Free walking tours in Estremoz and what to see

Must-sees

Estremoz is an Alentejo town built largely of marble, the stone quarried in the surrounding area. It has two parts: the upper town, inside the walls, and the lower town, which spreads around the Rossio Marquês de Pombal, a huge square that hosts the Saturday market, with cheeses, cured meats, olive oil, ceramics and antiques. The lower town also has several churches and convents.

Up top stands the castle with its keep, known as the Tower of the Three Crowns, clad in marble and with views over the plain. Next to it is the former royal palace, now a pousada, and the Chapel of Queen Saint Isabel, with 18th-century azulejos, built where the queen died in 1336. Estremoz is known for its hand-painted clay figures, the bonecos de Estremoz, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. There is a centre devoted to them and workshops where you can watch the artisans at work.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Estremoz. You can, however, book a guided walk of the town, covering the upper town, the castle and the centre, with explanations about its history, marble and the clay figures. Visits to Alentejo wineries and outings along the marble route, through the quarries of Estremoz, Borba and Vila Viçosa, are also organised in the area.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the upper town, the castle and a stroll around the Rossio. If you coincide with the Saturday market, add the morning. With two days you can visit Vila Viçosa and Borba, a few minutes away by car, or climb to the castle of Evoramonte, visible from afar on its hill. Évora is less than an hour away.

Where to stay

You can choose between the upper town, quieter and with places to stay in old houses by the castle, or the lower town, near the Rossio, with more restaurants and shops at hand. Either way you do almost everything on foot. If you travel by car, in the surroundings there are estates and country houses with a pool among olive groves and vineyards, a good base for exploring the area.