TRAIL
OF
MONSARAZ
WRITTEN IN STONE AND LIME
Being in Monsaraz is a feeling of being able to touch the sky.
The highest point of this beautiful medieval town is around
300 metres above sea level, with views over Lake Alqueva
and the Alentejo countryside.
It's a good location for observing unique Alentejo landscapes
and learning a little about history through its walls, which
mark the limit of the sky and define the region's history.
TYPE OF TRAIL : CIRCULAR
DISTANCE : 13 KM
DURATION : 3/4 HOURS
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY : MEDIUM
ELEVATION: : 281 METERS
POINTS OF INTEREST
Leave Monsaraz through the Porta da Vila, to the north, and go down to the right, skirting the
first wall towards the Ermida de São Bento. Go around the Estalagem de Monsaraz and down
the slope towards Ferragudo to head towards the Convento da Orada. Nearby, see the
Cromeleque do Xerez and head north along the rural road that passes by the Pêga Roman
Bridge. Continue in the direction of Aldeia do Outeiro and cross the village until you come to a
sharp bend in the national road 1125 to follow the country lane north-westwards, seeing the
Serra da Barrada on the right. Pass the Menir do Outeiro, continue on to the village of Barrada,
cross the road and go down the rural track to the Monte Saraz lodge. Turn right and
immediately left. Pass to the south of Horta do Reboredo and keep going until you reach a
crossroads with the Estrada Real. Here go straight ahead to see the Belhoa Menhir, on a
roundabout route to this place, and then head south along the Estrada Real that leads to the
village of Telheiro with its imposing fountain. Take the slope between the old school and the
guard post. Go up the hill until you find the entrance to Monsaraz. When you arrive, it's time to
wander through the alleys, visit the castle, walk along its walls and return to the town,
recognising all its nooks and crannies.
