Avis

Avis is a small village of about 1,800 people, situated approximately 25 miles northwest of Estremoz. Sights in Avis include Avis Castle, which was built on land first occupied by humans during the prehistoric era; and the Pelourinho de Avis, built from the area`s plentiful marble reserves, and located in the public garden at Praca Serpa Pinto.

Castelo de Vide

Forty-six miles north of Estremoz and eleven miles from the Spanish border, the town of Castelo de Vide has been an important Portuguese outpost on the borderlands for hundreds of years. 2,300 people live in the village, which is known for its beautiful, mild weather; its views of the gorgeous Sao Mamede mountains, and its lush, green flora.

Crato

The town of Crato is located 38 miles due north of Estremoz. The town`s population is 1,600, and like many towns in the Alentejo, the number of people living in Crato has declined by nearly 70% since the 1950s and 1960s. Crato is known for its 14th century castle; its history with the Order of Malta, as Crato used to be one of the organization`s key priories; and the megalith Anta da Aldeia da Mata, located five miles to the west.

Elvas

With a population of over 16,000, Elvas is one of the larger cities in the Alentejo. It is well-known for its beginnings as a city built inside the walls of a star fort. Due to its position five miles from the Spanish border, the manner in which Elvas was built was key to the city`s survival. Chock-full of history, the Elvas star fort and other locations throughout town were named UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2012.

Estremoz

One of the most noteworthy towns in the Alentejo region, Estremoz (pop. 7,600) is known the world over for its beautiful, pink marble. Estremoz is also a must-see city for tourists who love European history, as it was a key settlement in the centuries-long border fight between the Portuguese and the Kingdom of Castile (later the Kingdom of Spain). Multiple Portuguese heads of state, such as King Dinis, the Dowager Queen Elizabeth, and Pedro I made their distinct marks on Estremoz, helping the city to flourish inside its tall defensive walls. Tourists come each year to view such sights as Estremoz Castle, numerous churches and convents, and the municipal museum, where clay antique `Estremoz dolls` are on display. The latter is currently under consideration for preservation by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Marvao

Forty miles northeast of Estremoz, the town of Marvao (pop. 3,500) sits perched on a crag in the Sao Mamede mountain range. On the top of the highest hill sits Marvao Castle, commissioned by the Moors in the ninth century and expanded by the Portuguese four centuries later. Long the subject of poems and short stories, the town of Marvao was most recently featured in the 2003 New York Times bestseller `1000 Places to See Before You Die`.

Monforte

Monforte, located sixteen miles northeast of Estremoz, can trace its beginnings as a town back to prehistoric times. The Roman villa of Torre de Palma, two and a half miles outside the center of town, is one of the largest Roman-era excavations in the country, and it is open to the public. What we know today as the town of Monforte traces its beginnings back to the 13th century, when King Dinis gave a palace in Monforte to his daughter on the occasion of her marriage. A Roman-era bridge, now in ruins, crossed the Monforte River just a mile and a half outside of town.

Portalegre

One of the principal cities in the Alentejo region, Portalegre (pop. 24,000) is located smack in the middle of the Sao Mamede mountain chain, just ten miles from the Spanish border. Founded in the 13th century, the town took hundreds of years to grow into the regional center it is today. The home of famous Portuguese poet Jose Regio (1901-1969) is located in Portalegre; other noteworthy sights include Portalegre Castle and Portalegre Cathedral.

Sousel

Ten miles northwest of Estremoz, the town of Sousel (pop. 5,000) was planned in large part by the Calca e Pina family, who made their mark on the small town in the 1700s. Once known for agriculture and its plentiful olive trees, Sousel is now refocusing its economy on tourism, welcoming visitors to see and experience the country`s oldest bullfighting ring, in addition to the town`s beautiful and elegant architecture.

Vila Vicosa

Vila Vicosa (pop. 8,300) is one of the `marble towns` of the Alentejo, and the town`s economy has been heavily reliant on marble extraction for over 100 years. The House of Braganca made their home in Vila Vicosa for over 150 years, starting in the 15th century. The town`s biggest tourist draws are the Jardim do Paco Ducal, a large city square bordering a number of noteworthy sights; and the 14th century castle, built in the Gothic and Manueline styles.