Note: In the spirit of enjoying high summer, this will be the last post in August—we’ll be back the first week of September!
The first time I visited Monsaraz, my kids were young and the medieval hilltop town served as an open-air stage for their imaginations. Wooden swords in hand, the castle a thrilling backdrop for elaborate play-battling and little knights-errant. I wrote it off as a tourist attraction. I’m not too proud to admit I was wrong. More than a decade later and after nearly three years of leading trips to Portugal, I see Monsaraz in a very different light.
Why go?
Because it’s so much more than a medieval set design for the best views in the Alentejo. It’s a real place where real people are showing up to introduce curious travelers to their inspiring businesses grounded in place. After all, this corner of the region holds fast to a long living tradition in sheep, wool processing, and weaving.
Because this magical village, less than 10 miles from the Spanish border, is awash in quiet corners and soulful beauty that hasn’t changed in centuries. Because its wild, lush landscape dotted with prehistoric monuments from neolithic times expands as far as the eye can see in every direction. Because Monsaraz feels unexpectedly austere (considering it’s built into a castle), the preserved whitewashed schist houses cutting a striking juxtaposition with the rock surfaces left exposed.
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