Pedro DominguesReguengos de Monsaraz is the most touristic municipality on the great Alqueva lake. But is it Reguengos de Monsaraz or simply Monsaraz?
It depends, there are two locations! The first is the seat of the municipality; the second is the jewel of the whole region, the monument village of the Alentejo that was voted wonder of Portugal: from the top of Monsaraz Castle the views of the Alqueva lake are superb!
With the great lake, this region, which was already magnificent for its history, has come to life even more. In addition to the fortress of Monsaraz, the megalithic monuments, the handmade pottery of São Pedro de Corval and the region’s wine (for example, Esporão), there are breathtaking landscapes now and, of course, many river beaches with warm waters for various water activities and a good swim.
To visit Reguengos de Monsaraz is to enjoy one of the best rural tourism sites in the Alentejo. This is a great destination for a getaway in Portugal!
Where is Monsaraz and Alqueva Lake located, in Portugal?
Monsaraz is located in the district of Évora, next to Alqueva Lake (river Guadiana) and on the way to the border with Spain. It is 40km away from the city of Évora. Surrounding it are other municipalities in Alentejo such as Alandroal, Mourão, Redondo and Portel.
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Map with things to do and see in Monsaraz and Alqueva Lake
You can also use the following map to find out exactly where Reguengos de Monsaraz and the Great Lake of Alqueva are! 😉 I’ve added to it most of the tips I’m going to share in this article.
When to visit Monsaraz and Alqueva Lake?
When visiting the Alentejo you have to pay special attention to the heat! If your goal is to soak up the sun on the river beach in Monsaraz, go in July and August! But that’s all you’ll want to do there at that time of year, as the heat will be so intense that you won’t have the energy for more.
The months of May, June, September and October are much more pleasant! They’re a middle ground: you’ll have cooler weather to explore the region, and at the same time enough heat for a few swims in the Alqueva Lake.
Visit Monsaraz during its annual festivities
Don’t forget the various festivals throughout the year. There are several events taking place every year, and I’ll give you some examples below.
- The Pork, Lamb, Lake and Hunting gastronomic weeks.
- Christmas decorations in Monsaraz – in December.
- The Iberian Pottery and Clay Festival – takes place every odd year. It is an event organized between the two main pottery centers of the Iberian Peninsula, São Pedro do Corval and Salvaterra de los Barros. One year in each.
- The Festivities of Santo António.
- Cante Alentejano Festival: nothing better to get to know and admire this beautiful tradition.
- The Alqueva Dark Sky Festivities, with stargazing activities.
- The festivities of Senhor Jesus dos Passos, with bullfightings in the square of Monsaraz Castle.
Accommodation tips to visit Monsaraz and Alqueva Lake
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Charme de Monsaraz II | 8.6 | Monsaraz |
| Casa Pinto | 8.5 | Monsaraz |
| Monte do Laranjal | 8.7 | Monsaraz |
| Vila Planicie | 8.9 | Monsaraz |
| Viva! Farmhouse | 9.6 | Monsaraz |
| Casa Daterra | 8.9 | Monsaraz |
| Estalagem de Monsaraz | 8.4 | Monsaraz |
| Monte Santa Catarina | 9.1 | Monsaraz |
| Montimerso Skyscape | 9.2 | Monsaraz |
| São Lourenço do Barrocal | 9.5 | Monsaraz |
| Herdade dos Delgados | 8.9 | Mourão |
Gastronomy in Monsaraz and Alqueva Lake region
If you visit Monsaraz during the gastronomic weeks, you won’t be short of options, for example. In any case, don’t forget:
- The traditional Alentejo bread.
- The Black pork meat.
- Açorda Alentejana.
- Migas to accompany the most diverse dishes.
- Lamb stew.
- And crayfish from the Alqueva lake.
For dessert, Bolo Rançoso, Pão de Rala or Encharcada! There’s also Bolo Podre and Popias Alentejanas. Sericaia is more traditional from Elvas, but you’ll probably find it in Monsaraz too.
