Map of the Alentejo, Portugal
Explore Portugal's largest region with our interactive map featuring wine country, medieval towns, cork forests, and the stunning Alentejo coast.
About the Alentejo
The Alentejo is Portugal's largest region, covering about one-third of the country. Its name means "beyond the Tagus" river. This is a land of vast plains, ancient cork oak forests, whitewashed villages, and some of Portugal's finest wines. The Alentejo offers a slower pace of life and authentic Portuguese experiences.
Historic Towns
- Évora - UNESCO World Heritage city with Roman temple and gothic cathedral
- Monsaraz - Stunning medieval hilltop village overlooking the Alqueva lake
- Marvão - Dramatic walled village perched on a mountain peak
- Estremoz - Marble town with castle and excellent market
- Beja - Regional capital with Moorish heritage
- Elvas - UNESCO star-shaped fortress city
- Vila Viçosa - Home to the Ducal Palace
Wine Country
The Alentejo is one of Portugal's premier wine regions, producing excellent full-bodied red wines. The region benefits from hot days and cool nights, ideal for grape cultivation. Popular wine towns include:
- Reguengos de Monsaraz
- Borba
- Vidigueira
- Portalegre
Alentejo Coast
The Alentejo coastline offers some of Portugal's most unspoiled beaches, protected within the Vicentine Coast Natural Park. Key coastal destinations include:
Comporta
Trendy beach destination with rice paddies and pine forests.
Vila Nova de Milfontes
Charming coastal town with beautiful river and ocean beaches.
Zambujeira do Mar
Laid-back village hosting the Sudoeste music festival.
Porto Covo
Traditional fishing village with scenic cove beaches.
Alqueva Lake
Western Europe's largest artificial lake, created by damming the Guadiana River. Perfect for water sports, stargazing (it's a Dark Sky Reserve), and visiting the hilltop village of Monsaraz.
Plan your trip to Alentejo
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best towns to visit in the Alentejo?
Évora is the regional highlight, followed by the hilltop villages of Monsaraz and Marvão, the fortified border town of Elvas, and Vila Nova de Milfontes on the coast.
Do I need a car to explore the Alentejo?
Yes, ideally. Public transport is sparse outside Évora and Beja, and many wineries, villages and beaches are only practical to reach by car.
When is the best time to visit the Alentejo?
Spring and autumn are ideal. Summer inland is very hot, often above 35°C, while the coast stays cooler thanks to the Atlantic.
Does the Alentejo have beaches?
Yes. The Alentejo coast includes Comporta, Porto Covo, Vila Nova de Milfontes and Zambujeira do Mar, much of it protected within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park.