Évora, the capital city of the Alentejo region is a must visit. This beautifully historic city is an UNESCO World Heritage site due to its well-preserved old town center and having so many significant monuments. It remained undamaged by the great earthquake of 1755.
This lively city features a roman temple, medieval walls, several cathedrals and many more historical landmarks. Also its stunning architecture. The low whitewash houses, decorated with painted tiles, mustard-yellow trim, wrought-iron balconies and red tile rooftops. And, not to mention the fine selection of eateries.
35 Comments
Lynne
I’ve head wonderful things about the Alentejo region. The place you stayed looks cool, but I must admit, I like old homes versus modern when in Europe!
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, the region completely surprised me and inspired me to return. Agree, normally we stay at places that are older as well, but this was an architectural gem that was too good to pass up. It is nice to experience a bit of both. They did a wonderful job at using materials local to the area, like a lot of cork, which was interesting design element. Thanks for commenting!
Aisha
This looks beautiful! Definitely adding it to my list.
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you, glad it inspired you to want to travel to this area!
Andy Strote
Nice post. We were in the region two years ago. Originally had planned to stay in Evora, but ended up in Estremoz which we loved. One of the few places with an old castle on the hilltop, but rather than a scenic ruin, it’s a 5 star hotel with lots of stores and a church around it. We had no idea until we went up for a visit. Lots to see in Portugal aside from Lisbon and Porto.
The.Holidaymaker
Agree, there is lots to see outside those two cities, and I want to explore more. Especially the town you stayed in. It is on our list to explore more of this region. Thank you kindly for commenting.
Jeremy
Omg, it is so pretty ! Love the cobblestone paths, and the stone walls ruins ! And that villa and the pool are perfect ! You must share how I can book a stay in that villa !
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you so much for your kind words. You can visit https://www.villaextramuros.com/en/ website, or book through https://www.welcomebeyond.com/ like we did. Hopefully you get to experience it one day soon.
Brooklyn Murtaugh
What a gorgeous area. Villa Extramuros looks like an incredible place to stay. I’d love to stay here and explore for days!
The.Holidaymaker
Thanks for stopping by Brooklyn, you’re right, Villa Extramuros is a dream!
Marvi
Never heard much of Alentejo before, but it does sound like a relaxing place to visit with its historical landmarks. Three days does seem pretty short to visit all those interesting towns. Villa Extramuros looks pretty great too. The bit and pieces of accessories in the room and the common area looks really interesting. I love the pool and how it is surrounded by trees!
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, never enough time to visit an entire region. But it was enough of a taste to know we wanted to return and explore further. Thank you for commenting.
Neha
Wow, I am humbled to say that I didn’t even know about the Alentejo region till I read about it here. It does look lovely, and just the kind of place I would like to visit. I love the whole cobblestone and whitewash look of the village in the picture. Gosh, my bucket list grows longer every day!
The.Holidaymaker
I was in the same place as you before we arrived, having not known much of this region. But it is definitely an area I want to return to and explore further. It was full of history, tradition and so much diversity of landscape that it really is a hidden gem. Hopefully you get to travel there one day soon. Thanks for commenting. Happy Travels!
Leah
Villa Extramuros looks like something straight from the TV show ‘Grand Designs’… if you haven’t seen it, you’ll love it. I used to go to Portugal a lot, but never heard of this area it looks beautiful!
The.Holidaymaker
Leah, Villa Extramuros is certainly award-winning architectural design! This area is a hidden gem, and hopefully it stays that way!
Candy
I’ve never heard of this area either and it was so interesting to see how modern the architecture was. I also really like the decor! I love going to these lesser known areas as it’s more relaxing and it’s usually when you can really soak in the culture and the views 🙂
The.Holidaymaker
Agreed! I really hope this area stays hidden. There is much to be discovered beyond the well-known cities.
Mohana and Aninda
The Alentejo region looks like a dream…I could be a farmer living in the countryside with a herd of sheep <3 The cities look attractive too. The architecture and the tile work…all are very appealing.
The.Holidaymaker
Glad that you enjoyed the photos, and it for a moment in time allowed you to daydream just a bit as what it might be like to live in that region. Thanks for commenting.
Ketki
I had never really heard about Alentejo Region and I kind of hope less people find about it, because it is too pretty! Loved your experience.
The.Holidaymaker
I agree. It is a hidden gem. And, I too would like it a secret. Hope you get to visit it again one day.
Mei and Kerstin
We’ve visited Lisbon two years ago and really loved it (Sintra too). Algarve is on our bucket list, so next time we go to Portugal we’ll make sure to visit Alentejo Region too, and especially Evora! Thanks for sharing this, we love your photos!
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you for commenting. I am glad to hear that this inspired you to possibly add it to future travel plans.
Nicola
This seems like such a beautiful and authentic region to travel to. We’ve only been to Lisbon in Portugal and that was quite some time ago now, it really makes us realise how much we need to return and also how much more there is to see!
The.Holidaymaker
That’s great, I am glad that this has inspired you!
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isabella_nice
This info is so great thanks!
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you Isabella for stopping by.
Riana Ang-Canning
Thank you so much for introducing me to this region of Portugal I knew nothing about! I absolutely loved visiting Tuscany last year and would love to recreate that vibe in Portugal. I’m so into the idea of a tranquil setting and little towns – and few tourists! My partner and I are wanting to spend a month in Portugal as part of our “baby trip” (travels during parental leave when we have a baby one day) and this might be the perfect area!
The.Holidaymaker
You are most welcome Riana. I know you’ll love it, as it is similar to Tuscany- just far less tourists. I hope you add it to your baby moon trip.
Emma
Your accommodation looks so very different from anywhere else in the area. But I kinda love it. That said, the historic sites around look amazing. That church! What a lovely region to explore
The.Holidaymaker
I completely agree with you on the place we stayed at. The modern architecture does still blend in, but that’s way it was so fantastic.
Gus Feliciano
This looks amazing! Portugal has been on my list for a long time and hopefully a Eurotrip can happen sometime next year!
The.Holidaymaker
I hope you get to explore it too! Thanks for stopping by Gus.