The best traffic-free bike rides in Portalegre

Castelo de Vide is a charming Portuguese medieval village located in the district of Portalegre, in the Alentejo region, perched on the hills of the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park. Nicknamed the "Sintra of Alentejo" for its flowery alleys and lush landscapes, this town is famous for its healing thermal waters, its intact Gothic architecture, and one of the most important historical Jewish communities in the country.

For those planning to hike in the Alegrete area, the main reference route is the PR3 PTG – Percurso de Alegrete. This circular route offers a complete immersion in the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park, combining the medieval heritage of the village with montado landscapes and water lines. The Main Route (PR3 PTG) The PR3 PTG - Percurso de Alegrete is about 11.4 km long and is classified as medium/low difficulty. The recommended starting and ending point is near Fonte Nova, although many hikers start their journey in the village of Alegrete itself to explore the historic center right away. Castle and Village: The Castle of Alegrete is the (literal) highlight of the hike. Situated at about 500 meters above sea level, it offers a panoramic view of the Alentejo border region. Don't miss the Clock Tower (Torre do Relógio). Nature and Biodiversity: The trail crosses areas of cork oak montado, pine forests, and riparian areas. It is an excellent place for bird watching (such as the robin or the titmouse) and, near the water lines, you can find rare vegetation like the royal fern. Religious Heritage: During your passage through the village, you can also visit the small Chapel of Mercy (Capela da Misericórdia), which is part of the local historical complex. Practical Hiking Tips Time of Year: Avoid the months of July and August due to the extreme temperatures in the Alentejo. Autumn and spring are ideal for the colors of the vegetation and mild temperatures. In winter, be careful with the ground, which can become quite slippery on cobblestones and rocky trails. Equipment: Use footwear with good grip (the ascents and descents to the castle and river have sections of loose stones). Bring enough water, as outside the village, refueling points are scarce. Safety and Respect: Always follow the official signage (yellow and red marks).

Far in the northeast of Alentejo lies Castelo de Vide, just a few kilometers from the border with Spain. The town is often called Cidade branca (white city), which is primarily due to the pretty whitewashed houses of the town. The highlight of the town (besides its great location in the Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede) is the 14th-century Castelo de São Roque. From the castle, you have a fantastic view of the old town. Other sights in Castelo de Vide include the old Jewish quarter with the oldest synagogue in Portugal and the numerous churches and chapels of the town.

A place in memory

A place to visit every month. It's wonderful.

The current pillory dates from the years immediately following the granting of the New Charter by King Manuel in 1512 and reflects his Manueline, albeit very rustic, style. The monument stands in front of the 16th-century district jail building and next to the clock tower, also from the 16th century, in the square that bears his name. It stands on a base with four octagonal steps and consists of an octagonal shaft set directly into the upper step, formed by five drums with mortar joints.

The fortified town of Marvão, 12 kilometers from Quinta do Pomarinho, is also known as the "Eagle's Nest." It boasts a spectacular location on a granite cliff, atop one of the peaks of the Serra de São de Mamede mountain range. Completely walled, Marvão is situated in the Alto Alentejo region, near the Spanish border, which was once controlled from the village. The town of Marvão owes its name to Ibn Maruane, an Arab military leader who sought refuge here in the 11th century. He hid on Mount Ammaia and built a castle there, in the most remote and inaccessible spot he could find. Years later, the castle was transformed into a medieval fortress. Its location made it a strategic defensive position, nestled among hills with slopes to the north, south, and west, accessible only on foot from the village. For many years, Marvão was a municipality heavily and significantly involved in numerous military conflicts in the region. Today, Marvão is a rather sleepy town, but one where you can enjoy wonderful walks. More information can be found here: https://www.feriasemportugal.com/marvao

Beirã is a small, quiet town surrounded by rolling countryside, with cork oak forests, olive groves and a rural, peaceful atmosphere typical of the Alto Alentejo. This village is often associated with its historic train station, once an important hub on the line between Lisbon and Madrid, which still retains some of its old-world charm. Beirã is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding nature and the area's rich historical sites, such as the nearby, well-preserved medieval village of Marvão, perched on a hill, or the Roman city of Ammaia.