Alentejo & Central Portugal Route

/alentejo-central-portugal-route

7-Night Itinerary

Lisbon is the best access point to explore the Alentejo region. This itinerary begins on the outskirts of the capital at the Pousada de Queluz in front of the blue Queluz Palace. This is a great location for exploring Lisbon from a quieter base with a direct train service into the city centre located a 10 minute walk away. 

From here you head north to the charming medieval town of Óbidos and a night at the Pousada Vila Óbidos, an 18th century building in the heart of the village. Óbidos is known for its beautifully preserved cobbled streets, annual medieval fair and its proximity to Fátima, a popular pilgrimage spot.

The Pousada de Crato is the next stop on your journey and this medieval castle-monastery was once home to the Knights of the Order of Malta. The Pousada is situated in the rural village of Flor de Rosa, famed for its pottery and a 5 minute drive away from the town of Crato, and provides a relaxing stay.

An hour's south of Crato is Vila Viçosa in the heart of the Alentejo region which is perfect for outdoor activities including hiking and birdwatching, for visiting the impressive Ducal Palace, or for exploring the nearby historic towns of Evora (for the Temple of Diana) and Borba.

Your final two nights will be spent in Palmela a former convent located within a medieval castle. The Pousada is perched on a hill overlooking the town below and the sprawling countryside and from here you can take day trips to the coast or visit one of the wonderful wineries in the Setubal region. Palmela is just 40km south of Lisbon, making for a reasonable journey back to the airport.