The Alentejo’s flat and rolling landscape is ideal for easy and moderate walking and the mountains provide more challenging routes. Visit Estremoz, home of Portugal's richest pink marble deposits, admire the stunning landscape at the Marvão and take a stroll around Monsaraz or Castelo de Vide. Dams are in abundance around the Alentejo as a whole, to supply water and irrigation to the often arid area. These have created a string of tranquil lakes that are excellent for trekking, and landmark dam Alqueva, Europe's largest artificial lake, is no exception.
Roman ruins Mirobriga - Santiago do Cacém, photo by José Manuel
Walkers and climbers will find plenty of routes to suit all abilities at the Serra de São Mamede Nature Park, in the northeastern tip of Alentejo on the border with Spain. The 44 km long park was created in 1989 with the aim of protecting wildlife and unusual plants. Here you can climb up to the highest point 1,025 metres and admire the stunning views across extent Portugal and even as far as Spain. There are numerous trails through this 76,000 acre nature reserve that take in everything from plains with deer, wild boar and foxes, to the caves and grottos inhabited by the largest colony of bats in Europe!
Further south the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Nature Park offers varied but beautiful walks along the rugged coast starting from São Torpes.
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