Alentejo: Day Trips and Tours from Lisbon

Traveling to south-central Portugal, day trips to Alentejo from Lisbon are a wonderful way of exploring one of the country’s most scenic regions. Known for its unique savannah-like climate, Alentejo produces some of the best wines in Portugal and is a haven for foodies.

The area has a distinctly different feel to it when compared to the rest of Portugal — it is specked with quaint and charming villages, as well as stunning cities like Évora and Estremoz, providing a pleasant escape from Lisbon’s busy streets.

Here's everything you should know about Alentejo, one of the most exciting day trips from Lisbon.

How do I get to Alentejo from Lisbon?

Alentejo is a region in south-central Portugal, that stretches all the way from Portalegre in the north to the province of Algarve in the south.

From Lisbon to Alentejo by car

Exploring the Alentejo region by car is a great idea if you have the means of driving in Portugal. From Lisbon, take Route A2 heading south and then east. Stay on the route as it becomes the A6 to Évora and you’ll arrive in central Alentejo.

The entire journey is approximately 140 kilometers long and will take about 1.5 hours to complete.

Guided tour to Alentejo from Lisbon

A guided tour of Alentejo is the best way to explore the region, as you’ll be able to visit all of the area’s attractions — as well as those that are a bit off the beaten path. You’ll also enjoy the company of a tour guide to tell you more about this fascinating piece of Portugal.

What is usually included on the schedule for trips to Alentejo?

The typical itinerary for a day trip from Lisbon to Alentejo will differ from tour to tour — but it will always start with an air-conditioned vehicle fetching you from your hotel. You’ll leave Lisbon behind and head into the Alentejo region, with the iconic savannah landscape speeding past your window.

Usually, you’ll stop at some of the picture-perfect villages along the way, and depending on your type of tour, a winery or two to sample some of the best wine in Portugal. Finally, it’s on to Évora, where you’ll spend some time exploring the magnificent city and then enjoy a local meal before heading back.

What are the best tours available to go to Alentejo?

There are several tours of Alentejo from Lisbon available, each focusing on a different aspect of this historic region.

Guided group tour from Lisbon to Alentejo

During this full-day tour, you’ll explore all the sights and sounds that Évora has to offer, as your guide shows you the ruinous Roman temple, the towering cathedral and the macabre chapel of bones.

Next, head out into the Alentejo countryside to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and farm — learning more about local produce and delicacies before heading back to Lisbon.

Private luxury tour of Alentejo from Lisbon

If you value your privacy and don’t mind paying a little bit more, you should consider this luxurious private tour of Alentejo. You’ll spend the day being chauffeured in a Jaguar or Mercedes Benz, visiting all of Alentejo’s must-see attractions.

As this is a private tour, you’ll have a say when it comes to determining the itinerary — and one of the stops you should consider is the city of Elvas, home to a magnificent star fortress located on the Portuguese-Spanish border.

Alentejo private wine tour from Lisbon

Alentejo is one of Portugal's most illustrious wine regions, making a private wine tour ideal. During this 10-hour tour, you’ll learn about different aspects of the winemaking process — visiting the cork oak trees that are so integral to the process, as well as three premier wineries.

After enjoying your fair share of wine, you’ll sit down for a traditional Portuguese meal at one of the vineyards — and discover why Alentejo’s cuisine is held in equal esteem to its wines.

How much does a day trip to Alentejo from Lisbon cost?

Day trips from Lisbon to Alentejo differ in price — ranging from €75 to €350 per person — depending on the duration of the excursion, as well as the type of activities included.

A guided group tour from Lisbon to Alentejo will cost €75 per person, great for travelers on a strict budget. However, you’ll be part of a larger group, with tour parties of up to 50 people.

A private luxury tour of Alentejo from Lisbon will cost €190 per group of two people, and you’ll be the only people on the tour. The maximum number of participants is eight, and a discount is available for larger groups.

An Alentejo private wine tour from Lisbon costs €350 per group of two and you’ll visit three vineyards along the way.

What are the highlights of tours to Alentejo?

Alentejo

Alentejo is sometimes referred to as the Tuscany of Portugal, but really this hidden gem should be in a category of its own. Serene pastoral scenes, idyllic villages and rolling vineyards combine to create one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets.

Évora

Évora is the main city of the Alentejo region and is home to whitewashed houses, a massive Gothic Cathedral and ancient Roman temples and ruins — making it an unmissable stop when exploring Alentejo.

When is the best time to visit Alentejo?

The best time to visit Alentejo is in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, you'll experience cooler temperatures and fewer crowds than the high tourist season of summer. Autumn is also grape harvest season, providing the ideal time to visit if wine tastings is on your itinerary.

Which other places can I visit on a day trip from Lisbon?

• Sintra day trips from Lisbon
• Cascais day trips from Lisbon
• Fatima day trips from Lisbon
• Obidos day trips from Lisbon
• Nazare day trips from Lisbon

Travel tips

• Alentejo is renowned for its food. Try regional dishes like "porco preto" (black pig), "ensopado de borrego" (lamb stew), and "açorda Alentejana" (a type of bread soup).
• Summers can be very hot, especially inland, so lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended. Conversely, the winters can be chilly, so pack some warmer layers if visiting during this season.
• The natural beauty of Alentejo is one of its primary draws. Always be respectful by not littering and minimizing your environmental impact.