When you visit Monsaraz and Reguengos de Monsaraz, try lunch or dinner at the restaurants Gaspacho, Sem-Fim, Aloendro or Taverna Os Templários. 😉
Alentejo Wine – Herdade do Esporão
What about the wine? Certainly the wine of choice when visiting Reguengos de Monsaraz is the wine from Herdade do Esporão. If you’re interested, you can book a guided tour of the vineyards and cellars there: more information on the estate’s website. This is one of the best wines in Portugal.
Guided tours to visit Monsaraz and Alqueva Lake (from Lisbon)
If you’re coming from Lisbon, you can opt for full-day tours that take you to Évora and Monsaraz. Check this one with Get Your Guide, for example.
Intangible Cultural Heritage
1. Cante Alentejano!
Cante Alentejano was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2014. It is a type of choral singing originally practiced by the men of the agricultural fields of Alentejo. To find out more, visit the House of Cante de Telheiro.
2. Handmade Cowbells from Alentejo!
Much like Cante Alentejano, the handmade manufacture of cowbells was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2015. The cowbells were placed around the animals’ necks so that shepherds could easily identify them in the fields when they got lost or scattered. Today they are more commonly used as musical instruments and few families still make them in Alentejo. When you visit Reguengos de Monsaraz, don’t forget to stop by the cowbell workshop in Rua do Mourão!
3. Blankets of Reguengos de Monsaraz!
Another symbol of Alentejo culture, the Blankets of Reguengos were originally used by shepherds to protect themselves from the cold. Today they have other uses, for example as a tapestry. They are still handmade, with bright colors, and you should look for a store that makes them when you visit Reguengos de Monsaraz. Visit Fábrica Alentejana de Lanifícios, for example!
Things to do in Monsaraz and Alqueva Lake | Portugal
Visit Monsaraz
As for what to visit in Monsaraz, I’ll start with the historic village, which has been classified as a monument village and a wonder of Portugal (since 2017).
- In the 8th century, the village belonged to the Moors. It belonged to Badajoz and was called Sarish.
- In the 12th century it was reconquered by Geraldo sem Pavor and his army, but in the same century it returned to Arab rule.
- It was conquered definitively in the 13th century with the help of the Knights Templar, and later it was offered to them. Its medieval walls were built during the reigns of King Afonso III and King Dinis.
- In the 15th century it was incorporated into the House of Bragança.
- Its fortifications were improved in the 17th century due to its strategic position on the border.
- It suffered some damage in the earthquake of 1755.
- It was the county seat until the 19th century.
1. The gates of Monsaraz Fortress
Before moving on to the Castle, I must mention the various gates that lead into the medieval fortress. After all, they are the visitors’ first contact with the walled village. There are four large gates:
- Porta da Vila, with its bell tower: the main entrance when visiting Monsaraz.
- Évora Gate
- Alcoba Gate, south entrance.
- And Porta do Buraco, probably the oldest.
Discover them all!
2. The walls of Monsaraz Fortress
If you look carefully at a map of the village before visiting Monsaraz, you’ll realize that there are four main streets inside. A visit to the village can be done in a perfect zigzag, know what I mean? Walking along the wall in Rua da Guarda can be a start of an itinerary, and is especially beautiful because of the views to the region surrounding Monsaraz.
3. The Castle of Monsaraz
At the Castle, I’d like to highlight its magnificent view of the large Alqueva lake. Its square is now used for bullfights at the Senhor Jesus dos Passos Festival every year.
4. Monsaraz Cistern
In ancient times, Monsaraz Cistern was the main water reservoir within the walled village. It is said to have been built on the site of an earlier Muslim mosque.
5. Fresco Museum
You should also visit the Fresco Museum, which is located in a 14th century building. Its name comes from a fresco dating from the end of the 15th century, which was only discovered in the middle of the 20th century. It is a representation of earthly and divine justice. The museum now houses exhibitions on the culture and history of the region.
6. Church of Nossa Senhora da Lagoa
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Lagoa stands right in the center of the walled town and is the main building in the Square of Dom Nuno Álvares Pereira, dating from the 16th century. It replaced an earlier one from the 13th century, following the black plague that decimated the population at the time.
7. Church of Misericórdia
There you’ll also find the 16th century Church of Misericórdia, which was added to the Holy Spirit Hospital, which provided support for pilgrims passing through the region. In this church there is an image of the town’s patron saint, Senhor Jesus dos Passos.
