Programs
Beja Circuit
The Beja Circuit is the perfect itinerary for those wishing to discover the city’s rich history and culture without the need for a car.
The route begins at Beja Castle, a magnificent 13th-century Gothic fortress crowned by an impressive keep standing almost 40 metres high. From there, continue to the Sé de Beja, a beautiful 16th-century Mannerist church, known for its gilded altar and striking blue-and-white azulejo panels.
The next stop is the Beja Regional Museum, housed in the former Convent of Nossa Senhora da Conceição since 1927. Its rich collection spans painting, sculpture, archaeology and jewellery, with particular emphasis on its remarkable collection of Portuguese paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries.
The route begins at Beja Castle, a magnificent 13th-century Gothic fortress crowned by an impressive keep standing almost 40 metres high. From there, continue to the Sé de Beja, a beautiful 16th-century Mannerist church, known for its gilded altar and striking blue-and-white azulejo panels.
The next stop is the Beja Regional Museum, housed in the former Convent of Nossa Senhora da Conceição since 1927. Its rich collection spans painting, sculpture, archaeology and jewellery, with particular emphasis on its remarkable collection of Portuguese paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries.
The journey continues to the Museu do Sembrano, where archaeological remains spanning from Prehistory to the Contemporary Era can be discovered. Highlights include a section of Iron Age city wall and the “Mértola Window”, mentioned in the famous Letters of a Portuguese Nun by Mariana Alcoforado.
To end the day, there is no better way than to unwind at Praia dos Cinco Reis, just 6 km from Beja. With its long stretch of golden sand, beach bar and shaded sun loungers available to rent, it is the perfect place to slow down and relax. For those looking for a little more adventure, a range of water activities is also available, including kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding.
To end the day, there is no better way than to unwind at Praia dos Cinco Reis, just 6 km from Beja. With its long stretch of golden sand, beach bar and shaded sun loungers available to rent, it is the perfect place to slow down and relax. For those looking for a little more adventure, a range of water activities is also available, including kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding.
East Circuit
The East Circuit takes you to Mértola, a historic village surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
The route begins at Pulo do Lobo, where the Guadiana River narrows dramatically before plunging into a spectacular 4-metre-high waterfall. The views from the hillside are simply magnificent, making this an idyllic spot for a picnic or a refreshing swim at Praia Fluvial da Tapada Grande.
Praia Fluvial da Tapada Grande is one of the most renowned river beaches in Portugal, offering fine sand, shaded areas, a bar and restaurant, and a range of facilities for a relaxing day by the water. Here, you can swim, enjoy a canoe ride, or take the time to discover the Casa do Mineiro and the Jardim dos Ingleses.
The route begins at Pulo do Lobo, where the Guadiana River narrows dramatically before plunging into a spectacular 4-metre-high waterfall. The views from the hillside are simply magnificent, making this an idyllic spot for a picnic or a refreshing swim at Praia Fluvial da Tapada Grande.
Praia Fluvial da Tapada Grande is one of the most renowned river beaches in Portugal, offering fine sand, shaded areas, a bar and restaurant, and a range of facilities for a relaxing day by the water. Here, you can swim, enjoy a canoe ride, or take the time to discover the Casa do Mineiro and the Jardim dos Ingleses.
Another fascinating stop is the Azenhas do Guadiana, two traditional watermills that once harnessed the river’s current to grind grain. Surrounded by the sounds of flowing water and the beauty of the landscape, it is a wonderful place to slow down, relax and enjoy a picnic.
Finally, we arrive in Mértola, known as Portugal’s “Museum Village”. With archaeological remains dating back to the Neolithic period, the village has been shaped by Roman and Islamic influences and is rich in history and cultural heritage.
The castle and the main church are not to be missed, but the real pleasure lies in wandering through Mértola’s narrow streets, discovering its quiet corners, whitewashed houses and traces of the many civilisations that have passed through here.
Finally, we arrive in Mértola, known as Portugal’s “Museum Village”. With archaeological remains dating back to the Neolithic period, the village has been shaped by Roman and Islamic influences and is rich in history and cultural heritage.
The castle and the main church are not to be missed, but the real pleasure lies in wandering through Mértola’s narrow streets, discovering its quiet corners, whitewashed houses and traces of the many civilisations that have passed through here.