The best road cycling routes in Portalegre

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.

This vaulted cistern is located within the castle walls and was probably built around the 9th century to store rainwater for the then Arab village of Ibn Maruán, despite clear signs of remodeling in the late Middle Ages. An impressive site. http://www.monumentos.gov.pt/site/app_pagesuser/SIPA.aspx?id=36148

The castle was founded by King D. Dinis in 1290, with the aim of defending the Alentejo border. Originally, it had an imposing structure with a double ring of walls, twelve towers and eight gates. Over the centuries, it lost part of its structure to the growth of the city, but it remains a National Monument. The Keep is the best-preserved part of the original complex. Inside, there is a museum that you can visit.

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

Imposing building in which the Centro de Dia senior center is located

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.

A lovely little area in the middle of this picturesque, historic castle town. A beautifully maintained garden with a refreshing pond-like fountain in the lower middle section. The small hedges surrounding the flowerbeds, with their narrow patches of space between them, invite you to wander. The view of the castle and the surrounding countryside is breathtaking. I highly recommend a visit to this small but perfectly landscaped park.