The Tour Alentejo Unesco will take you to the six particularities of the Alentejo that are best known internationally. These distinctions were made in the areas of historical importance, architecture, food or unique art. Such diversity allows the region to be extremely attractive for all types of travellers.

In order to have close contact with the Unesco award-winning heritage that is concentrated in the Alentejo region, we set off on the beautiful roads of the region by car. We will see and feel places and traditions.

 Alentejo Unesco Awards 

Tour Alentejo Unesco – World Heritage Sites

Historic Centre of Evora

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, Evora is a museum city. It had a strong Roman presence that can still be visited today. Évora reached its golden age in the 15th century, when the kings settled here.

The houses in the historic centre are whitewashed and many have beautiful tiles and wrought iron balconies (16th-18th centuries). Evora’s monuments have profoundly influenced Portuguese architecture in Brazil.

Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications

Elvas (Unesco world heritage since 2012) was strongly fortified from the 17th century onwards. The aim was to guard the key border between Lisbon and Madrid, after Portugal regained independence from Spain in 1640. This dry-ditch defence system became, at the time, the largest in the world and the best survivor of the Dutch school of fortifications.

Inside the walls of Elvas, there are barracks and other military buildings, as well as churches and monasteries. The city was supplied with water by the Amoreira Aqueduct, which was 4.3mi (7km) long and allowed the fort to withstand a long siege.

Tour Alentejo Unesco – Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Cante Alentejano, polyphonic singing from Alentejo, southern Portugal

Cante Alentejano has been on the Unesco list since 2014. It is a kind of traditional two-part singing performed by amateur coral groups from the Alentejo. The songs, without instruments, are characterised by distinct melodies, lyrics and vocal styles.

The artists sing traditional poetry with lyrics related to traditional themes (rural life, nature, love, motherhood, religion) and changes in the cultural and social context. Cante Alentejano was, and still is, a fundamental aspect of social life in the Alentejo communities, facilitating social encounters in public and private spaces.

Craftmanship of Estremoz clay figures

The craftsmanship of Estremoz clay figures was included in the Unesco list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017. These figures are hand moulded, baked in an electric oven, painted and varnished.

Since the 17th century, in their workshops, craftsmen have painted the Estremoz clay figures “dressing” them in Alentejo regional costumes or religious Christian iconography. The themes portray essentially natural elements, Alentejo professions and events, traditions and popular devotions.

Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet, included in the Unesco list in 2013, includes the traditional food eaten throughout the Mediterranean region in countries such as Portugal, Cyprus, Croatia, Spain, Greece and Morocco.

According to Unesco, the Mediterranean diet highlights values of hospitality and intercultural dialogue. Therefore, it plays a vital role in bringing together people of all ages, conditions and social classes. The gastronomy of the Alentejo has a prominent place for being simple but imaginative and varied, mixing seasonal ingredients to create delicious dishes.

Tour Alentejo Unesco – Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding

Manufacture of Cowbells (Alcáçovas)

The Alcáçovas Cowbells have been on the Unesco list since 2015. This traditional art of manual production of rattles is on the verge of extinction due to new grazing methods and cheaper industrial techniques.

These iron rattles, manufactured with a know-how passed on from father to son, are traditional idiophonic percussion instruments. They provide the rural areas with a remarkable sound landscape, allowing the shepherd to know where his herd of cows is located.

 Itinerary of the Tour Alentejo Unesco 

Day 1

• Evora – guided tour of 2.30h and lunch
• Estremoz – visit to the castle, historical center and Estremoz clay figures workshop
• Overnight stay in Elvas

Distance: 75 mi (120 km)

Day 2

• Elvas – visit to the historical centre, Amoreira Aqueduct and Graça Fort
• Monsaraz – visit to one of the most beautiful villages in Portugal, overlooking the largest lake in Europe
• Mourão – possibility of Cante Alentejano
• Portel
• Vidigueira or Cuba – possibility of Cante Alentejano
• Alcáçovas – visit to a traditional cowbell workshop
• End of tour in Evora

Distance: 137 mi (220 km)

The approaches to the Mediterranean Diet and Cante Alentejano may occur in different locations, depending on availability.

 Tour Alentejo Unesco (2 days) | Prices and terms 

Prices (per vehicle)
The tour is private. We do not mix clients from different groups.

From 950€ on a 7-seat van
From 1250€ on a historic classic car

INCLUDED
Private transport
Fuel
Driver / guide
Water
Insurance

NOT INCLUDED
Accommodation
Meals
Tips (optional)
Personal expenses
Entrances to the monuments
Everything not mentioned as included

• Possibility of transfer to and from Evora (request a quote on the form).

• The tour is private, so it can be changed according to your preferences.
• All the visits will be accompanied by a guide.
• If you are travelling with children, we appreciate age information to have the appropriate car seats available. We will be happy to adapt the itinerary according to the needs of your children.
• This tour is an exclusive partnership between Visitevora and a partner tour operator that we consider to be an option of excellence in this type of tours.

Fill in the contact form to book, ask us questions or suggest another tour in Alentejo.

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