Hello everyone,

I have three days to spend in the general vicinity of Evora and cannot decide where to go. I am considering Estremoz and Marvao. Any thoughts? Hotel ($75-$125 per night) and restaurant recs would also be very much appreciated...


Thanks,
Adam

Marvao, Monsaraz and the dolmens/megaliths in the area.

Vila Vicosa if you like palaces.

Yes, try to get to Marvao--and Estromoz is on the way.

Thank you both! Bob, how long do you need in Estromoz, i.e. is it a more of a stop along the way to Marvao or is it a full day trip? And any hotel recs for the area?

Thanks again,
Adam

>I have three days to spend in the general vicinity of Evora ...

>Marvao, Monsaraz and the dolmens/megaliths ...

>...and Estromoz

Is this like going to Molvania?

I would plan on 2 hours in Estromoz, perhaps an hour in Castelo de Vide, and stay at the Pousada in Marvao.

Sao Pedro do Corval for pottery, Monsaraz for the castle, Marvao for beauty, Vila Vicosa for the palace, Alandroal for restaurant "A Maria", Estremoz for the street market, Arraiolos for handmade tapistry, Alter do Chao for Lusitanian horses, Alqueva for the dam (the biggest man made lake in Europe) and Reguengos for red wine (although it's botlled and you may buy it everywhere).
If you are going to Monsaraz and Marvao, I don't think Castelo de Vide is a must (unless you are interested in Jewish heritage).
None of these destinations deserve a full day, but it might be interesting to combine 2 or 3 to fill a full day.
To Bob: it's Estremoz (check spelling)
To Ira: what's Molvania?

Thank you Bob and Lobo. I am thinking of spending one night in Evora and one night in Marvao, the latter at the Pousada. Any recommendations for places to stay in Evora?

The Parador!

Oaktown, I seem to be coming across a couple of places with that name. Do you have any more information, i.e. a website, that you could pass along? Thank you.

Search google or yahoo for Solar Monfalim.
Fialho is a reference as a restaurant in the south of Portugal

http://www.pousadas.pt --> the Evora Pousada is one of the oldest pousadas, it received mixed reviews, sincerelly I can't comment myself

Just a couple comments to add to the good advice you have already received. Marvao is marvelous - incredibly atmospheric. We also enjoyed a visit to Cidade de Ammaia, museum and excavation site of the Roman city Ammaia, which is right outside of Marvao. It is a small museum but the artifacts and excavation site is quite impressive. We stayed at the Residencial Riviera in Evora and it was one of the best hotels of our trip. Cenrally located, reasonable (60 euros, I think), beautifully furnished large room.
Have a great trip! Portugal is a very special place.