Évora Monsaraz Review: Charm, Relaxation, and a Little Excitement

Okay, so you’re considering a trip to Portugal, right? You are perhaps thinking about where to go, beyond just Lisbon and Porto? Then, too, consider Évora and Monsaraz, because, actually, they’re pretty fantastic places offering a nice blend of history, peacefulness, and a little dose of adventure to keep things really interesting. I mean, like your average tourist experience, these destinations totally allow you to kind of immerse yourself in the Portuguese way of living, all the while appreciating some stunning scenery and cultural spots. It’s almost like hitting the travel jackpot.

Évora: A Stroll Through History

Évora, you see, it’s like a proper step back in time. Basically, this UNESCO place is full of loads of interesting bits and pieces just screaming history at you. The Roman Temple, arguably known as the Temple of Diana (even if the experts kinda disagree), is actually quite something to behold. I mean, really, standing there, you just have this feeling you’ve time-traveled, right? And then there’s, you know, Évora Cathedral. So too it’s a marvelous gothic building that dominates the city skyline and, oh boy, does it offer fantastic views.

The Capela dos Ossos, I want to mention too, you see, is something else altogether. So, like, it’s a bone chapel. Which, honestly, at the start might seem a bit scary, but really it does get you reflecting on things, like life and how fragile we all are. Plus, the city’s streets themselves, well, are basically inviting you for a walk where there is like all sorts of hidden little courtyards, shops, and tempting little pastry spots just waiting to be found. You’re never short of nice sights, sounds, and tasty smells, in fact. It’s almost like Évora grabs you and whispers: ‘slow down, chill out and enjoy’.

Monsaraz: High Above the World

After Évora, perhaps a trip over to Monsaraz would fit into your schedule. High up on a hill, you see, Monsaraz is, literally, breathtaking, and it overlooks this landscape filled with rolling hills. Walking through this little village feels pretty magical; so its white walls and narrow lanes sort of take you back centuries, you know? And that castle, my friend, offers this incredible panorama – actually the sunsets up there, viewed right from this point, are stunning! So too you see, they’re worthy of all the Instagram love they could possibly receive.

Monsaraz is like this place where there really isn’t any rush to do anything, you know? You just wander around, soak things in and lose any track of time, because everything slows right down. Apparently, and seemingly by design. Very different to, you know, those everyday busy places you see constantly, like home, the office or whatever. People say it’s great, right? You sort of watch the world from this amazing little vantage point and can’t help feeling kind of peaceful and thoughtful. Then again, too, it’s a pretty nice antidote to our otherwise stressful and pretty overwhelming lives. So much to take in.

Charm: Soaking in the Local Atmosphere

I am confident that both Évora and Monsaraz have that certain Portuguese charm, in that they really do welcome you with warmth. You will find you kind of stumble across family-run restaurants which happily serve classic Alentejo dishes (which, let me tell you, they actually melt in your mouth) – think tender meats and those comforting stews. It feels sort of very real and pretty personal. Very much so. Conversations will, very much likely, lead to long chats with locals, all happy to tell their story or hand over secret tips, for those less seen spots. So too it helps to speak even a bit of Portuguese to open doors to, almost, another world.

Now the handicraft shops are like really lovely treasure troves, in that you might find unique things to bring back home to friends, family or, just for you. You know? They, like the restaurants, seem, mostly, family run. It’s almost impossible to not get drawn in, actually. So, in a way, supporting those artisans, like, really adds to the feel-good factor of this whole traveling experience. Plus, these two places, generally speaking, are heavens for anybody wanting, and needing, a calm-filled break. Anyway, what with everything seemingly rushing, they encourage one to disconnect, take a breath, and simply be here and now. Really, it’s almost medicinal, the experience itself!

Chill: Relaxation and Taking it Easy

Beyond the sight-seeing stuff, perhaps, so to relax is also essential. I really mean it. Évora is a city with some gorgeous gardens, great, simply for wandering. Perhaps take a leisurely afternoon break or grab yourself an espresso at a cafe to watch the daily dramas that often happen in the main squares. Slowing right down helps to properly take the experience in and appreciate the environment, and to let yourself relax in every way. Anyway, perhaps in Monsaraz the best thing you can do is simply sit somewhere with a great view.

Many of the accommodations there offer that sense of rural calm, which, quite frankly, comes in handy in that you simply lounge out on a terrace and, apparently, simply drink in what’s around you. Just doing the act of soaking it all in is powerful. It’s not about being extremely busy doing loads of things; you actually begin to feel good, too, as a part of, and totally belonging in, all of the calmness. It lets the experiences start to be properly digested and enjoyed. Then, just like your mind and body thank you for the downtime you will take, because, actually, relaxation is so very important for a complete getaway. Isn’t that the key?

Thrill: Adventures and Activities

Right, so when you need a little zing? Well, like Alentejo has what you need! You can discover these beautiful landscapes by taking a hike or bike ride. It allows seeing these things not typically accessed in that it also lets the pounds sort of drop off nicely. Also, you know, there are places offering kayaking and water-sports down at the massive Alqueva dam. I want to tell you. anyway, I find kayaking actually quite therapeutic. You see, like it combines physical work, which, alright, can sometimes be testing, along with pure mindfulness in those soothing surroundings.

For something seriously memorable? Well why not try one of the region’s stargazing activities. That, that is if you fancy trying this kind of a thing? Apparently because Alentejo has some exceptionally dark skies (all thanks to the lack of huge population and development, which has the result of avoiding too much, or too bright, light) You almost see more. Apparently seeing those stars with expert astronomy buffs kind of improves how much that knowledge is absorbed too. Now there’s something you’d remember after returning home!