Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Evora District, Alentejo

Located in the village of Arraiolos, one hour away from Lisbon, Monte da Ravasqueira has maintained a three-generation link to the Jose de Mello family since 1943. The vast area of typical Alentejo landscape and the unique geological and climatic conditions found here led Jose Manuel de Mello to believe that Monte da Ravasqueira had everything to be a producer of high-quality wines. Today, Monte da Ravasqueira extends over approximately 3,000 hectares, 45 of which are dedicated to vineyards. In keeping with the quality and character of its wines, blending tradition, innovation, and dedication to the art and science of winemaking. Monte da Ravasqueira also develops other activities related to cork, cattle, fattening of the Alentejo black pig, as well as the production of honey and olive oil, besides the wine tourism activities such as especially designed wine tasting, courses, and visits.

The Observatorio do Lago Alqueva – OLA (Lake Alqueva Observatory) is an astronomical observatory next to the medieval village of Monsaraz. OLA offers almost daily tours of the magnificent night sky of Monsaraz, where one can learn the orientation by the North Star, identify the constellations and know their legends, relate stellar colours with their ages, observe star clusters, nebulas and distant galaxies with the help of telescopes. The explanations are presented with clear examples and language by OLA’s guides. When the weather is cloudy, we resort to a simulation using astronomy software. The observatory also promotes courses on astronomy and astrophotography and has a vast program of outreach talks and activities for the general public, schools and senior groups.

Casa Relvas is a family owned company. Our winery is located in S. Miguel de Machede, a small village close to Évora. We produce today more than 6 million bottles per year and manage over 300 ha of vineyards. Our best knowned wines are Herdade S. Miguel and Herdade da Pimenta, named after our two Estates, but our wines Art.Terra, Ciconia, Montinho, Monte dos Amigos, Segredos and Merino are also famous both inland and abroad. Our wines are recognized not only for their excellent value for money but also for being some of the best internationally rated wines of the region. Our Wine Tourism Programms celebrate the passion for wines and share with total transparency our means of production. Come and visit us, where time slows down! We have also a nice place for camping. If you are traveling Alentejo, make sure you stop by our winery: besides the wine experience we provide a nice spot for camping in the vineyards, with water access. Check #CasaRelvasSecretSpots!

Enjoy a 2 hour Jeep-tour to explore the traditional cork forests of the Alentejo. Our local guide will give you full explanations during the tour, as you discover the in's out's of the cork world.

In the center of the picturesque town of Reguengos de Monsaraz, you can visit one of the world’s most unusual wineries. Keeping alive a tradition initiated by the Romans over 2000 years ago, the Jose de Sousa winery is equipped with 114 clay amphorae, a fermentation method as rare as it is old. The old cellars are below ground level and contain the urns and two open lagares for treading the grapes

The walls and pillars of the chapel, built in the century XVII, are lined with thousands of human bones and skulls. Ceilings with murals realtivas death. Written on a plaque next to the door, the phrase "We bones that are here for your hope", reminds us how fleeting passage through life.

Designed in accordance with the traditional architecture of the Alentejo region, this winery has put Estremoz on the map of the great wine regions, welcoming visitors from all over the world. The purpose is to discover the achievements of Joao Portugal Ramos, but on the way also discover the reasons for his passion for the Alentejo. A tour or a lunch offers the time and tranquility that are perfect for enjoying our wines and the local cuisine. With a shop, tasting room, lecture room, meeting room and dining room , Vila Santa offers a welcome to those wanting to discover, taste and take home wines that will leave a perfect memory of this region. Our five senses all come into play when we travel. Food and drink is part of many people’s tourist experience and the best way to truly grasp the terroir of a wine is to visit where it’s made. Vila Santa tour offers you a visit to the vineyards, the winery, and cellars, where the vinification process is explained to the visitors. You have the opportunity to choose between a wine tasting accompanied by regional cheeses and a selection of different appetizers according to the seasons products or a typical Alentejo lunch , “be a winemaker for a day” or take a cooking class, where culture, tradition and the character of our wines come in complete harmony, promising a unique and unforgettable experience . During harvest time it’s also possible to take part in grape picking and foot-trodding in old marble "lagares" (stone troughs).

Roman-Gothic 12th century cathedral. Guard a valuable treasure. Spectacular visit the cloisters of the cathedral and coverage, with magnificent views of the historic center. Is part of the monumental complex as a Unesco World Heritage