IŽll be travelling from Seville to Évora next wee and I plan visit a city in the midle way. What do you suggested ?
Elvas or Monsarraz ?
Thanks
Claudia

They are not comparable.
Elvas is a small city with its own live, interesting but not specially charming.
Monsaraz (one R only) is a city that seems untouched since middle ages. It's much more authentic than Obidos or Warwick (England). The kind of place where we expect to see king Arthur and his fellows anytime. It has only a few hundred of inhabitans, most of which are artists including many foreigners that come for peace and quitness. The views are breathtaking, including the new Alqueva dam, and a large portion of Spanish territory.
Check www.discoverportugal2day.com for descriptions and photos.

We stayed near Monsaraz at a country inn, the Horta da Moura, that stands to this day as one of the most wonderful hotel experiences we've ever had. http://www.hortadamoura.pt/include_i/default1.asp

Also we stayed at the Pousada in Elvas one night, and enjoyed both the hotel and the town; as Lobo Mau says Elvas is a working town (scenic and interesting also) while Monsaraz is beautiful but in a museum sense (it seemed to us.)

I loved Elvas - a really old looking town and it has a very impressive ancient aqueduct just outside its walls. Have not been to Monsarraz so it may be better but Elvas is OK.

Thanks for the information guys !!
IŽll try to visit both then.
Maybe stopping at Monsaraz in my way to Évora, and visiting Elvas before going to Lisboa in the following day.
The problem is: I had planned to visit Setubal, Serra da Arrabida and Palmela on my way from Evora to Lisboa.

Lobo Mau, I know you are from Portugal .. Is it feasible ?
I mean, leaving Évora, visiting Elvas, and then South Tejo before arriving at Lisboa.
Can you help me with a good plan about what to visit in the South Tejo ?
You can send me an email if you prefer ... [email protected]
in portuguese, since IŽm from Brasil.
Thanks in advance

Olá Claudia
Monsaraz on the way to Évora is ok. But Evora to Elvas and Elvas to Lisbon it's not feasible (check a map).
It makes much more sense to go to Arraiolos, another walled town and the Portuguese capital on hand made tapistry. There are many family run industries and all of them eager to show you their products. Visit Arraiolos Pousada with a beautiful chapel (all walls covered with tiles as a giant XVII century comic book) and eventually eat there.
While in Evora visit Capela dos Ossos (nós outros que aqui estamos por vós outros esperamos).
Boa viagem e tudo de bom para você
João

Obrigada João.
To visit Arraiolos is a good ideia. IŽve heard about that ...
And what would you suggest as a visit to south Tejo ? What to see, what way to do ? (Setubal, Serra da Arrabida, Palmela ) I like small villages and good views. I donŽt mind arrive late in Lisbon ( not after darkness ) since IŽll stay there for some more days.
Obrigada again

From Arraiolos to Setubal, it's no town worthing a stop. You may do that in about 60 minutes.
Setubal is a fishermen town. Nothing special to mention. From Sesimbra no north follow the road by the sea, to Portinho da Arrabida. Stop there in a bar to relax and have a drink. From Portinho follow to Sesimbra. It has a nice beach and many fine fish restaurants. Palmela is interesting if you have time. When approaching Vasco da Gama bridge there is an outlet shop, with discounts of 50...60% discounts off the normal price on clothes, shoes, electronics, etc. If you are interested I can give you some more information.
I'll mail you my telephone number, fell free to call for anything you need or just to say hello

It will be great have your email and phone number. Actually IŽm still trying to plan the days IŽll be in Lisbon and want also to visit Obidos. IŽll be leaving next monday, so I need to decide that till then.
About discounts I canŽt believe I can find out anything cheap for me since 1 Euro = 3 Reais ...