geocalia
Walled Monsaraz on its hillAlvesgaspar · CC BY-SA 4.0

What to do · Monsaraz

The walled town and castle of Monsaraz

Walk · 2 h · Two white streets up to a castle looking out over Lake Alqueva · Free

InformationFree
Price
Free
Duration
2 h
Season
All year; best at sunset
Who it's for
Everyone; cobbles and stairs on the wall
With a dog
On a lead; town streets

You park outside the gate and walk up two cobbled streets of whitewashed houses to the castle, at the end of the hill. From its walls you see the lake, the plain and Spain on the other side of the water. Go up an hour before sunset, when the light falls head-on across the lake.

With young childrenAs a familyWith teenagersWith a dog

Opening hours and prices can change: check them before you go.

Round off the plan

Where to eat, where to stay and what else to do

To eat nearby

Monsaraz from the air, the walled village on the hill where the restaurant stands, with the Alqueva reservoir behind© Sabores de Monsaraz

Sabores de Monsaraz

Restaurant · Monsaraz · €€€€

What to order: the house roast lamb, and to start Alentejo cheese and Iberian pork paio.

A meat dish with a leaf salad, to which the sauce is added at the table© Esporão

Herdade do Esporão restaurant

Winery · Reguengos de Monsaraz · €€€€

What to order: one of the two menus with the house wine pairing, and book the cellar visit the same day.

To stay nearby

The pool among palm trees and sun loungers, with the house behind© Monte AlertaCountry house

Monte Alerta

At the foot of Monsaraz · Gardens and lake · Pool from May to October · Regional breakfast

Why we like it: Rural guesthouse at the foot of the Monsaraz hill, 2 km from the Alqueva Nautical Centre, with gardens, a pool from May to October and a breakfast of local produce.

The courtyard of the monte, with ivy-covered walls© São Lourenço do BarrocalCountry house

São Lourenço do Barrocal

Agricultural estate · Rooms and cottages · Spa and pool · Views of Monsaraz

Why we like it: A hotel on an Alentejo estate with a winery, at the foot of Monsaraz: rooms in the old farm houses, cottages, spa, pool and cooking with its own produce.

Itineraries

Features in these plans