8. Casa de Monsaraz
Casa de Monsaraz, on the other hand, is one of the most beautiful buildings in the town, in my opinion. It once housed the town hall and a tourist office and is now an artist’s studio. The coat of arms on the corner of the building stands out.
9. The Pillory of Monsaraz
Right next to the previous places is the Pillory of Monsaraz, which unfortunately isn’t the original as it was destroyed in the earthquake of 1755. Some elements of the previous one were used and it is made of white marble from Estremoz.
10. The House of the Inquisition
It is said, although not proven, that the House of the Inquisition was a place of torture. The Tribunal of the Holy Office of Évora was housed there, and today it serves as an Interactive Center for Jewish History. It is believed that the village once housed a Jewish quarter.
11. The Art Gallery of the Church of Santiago
Once a church, now a gallery with art exhibitions open to the public.
12. The paintings hanging on the walls of the village of Monsaraz (Open Museum)
The paintings hanging on the walls of the village of Monsaraz certainly stuck in my mind. After all, visiting Monsaraz is like wandering through the alleys of an Open Museum.
13. The small stores and local businesses of Monsaraz
Other highlights are the small stores and local businesses, ideal to buy some souvenirs! There are lots of them scattered around the village, all very appealing to passers-by, inviting you in and contributing to the success of tourism in the region.
14. Chapel of São João Baptista and Bastion of São João
On the outside of the medieval wall, attached to the 17th century wall, is the Chapel of São João Baptista, quadrangular and with a clear Arab influence. Inside you should admire the paintings on the walls and the dome.
15. Chapel of São Bento
You can also visit the Chapel of São Bento, but more interesting than that is the walk up there and the view to the fortress.
16. Monument in Honor of Cante Alentejano
In a square in front of Monsaraz fortress, you’ll also find the Monument in Homage to Cante Alentejano. It has small chairs for people to sit and enjoy the view of the Alqueva Lake. An excellent spot!
17. Chapels of Santa Catarina, São Lázaro and São Sebastião
The chapels of Santa Catarina, São Lázaro and São Sebastião are located on the outskirts of the village of Monsaraz, but I only visited the first one. It dates from the 13th century and is thought to have been built by the Templars.
18. Convent of Orada
I’d also like to tell you about the 18th-century Convent of Orada, built to house members of the Barefoot Hermits of St. Augustine.
More photos from my visit to Monsaraz!
Visit the megalithic monuments in Monsaraz
There are also many megalithic monuments to visit in Monsaraz. Xerez Cromlech is perhaps the most emblematic, but there are also dolmens, menhirs and a megalith museum to discover.
- Xerez Cromlech – discovered in 1969, but dates back to the middle of the third millennium BC or even the fourth. It consists of a total of 50 granite menhirs surrounding a larger central menhir. It had to be moved in 2004 to its current location due to the construction of the Alqueva Dam, which flooded the previous site, about 5 km south of Monsaraz, very close to River Guadiana.
- Dolmens of Olival da Pega – part of an ancient funerary complex in the region. Dolmen 2 is definitely worth visiting.
- Menhirs of Belhoa and Outeiro – the second is considered by many to be the most extraordinary isolated menhir on the Iberian Peninsula, almost 6 meters high!
- The Lover’s Rock – Also a menhir, linked to the fertility cult in the region of Reguengos de Monsaraz: each stone thrown by unmarried girls to the top of the rock, and which fell, was an extra year of waiting to get married. 😉
- José Maria da Fonseca Megalithic Museum – will show you the archaeological findings of some of the excavations carried out in the region. For example, utensils and instruments from antiquity. It is one of the few tourist attractions to visit in the center of Reguengos de Monsaraz, apart from the Mother Church of Santo António.
Visit São Pedro do Corval
Another of the key tourist attractions when visiting Reguengos de Monsaraz are its traditional potteries. São Pedro do Corval is the largest pottery center in Portugal. The pottery tradition in this part of the country dates back to very ancient times thanks to the abundance of clay there.
Start by visiting Casa do Barro. It serves as a Pottery Interpretive Center in São Pedro do Corval.
Then visit a real pottery. I visited Olaria Patalim, for example, and then Olaria Tavares. As well as having the opportunity to see the potter working directly with the clay, I had contact with stores full of hand-decorated pottery.
