Also known as the Planicies, the Plains Region covers majority of Portugal’s southeast. With open plains and valleys and the opportunity to also enjoy the closely located coastline this region is famous for its romantic appeal. Another distinct attraction for the Plains Region is the agricultural industry in which the locals take pride in. With each town offering beautiful local cuisines and handicrafts to compliment their specialised trades you can surely experience the true and unique Portuguese lifestyle as known across the entire region.

Regional Hotspots:

• Santarém – Once a town utilised by Julius Caesar, Santarém is Portugal’s bullfighting capital, most famous for hosting the ‘Pamplona of Portugal’, the running of the bulls. Situated on the hills overlooking the Tagus River, Santarém is also a central hub for the Portuguese agricultural industry. The Santissimo Milagre Church and Convent of São Francisco are also worth seeing in this historic town.
• Estremoz – As the host town to a number of significant events in Portuguese history, there is no surprise that Estremoz boasts a large collection of churches, castles and museums. Estremoz is also seen as the ‘market town’ with the Rossio Marquês de Pombal as the dominating marketplace where frequent and large local markets are held with cafes and churches in the surrounds.
• Vila Viçosa – The majestic gem of the Plains Region, Vila Viçosa features the three-story Royal Palace, frequented by a number of royal family members including King Carlos and Catherine of Braganç who later became the Queen of England in 1638. You can truly embrace the ‘royal’ experience when stepping into this town with the streets lined with glorious orange and lemon trees and the use of marble stretches as far as the pavements and toilets. Other attractions include the Augustinian convent and the once royal hunting grounds ‘Tapada Real’.
• Beja – One of the largest towns in the Plains Region, Beja has become famous through a 17th century love affair between a count and a nun who was an occupant at Beja’s Nossa Senhora da Conceição Convent. The convent in itself is a remarkable piece of architecture as is the Church of Santa Maria and the Visigothic Basilica of Santo Amaro, one of Portugal’s oldest buildings. Stunning surrounding landscapes and valleys are also sights not to be missed.
• Elvas – Situated close to the border of Portugal and Spain, Elvas prides itself on the presence of military history evident throughout the town. The Amoreira Aqueduct and the remains of Fort de Santa Luzia are the two dominating attractions of the town. The nearby Largo Santa Clara square with the marble pillory also deserves a mention as does the Municipal Museum which is packed with local artefacts collected throughout centuries before.