Monsaraz, one of the most beautiful white towns in the Alentejo

Monsaraz is a historic village in the Alentejo region of southern Portugal, perched on a hill overlooking the valley of the River Guadiana, close to the border with Spain. Monsaraz dates back to prehistoric times. It is a village that has been much visited by nomadic peoples. In 1167, Monsaraz was conquered by the Christian forces of King Alfonso I of Portugal. The fortress remained important until the 17th century, when changes in warfare finally rendered the fortifications obsolete. Today, Monsaraz is a picturesque village with narrow cobbled streets, charming, typical whitewashed houses, a Gothic church and a clock tower, as well as being renowned for its wines, ceramics and natural landscapes. Typical Alentejo pottery is often made by hand, using ancestral techniques handed down from generation to generation.

Architecture typical of the Alentejo region

On a trip to the Alentejo, Monsaraz offers a number of features that make for a wonderful holiday. Firstly, the village offers an authentic experience of Portuguese culture and medieval history. The picturesque architecture of the village has been preserved in its original state, with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and a medieval castle. They bear witness to centuries of history and twists and turns.

The Guadiana Valley and Europe's largest man-made lake

Monsaraz is nestled in a spectacular natural setting. The Guadiana Valley, the surrounding hills and Lake Alqueva are ideal for hiking, water sports and relaxation. The valley is crossed by the River Guadiana, the fourth largest river in the Iberian Peninsula. The region is renowned for its natural beauty, with landscapes of hills, forests, vineyards, olive groves and wheat fields. It's a part of the world that offers a landscape that changes with the seasons. Wine lovers will love our exploration of the Alentejo's wineries, where medieval castles, ancient churches and Roman remains in the Guadiana Valley make this a magical region that perfectly combines history and nature.

The authenticity of Portugal

Monsaraz is a peaceful and relaxing place, far from the busy tourist areas, where visitors can discover Portuguese culture. Strolling through the village, sampling the local cuisine, visiting museums, art galleries and historic sites are all on the menu for your holiday in Monsaraz. Local crafts are showcased in the beautiful little local shops.

The river beaches of Monsaraz on Lake Alqueva

The river beaches of Monsaraz are a popular summer destination for tourists visiting the Alentejo and locals alike, and are located along Lake Alqueva, renowned for its calm, crystal-clear waters. On the sunny, arid days of central Portugal, the waters of the mountain lake offer a refreshing swim from the peaks. The beaches are surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, where green hills and vineyards mingle as far as the eye can see. On the beaches, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities. Snorkelling, windsurfing and kayaking for the adventurous, and restaurants, bars and cocktails for those who prefer to laze in the sun all day. Located just 20 minutes from the picturesque village. It's the perfect place to relax, refresh and enjoy the sun and natural beauty of the Alentejo.