4 Best Sights in Alcacer do Sal, Évora and the Alentejo

This stunning underground fortress displays archaeological relics from 2,600 years of settlement here. In the mid-1990s, archaeologists discovered traces of an Iron Age settlement from the 6th century BC underneath the town's castle. Structures are believed to have existed here from Roman times, with later castles being built one on top of another through Moorish and medieval times. The current castle and adjacent church are from the 13th century.

What started as a small distillery in Santiago do Cacém has become a giant theme park for the whole family. Owner, Miguel Nunes, considers himself an alchemist, collecting botanicals from the Alentejo coast and transforming it into an award-winning gin. Book ahead to visit the production area or head straight to the on-site bar for a cocktail. The space also offers safari trips on giant gin bottles, an animal farm, a playground, and several walking trails. Weekends bring additional activities such as yoga and acrobatic shows. The distillery is located a 40-minute drive south of Alcácer do Sal.

Portugal’s Alentejo coast is often overlooked by beachgoers in favor of the Algarve or the Lisbon coast, but this scenic, rural, culinarily rich region is home to some of the finest beaches in Europe. While some are difficult to access, others, such as the beautiful Praia da Comporta, are well equipped to cater for visitors. Here, snow-white sands are dotted with colorful sun loungers and straw-roofed beach huts selling cocktails as well as fresh seafood, and the clear, bright blue invites you to take a cooling dip. Although one of the busier beaches in the Alentejo, this is still quieter than the beaches of the Algarve, and there’s plenty of elbow room even during the summer high season. Amenities: parking (no fee), toilets, food and drink, water sports. Best for: swimming, walking.

The marshlands and the estuary of the Sado River that extend to the west of Alcácer form this vast nature reserve. The riverbanks are lined with salt pans and rice paddies, and the sprawling park gives shelter to wildlife such as dolphins, otters, storks, and egrets. From the beach town of Comporta, Route N261 runs south along the coast through a mostly deserted stretch of dunes and pine trees with some undeveloped sandy beaches.