During this 5-day trip with your own car or a rental car, you and your partner, family or friends will discover more about the Alentejo region in Portugal. You will also cross the border into Spain to visit the beautiful cities of Aracena, Seville, Mérida and more.
While on this fascinating short trip, you can focus on culture, architecture and history. Of course, you can take as much time as you want to relax and enjoy an outdoor terrace and delicious food.
A special short trip to always remember.
The Alentejo in Portugal stretches from the left bank of the Tagus River to the Algarve and Spain in the east.
Because of its rolling fields and fertile soil, the Alentejo region is sometimes called "the granary" of Portugal. Surprisingly, the north-eastern region also has granite hills bordering Spain and large wetlands, such as at the famous Alqueva dam.
Take a look now at our tips for your short trip Alentejo, Portugal and Spain.
If you want to come to Portugal by plane, it is best to take a flight to Lisbon airport. After picking up your pre-booked rental car, drive straight to Évora. This ancient city, fortified since Roman times, holds a number of palaces from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Its charming Moorish alleys will surely charm you!
Our favourite places to visit in Évora: Roman Temple, Cathedral, Museum of Évora (originally a 16th century palace), Igreja (Church) São Francisco with Capella dos Ossos (chapel with pillars, walls and ceilings covered with the bones of about 5000 monks).
From the historic city of Évora, you continue your short trip in the Alentejo region to the Alqueva Dam. Not only the largest man-made lake in Europe, but also a UNESCO-recognised 'Starlight Tourism Destination' thanks to its surrounding nature, tranquillity and reduced light pollution. People who enjoy stargazing will be fascinated by the number of stars they can see with the naked eye on a clear night (on any of the 286 clear, cloudless nights a year).
Overnight stay: in Alqueva.
Tip: you can spend the night on a boat.
After a starry night in Alqueva, this short trip leads you to Aracena in Spain. This town is characterised by typical Andalusian architecture with whitewashed houses that contrast with the panoramic views of hills and mountains. Interesting to know is that the medieval town of Aracena was ruled by the Portuguese after the conquest from the Moors.
Our favourites to visit in Aracena: he castle, the church Nuestra Señora del Mayor Dolor, several Mudejar sights and the Plaza Mayor. Also worth a visit is the Gruta de las Maravillas, or Cave of Wonders, located in the historic centre of Aracena.
Overnight stay:
We continue to Seville for a first night in this beautiful Spanish city.
Enjoy a whole day in Seville, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, as there is plenty to see in this enchanting city full of Arab influences.
Our favourites to visit in Seville: the old Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz, the Mudejar-style Cathedral Maria de la Sede and Giralda Tower, the Alcázar and the Plaza de España, which has been used as a backdrop in several films.
Also make time to enjoy tapas on a terrace and do some shopping!
Overnight stay: in Seville.
Today, this short trip continues to Mérida, still in Spain, to admire the many Roman archaeological sites.
Our favourites to visit in Mérida: Teatro Romano, Anfiteatro Romano, Temple of Diana, National Museum of Roman Art, Puente Romano (Roman Bridge).
After lunch, you drive to Badajoz in Spain, a historic centre that is definitely worth a visit.
Our favourites to visit in Badajoz: the town hall on Plaza España, the cathedral, the Alcazaba (Arab fortress) with spectacular views and the bridge, Puente de Palmas.
Overnight stay:
We drive to Portalegre in Portugal to spend the night.
Due to its strategic location on the border with Spain, Portalegre was a crucial defensive site during the Middle Ages, but Roman and prehistoric remains prove that the city was inhabited long before the Middle Ages.
The winding, cobbled streets, the Baroque-inspired buildings, the historic centre, the Praça da República are all intriguing locations.
Our favourites to visit in Portalegre: Amarelo Palace, Achaioli Palace, São Bernardo Monastery, the Cathedral.
Onwards to Tomar, which once was the Portuguese headquarters of the Knights Templar and where Henry the Navigator made plans to explore the world by sea.
Our favourites to visit in Tomar: Convento de Cristo (UNESCO World Heritage), Praça da Republica, the park
After this last visit of this 5-day short trip through the Alentejo region, you drive back to Lisbon airport. Unless you want to stay longer in Portugal, which we totally get!
We are happy to share all these free tips for short trips! The services offered by Jinah Trans in Portugal are:
Making your reservation in advance is always necessary! Jinah Trans’ airport transfer service and day trips with private driver have become very popular over the years. Therefore, book well in advance so we don't have to disappoint you.
Airport transfers can be booked online. If you don't want to order online, send us an e-mail. Also contact us if you want to plan a day trip. We will be happy to assist you!