The best cycling routes around Crato E Mártires

The river beach of the village of Portagem, in Marvão, is one of the most sought-after beaches by Portuguese people and also by many Spaniards due to its proximity to the border with Spain. The beach is part of a great space called Centro de Lazer da Portagem, which also has swimming pools, especially sought after on hot summer days. With a magnificent view of Marvão castle, this complex consists of three outdoor swimming pools with changing rooms (two for adults and one for children), the river beach being one of them, situated in the bed of the Sever river. This is one of the busiest spots in the municipality of Marvão, which has a lawn on one of its banks with numerous tables and benches in its vicinity so that bathers can spend pleasant hot days with their families or friends. The Leisure Centre also consists of an amphitheatre, a multi-sport court, a playground, a restaurant/bar, as well as a green park.

Located at the highest point of the historic center of Portalegre, enjoying strategic views over the city and the surrounding landscape, which so well characterizes the Alto-Alentejo region. Medieval castle, built during the reign of D. Dinis, around 1290. In this fortification, related to the defense of the Alto-Alentejo border, the Keep (Torre de Menagem) stands out, with interior floors covered by vaults and a regular quadrangular plan, well integrated into the characteristic wall of military Gothic architecture. There are still three towers, out of the twelve it initially had, one of which is the North Tower (Torre Norte) which, due to its height, currently constitutes the true scenic symbol of the city's medieval past. The castle has already undergone restoration work, and has also been intervened to house a museum inside, the Keep Museum Nucleus (Núcleo Museológico da Torre de Menagem), which is currently in operation.

Castelo de Vide is a charming Portuguese medieval village located in the district of Portalegre, in the Alentejo region, perched on the hills of the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park. Nicknamed the "Sintra of Alentejo" for its flowery alleys and lush landscapes, this town is famous for its healing thermal waters, its intact Gothic architecture, and one of the most important historical Jewish communities in the country.

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.

A place in memory

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.

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

The (former) river beach of Portagem is a charming spot at the foot of the Marvao mountain. In summer, when temperatures in Alentejo can rise above 40°C, it offered a refreshing escape into the cool, dammed waters of the Rio Sever. There's now a modern outdoor swimming pool across the street. A real shame, really.