Alentejo Portugal travel guide: Marvão and Castelo de Vide

4.4K

The undiscovered Alentejo region in Portugal is the perfect destination for road tripping nature and culture lovers. This is where you come to relax, to enjoy the sun, the stunning views and to explore beautiful small villages like Marvão and Castelo de Vide.

The region is known for its wide plains dotted with olive plantations, vineyards and rolling hills, but also for its culinary traditions. There is nothing like good, local wine and cheeses in one of the many good and affordable restaurants!

Alentejo has something different to offer for everyone. Whether you’re looking for some adventurous outdoor activities, gastronomic delights, cultural exploration or just to enjoy some down time, we will cover it in this Alentejo Portugal travel guide!

Where is Alentejo?

Alentejo is wedged in between the southern Algarve province, Spain, the west coast and Lisbon. To get there you’ll fly into Lisbon and rent a car. Marvão as well as Castelo de Vide are in the east, at a two and a half hour drive from Lisbon.

Alentejo Portugal travel guide

Marvão

You could either call it luck or misfortune, when we were in Marvão we had a week of bad weather. But when you go in February you’ve got to be prepared! Because of the rain and fog it was quiet everywhere, and we were even the only people in the castle. Did we get pictures of the beautiful view? Nope, but we were not deterred!

The walled village with the narrow streets is high up on the mountain and was the best Portuguese fortress to defend. Marvão is a national monument and lies in the protected reserve of Serra de São Mamede. It’s also the highest Portuguese village!

What to do in Marvão

The castle

If you don’t feel like walking up (it’s really not bad) you could even drive all the way up to the castle, provided your car isn’t too big. A little manoeuvring will make it all that more exciting!

The entrance is only €2,50, and you’ll first pass the largest ancient cistern in Portugal. There is still rain water inside, but it’s not used anymore. The acoustics inside are amazing, but the dark space has a bit of a strange vibe.

You’ll walk through walled courtyards to the highest point of the castle where you will find several view points. It’s definitely worth it to climb the tower! On a clear day, at least…

Wander the medieval village

The small streets and squares are very photogenic and breathe and old atmosphere. Winding alleys through old brick houses take you along cozy bars and restaurants with a different view from each corner.

Ammaia

Not far from Marvão is Ammaia, the ruins from a Roman city from the first century. At its biggest Ammaia must have had around 2000 inhabitants. There is a small museum where you can see jewellery and coins that were found, and you can admire the south gate and the forum. Excavations were begun in 1994, but the consensus is that there is much more to unearth still.

Restaurants in Marvão

• d’ Oliveira. This restaurant is right by Ammaia, and is the best restaurant we ate during our entire trip. Delicious local wines and beautifully plated , excellent food.
• Fago. Local dishes and good cocktails!
• O Castelo, located right next to the castle. With a fireplace to warm you up
• J.J. Videira, for good local food at a good price.

The best hotels in Marvão

→ Estalagem de Marvão. For €60 you’ll get a beautiful room with breakfast in a pretty, restored building at a perfect location. The owners are super sweet.

→ Looking for a little more luxury? Dom Dinis Marvão offers rooms (with or without romance package) with a balcony or a view. There is a roof terrace with jacuzzi, and a seating area with a fireplace.

Castelo de Vide

Castelo de Vide is definitely one of the most charming villages in the Alentejo. The name refers to the castle on top of the hill, which was an important fortress.

Aside from its historical heritage, Castelo de Vide is known for its natural beauty. The surrounding landscape has lush forests, valleys and crystal clear water streams. The town itself is relaxed with small squares, traditional markets and nice cafes where you can enjoy the local goodies. The people here are super friendly as well!

Castelo de Vide main sights

The castle

With its thick walls and towers the castle the a symbol of the historical significance of Castelo de Vide and a reminder of its strategic position throughout the centuries. From the top there is a beautiful view over the valley, and on a clear day you can even see Marvão.

The district inside the walls is still habited, and the church with the two towers is at its heart.

Churches

There are 24 churches in Castelo, which is a lot when you know that only around 3500 people live here! The Igreja de Santa Maria nowadays is the city museum, where you can admire archeological finds as well as art.

Nossa Senhora da Penha chapel

This 16th century chapel just outside of Castelo de Vide, offers great views on the town. You could hike there, but it’s only a few minutes drive up. You can park in the lot, and then it’s 80 steps going up.

The chapel itself is open, but there isn’t much to see. It’s the views you’ve come for! By the parking lot is a picnic are to rest if you did hike.

Jewish quarter

Castelo de Vide still has a Jewish quarter, and it is one of the best kept Jewish areas in Portugal. Here you can find gothic architecture, and the old synagoge is still here as well. The most important square is D. Pedro V, and from here you can follow Rua de Santa Maria all the way to the castle.

Where to eat in Castelo de Vide

• Pirolito for great tapas
• A Confraria, a typical Portuguese restaurant with local food
• Boca d’Agua. A small, nice place with delicious food!

→ Fun fact: every bar, restaurant and cafe has the exact same outside furniture in Castelo. This has been done (and paid for) by the city, to combat unfair competition amongst establishments. This way every owner has the same chances.

Where to sleep in Castelo

→ A Burguesa Guesthouse. €60 will get you a room in this Potuguese guest house where they also have a pool. Perfect on those hot summer days!

→ Does the Portuguese countryside appeal to you? Quinta das Lavendas is beautifully situated in the lavender fields of Serra de São Mamede. You can rent bicycles, ride horseback or relax by the swimming pool.

FIND YOUR OWN HOTEL IN ALENTEJO

While you’ve got that car anyway, it’s worth it to just drive around a little in the area for an afternoon. Driving towards to dam of Santiago Maior you can find megalithic rock formations and drive through cute villages like Póvoas e Meadas, where life seems to stand still. Or where you’ll barbecue chickens on the corner of the town square, like we saw!

More European destinations?

Charming Noto, Sicily

Isle of Skye

Alicante city guide