Of course I bought a souvenir.
Enjoy the Nautical Center of Monsaraz (Alqueva Lake)
And finally Alqueva, perhaps the best part of this itinerary you’ll take to visit Monsaraz. There are so many activities you can do in the great lake. Here are the main ones not to be missed!
1. River beach of Monsaraz
First thing, enjoy the river beach.
It’s got sand, grass, a floating pool, a picnic area, accessible toilets and showers, a beach bar and restaurant, and it’s guarded by lifeguards during the bathing season! It has a blue flag! It’s just 5 km from the monument village of Monsaraz.
There are other river beaches on the Alqueva Lake, all of them very attractive. If you have time, go and discover the river beaches of Amieira, Mourão or Azenhas d’El Rei, in the municipalities of Portel, Mourão and Alandroal respectively.
2. Boat trips on the Alqueva Lake
There are also lots of boats available for excursions on the Alqueva lake, and programs to suit different tastes and wallets. If you prefer, how about spending a night on board a yacht? For more information, check out the website of the Monsaraz Nautical Center.
3. Water activities and sports in the Alqueva Lake
It will also be possible to do various sports and activities on the large Alqueva lake. For example, why not rent a kayak? Why not go water skiing? There are lots of options, and again I refer you to the official website of the nautical center.
4. More things to do in the Alqueva Lake
In addition to the beaches and activities on the water, you may decide to set off on an itinerary around the great lake of Alqueva, passing through its main towns. The main one is undoubtedly Monsaraz, but also consider:
- The towns of Mourão, Luz and Estrela
- The town of Moura, with its flowery streets. Don’t forget the Alqueva dam.
- The town of Portel.
- The towns of Alandroal, Terena and Juromenha!
There are other fortresses to visit in these locations, like the one you found in Monsaraz.
Watch the stars when you visit Monsaraz
With all these tips, I’m sure you’ve realized what a wonderful place the Alqueva is! What if I told you that you still have the stars? After all, the sky’s the limit!
1. Dark Sky Alqueva
Dark Sky Alqueva was the first in the world to be certified by the Starlight Foundation as a “Starlight” tourism destination, a certification supported by UNESCO itself and the World Tourism Organization.
What does it mean to be a starlight destination? It means that Alqueva is one of the best observatories of the night sky due to the region’s weather conditions and low light pollution. It is an excellent place for observing the stars and the galaxy for much of the year.
At Cumeada, Dark Sky Alqueva’s headquarters, you’ll find an official observatory equipped with telescopes that you can try out by appointment. Visit the Dark Sky Alqueva website to find out more.
2. Campinho picnic area
For those who simply want to observe the night sky with the naked eye, any day of the week and without the need to book an appointment, I suggest the Campinho picnic area: it’s in the middle of nowhere.
Hot Air Ballooning in Alqueva Lake
If the images of the great lake are already bombastic with a simple drone, imagine what it will be like to see these images at an even higher altitude from a hot air balloon, and with your own eyes? It may not be for every wallet, I personally haven’t tried it yet, but I want to do it, I really do!
Other Itineraries and Travel Guides in Portugal
- N2 Portugal Road Trip Itinerary
- Madeira Itinerary and Travel Guide
- São Miguel Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Terceira Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Pico Itinerary in Azores
- Faial Itinerary in Azores
- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Porto Itinerary and Travel Guide
- Things to do In Braga (Minho)
- Things to do in Guimarães (Minho)
- Things to do in Viana do Castelo (Minho)
- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Douro Valley Itinerary
- Trás-os-Montes Itinerary
- Things to do in Bragança
- Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary
- Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
- Things to do in Aveiro
- Things to do in Coimbra
- Things to do in Leiria
- Things to do in Fatima
- Things to do in Nazaré
- Things to do in Peniche
- Things to do in Évora (Alentejo)
- Things to do in Beja (Alentejo)
- Algarve Road Trip Itinerary
- Things to do in Lagos (Algarve)
- Things to do in Portimão (Algarve)
- Things to do in Faro (Algarve)
- Things to do in Tavira (Algarve)
I hope you enjoyed this article with things to do in Monsaraz and Alqueva Lake. Have a nice time in my country! 😉
