Moura

Moura is a charming town rich in history and character. Nestled between olive groves and overlooking the Guadiana River valley, it offers a peaceful taste of authentic Alentejo life.

​

Visit:
• Moura Castle: panoramic views and medieval ruins
• The old Moorish quarter (Mouraria de Moura) with its whitewashed streets
• Olive Oil Museum (Lagar de Varas do Fojo): a tribute to the region’s centuries-old olive culture

Alqueva Lake

Barragem de Alqueva is Europe’s largest artificial lake, a peaceful paradise for swimming, sailing, and stargazing.​

​

Visit:
• Boat trips or kayak rentals on Lake Alqueva
• Houseboats for a day or overnight stay on the water
• Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve: a UNESCO-recognised area for stargazing,
• Mourão village: for beautiful views of the lake and a charming castle on a hill

​

Monsaraz

Overlooking Alqueva Lake, Monsaraz is one of Portugal’s most magical medieval villages. Its cobbled streets, stone archways and white houses create a postcard-perfect scene.

Visit:
• The Castle of Monsaraz: sunset views over Spain and the lake
• Local craft shops with handmade ceramics and linen
• Wine tasting at Herdade do Esporão or Herdade do Sobroso (both nearby)

Serpa

Known for its ancient city walls and slow pace of life, Serpa is the perfect stop for culture lovers and foodies.

​

Visit:
• The city walls and Roman aqueduct
• Cheese tasting: Queijo de Serpa is one of Portugal’s most famous
• Museu do Relógio (Clock Museum):  an unexpected gem in a 16th-century monastery
• Lunch at Molhó Bico: for regional dishes and local wine

Wineries & Gastronomy

The Alentejo is home to some of Portugal’s finest wines and authentic cuisine. Around Moura, small family-run wineries and elegant estates welcome visitors for tours and tastings.​

​

Visit:
• Herdade do Sobroso: wine estate with vineyard lunches and safari-style drives
• Herdade da Contenda: for nature walks and local wildlife
• Adega Cooperativa de Moura: a local cooperative producing award-winning wines
• A Planície or O Trilho: authentic restaurants in Moura serving seasonal dishes and olive oil from local farms

Hidden Villages & Scenic Routes

For those who love wandering off the beaten path, the backroads around Moura reveal countless surprises.​

​

Visit:
• Santo Aleixo da Restauração: a peaceful village surrounded by rolling hills
• Barrancos & Noudar Nature Park: rugged beauty near the Spanish border
• Amareleja: one of the warmest places in Europe, known for its traditional wine production
• Scenic drives through cork oak forests and golden plains:  especially magical at sunset