Discover the Village of Marvão in 10 Stops

Forget the car and embark on this adventure on foot. After crossing the Gates of Ródão (significant geological formation), immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of this place, as you walk along Rua de Cima and enjoy the medieval settlement of Marvão. Along the alleys, one can find arched doors and many stairs, which give access to some cafés and restaurants with inviting terraces, from where you can enjoy the mountain landscape.

It is the main destination of this trip. So, once you are inside the medieval walls, head towards the Castle of Marvão, whose construction is thought to have started in 1299, and admire the magnificent 360-degree view of the area. Also from this place Saramago, Nobel Prize for Literature, wrote for posterity: “From Marvão you can see almost the whole land”.

Along the walls of Marvão, any spot is a potential viewpoint over the land and the never ending horizon. But there are some specific points that, due to the absence of obstacles, turn out to be the perfect backdrop for your photographs. This one in particular is one of the most appreciated by tourists.

The concern with creating gardens and leisure spaces has been obvious. But the garden at Largo de Santa Maria is one of the most beautiful and labyrinthine. In addition, it is an ideal space to explore with the family, as children love it, without losing sight of the castle and the magnificent landscape while strolling through the paths. An unparalleled experience of contact with Nature and its surroundings.

Just a few steps from the garden is the Municipal Museum of Marvão, housed in the Church of Santa Maria since 1987. There you can see works of Religious Art, important archaeological remains from excavations carried out in the vicinity and also an Ethnography Centre.

There is no travel guide about Marvão that does not mention the village of Portagem. Even local people suggest this location as a reference for lunch or dinner. If it is hot, we suggest a lunch on the terrace of the Sever Restaurant, under a refreshing canopy of shade trees. You can also stroll along the banks of the River Sever, towards the Roman Bridge. Along the way, you will find a Natural Pool, where you can take a dip in the summer.

Just 10 kilometres from Marvão, the borough of Beirã certainly deserves a visit. This is where the old Railway Station of Marvão-Beirã is located. The train no longer passes here, but part of the station building was, in 2013, converted into a nice accommodation, the Train Spot Guesthouse, which preserved the building's 19th century design.

Precisely at the old Marvão-Beirã train station, Rail Bike Marvão created an innovative idea: exploring the region by pedalling on the train tracks. It is a kind of roller cart or soapbox, but on top of rails. This is undoubtedly a fun and sustainable way to get to know the region. With a capacity for two people, you can choose between two routes: “A Ponte” (The Bridge) and “Castelo de Vide” (Castle of Vide), both circular. Suggestion: although you can enjoy this experience at any time during the day, choose to do it in the morning if you would like to avoid high temperatures. With luck, you’ll be just in time to delight in the song of the swallows that make the station their "home".

A vast and extensive territory, the Serra de São Mamede invites you to go hiking, where you can find streams and green meadows, unlike what happens in other regions of the Alentejo, usually drier and more arid. Venture out and discover the natural wonders of this park.

If you are a history buff, don't miss the opportunity to visit the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Ammaia, located in São Salvador de Aramenha. Numerous archaeological excavations have been carried out on this site, which you can find at the “Museum-city” of Ammaia. It is a fitting last stop, as it anticipates the end of this journey, when the warrior can finally rest.