Monsaraz is a medieval hilltop village in Portugal, set high above the Alqueva reservoir. Its position on the rise gives it wide views over the water, and for many visitors the view is the reason to make the climb.
What a visit is like
The village is small enough to explore on foot. Its old streets and walls belong to its medieval character, and walking them slowly is the natural way to see the place. Much of the pleasure lies in the contrast between the stone village above and the open expanse of the reservoir below.
- Walk the village streets and enjoy the medieval setting.
- Take in the views over the Alqueva reservoir from the hilltop.
- Allow time to wander rather than rushing through.
Around Monsaraz
Monsaraz sits in the Alentejo region of southern Portugal, where the landscape is open, quiet and largely rural. The reservoir shapes the surroundings, so the village works well as a stop within a wider day in the area. Its setting makes it a calm, scenic visit, suited to those who enjoy historic places with a strong sense of landscape.
