, the castle arena is used as a gathering place for festivals and celebrations. Walk around the grounds and along the castle walls for magnificent views of the surrounding valley and Alqueva Lake.
The castle is surrounded by a medieval wall that is made up of four historic entrances to Monsaraz village, these archways frame the timeless village and the scenes of rolling hills within the beautiful Portuguese countryside.
Star Gaze at Lake Alqueva Observatory
The Lake Alqueva Observatory is located in a Dark Sky Reserve and is one of the best spots in Portugal for star gazing, observing spectacular planets and the incredible Milky Way.
Lake Alqueva is the first Starlight Tourism Destination in the World and the Observatory hosts several events throughout the year aligned with astronomical events and hosts sessions both outside and inside the observatory for astronomical and solar observations.
Group sessions are also offered in English and we would recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. Each session lasts around 1.5 hours. Make sure to bring plenty of warm clothing and a curious mind to learn about galaxies far, far away.
There is also the opportunity to stay overnight if you would like to practice astrophotography or spend longer observing the skies. You can rent an observation platform for the night which includes electricity, telescopes, a bathroom and a place to camp.
Cool down at Praia Fluvial de Monsaraz
The beach on Alqueva Lake is the perfect place to relax after spending some time exploring the beautiful village of Monsaraz. Praia Fluvial de Monsaraz is a short 5-minute drive from the village where you can reward your feet with a refreshing dip into the cool waters of the lake.
Centro Náutico de Monsaraz is a restaurant and watersports company which offers the chance to rent a SUP, take a boat tour, hire a kayak or try another watersport such as windsurfing. Adventure out to one of the nearby islands on the lake such as Ilha Dourada to enjoy the peace and quiet away from the crowds, especially in the summer months.
LEARN ABOUT ANCIENT HISTORY FROM THE CHURCHES IN MONSARAZ
Rebuilt after an earthquake in 1755, the church of Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Lagoa sits in the centre of the village within the main square and was built on the foundations of the ruins of a Gothic church which was deconstructed during the Black Death that spread across Europe.
Inspired by the Renaissance era, the design features prominent columns which are lined with blocks of schist a stark contrast to the white-painted facade. The interior is covered in tile panels, wooden sculptures and the tomb of Gomes Martins Silvestre, the first settler of Monsaraz, also known as a Knight Templar.
Monsaraz was regained from the Moors in 1167 by knight Geraldo Sem Pavor, known as Geraldo the Fearless. The village was conquered by Muslim rule again in 1173 and it wasn’t until 1232 that King Sancho with the help of the Knights Templar managed to regain Monsaraz and offered it to the Knights Templar to defend and remain as a Portuguese stronghold.
Best places to stay in Monsaraz
São Lourenço do Barrocal
A family-run estate in Alentejo, São Lourenço do Barrocal has been a working farm for over 200 years, set in the foothills of Monsaraz, this hotel is set within a calming landscape surrounded by ancient oaks, vineyards and Olive trees.
The estate has a strong focus on sustainability, not only concentrated on nature but also on the cultural, social and economic aspects that they have contributed to as a business within a thriving local community. Staying at São Lourenço do Barrocal will offer a real, authentic and luxurious flavour of the Alentejo region.
Casa de São Bento
This house boasts perhaps one of the best views of Monsaraz, with a private terrace and located within the heart of the village, Casa de São bento is the perfect place to stay for a few nights in Monsaraz. There is a private pool, 2 bedrooms, a large living room, kitchen, dishwasher, oven and bathroom.
Viva! Farmhouse
This beautiful farmhouse set in Monsaraz, is run by a family who moved to the village during the pandemic, championing sustainability by producing their own vegetables and choosing local suppliers. The rooms at Viva Farmhouse are tastefully decorated with a modern touch and a very homely feel.
There is an outdoor pool to relax in after a day out exploring the village and local surroundings with cosy communal spaces with comfy sofas, chairs and the perfect place to sit and read a book.
Dom Nuno – Turismo de Habitacao
A historic guest house located in the heart of Monsaraz village within the ancient walls, Dom Nuno offers wonderful views over Alqueva Lake and makes it ideal to enjoy the sunrise and sunset. A great location to explore the local surroundings and learn more about this historical village within the Alentejo region.
Casa Dona Antonia – Turismo Rural em Monsaraz
A quaint and traditional guesthouse features a beautiful courtyard with lemon and orange trees providing a lovely aroma whilst staying in this little slice of paradise. Casa Dona Antonia guesthouse is located in Monsaraz, only 100 metres from the castle and also benefits from a wonderful rooftop terrace and pool.
Montimerso Skyscape Countryhouse
A modern, airy and spacious country house set within the Alentejo countryside and only a short 8-minute drive to Monsaraz village. Montimerso Skyscape Countryhouse is a wonderful space which benefits from plenty of outdoor space, and an incredible infinity pool overlooking Lake Alqueva. Each room comes with a private bathroom and patio area, if you’re looking for some luxury check out the superior suite with its very own private pool!
Montimerso Skyscape Countryhouse has to be one of the best places to stay in Monsaraz with its modern design, ounces of outdoor space and wonderful food - what more could you want?!
HORTA DA COUTADA
A beautiful guesthouse, Horta da Coutada is set in the pretty village of Telheiro, approximately 1 km from the town of Monsaraz. The grounds have a lovely outdoor pool surrounded by fruit trees and kitchen gardens, where you can enjoy the taste of local seasonal produce such as fresh fruit juice and fruit from the orchard.
As a small complex of 9 rooms in total, these range from fully equipped apartments to basic rooms with the essentials you will need during your stay. There is a lovely courtyard, perfect to lounge and escape from the midday heat and admire your surroundings.
Staying in Monsaraz by Campervan
Our trip to Monsaraz was part of a much larger road trip across Europe through France, Spain and finally Portugal! We travel with our two cats in our campervan and stay tuned to see the route we took across Europe to show you our favourite places along this route (sign up to our newsletter below to be notified!).
Monsaraz allows overnight parking of campervans and motorhomes just outside the ancient walls, there is a large car park next to a large roundabout, where we were treated to an amazing sunrise and accompanied by friendly stray cats, whom Tia and Skye were happy to share their breakfast with.
There is another car park a little higher up, which at the time Park4night reviews suggested parking at the lower large car park at night.
Watch our Youtube video below of exploring Monsaraz by campervan and there you can watch a playlist of our summer exploring Europe with our two cats.
Watch our experience on Youtube
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