Mondim de Basto(Portugal) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

The best area to stay in Montemor-o-Novo is the historic Old Town (Centro Histórico), where cobbled streets wind around centuries-old Moorish walls and hidden courtyards. Stay at Pousada de Santa Clara, a former convent turned boutique hotel, offering authentic Portuguese rural charm with modern comforts. Its central location places you steps from the Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira and the bustling Mercado Municipal, ideal for sampling local wines and artisanal cheeses. For a more immersive stay, Casa da Praça offers family-run hospitality with guided walks through nearby vineyards and olive groves.

For families, Casa da Praça stands out with spacious family suites, kitchenettes, and on-site parking. The hosts provide child-friendly activities such as guided tours to local pottery workshops and artisan bakeries, giving kids hands-on experience with traditional Portuguese crafts. Located just steps from the Plaza do Mercado, it’s easy to explore the town’s weekly market and enjoy outdoor play in the nearby Jardim Municipal. Bike rentals are available nearby, making it simple to cycle along scenic country paths through olive groves and vineyards.

Visitors should attend the monthly Festa de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, featuring traditional processions, folk music, and craft fairs showcasing local pottery and textiles. Explore the Igreja Matriz to admire its 16th-century frescoes and ancient bell tower. Book a private home tour with a local family to learn about Alentejo farming traditions and intergenerational storytelling. Don’t miss sampling dried figs and almond pastries at the Mercado Municipal, staples of regional celebrations and family recipes passed down for generations.

Yes, Montemor-o-Novo is highly suitable for self-drive travelers. Hotels like Hotel Vista and Casa da Praça offer free parking and are just minutes from major roads. The town lies about 2 hours from Lisbon, with scenic drives through the Alentejo plains. Many hotels provide rental car recommendations, custom route maps, and travel tips for visiting nearby attractions such as Azeitão wine cellars and Évora’s historic center. Some even feature self-service luggage storage and 24/7 concierge desks, ensuring a seamless road-trip experience.

Must-try dishes in Montemor-o-Novo include Cozido à Portuguesa, a hearty stew of lamb, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables slow-cooked in clay pots. Sample Pastéis de Amêndoa, delicate almond pastries baked by local artisans using time-honored recipes. Try Damasco Seco, sun-dried figs made from indigenous grapes, sold fresh at the Mercado Municipal. Enjoy them at a cozy tavern near the Igreja Matriz, where you can pair them with a glass of Alentejo red wine—a perfect blend of rustic flavors and regional pride.

Yes, hotels like Pousada de Santa Clara and Casa da Praça partner with local cultural associations to offer guided experiences including walking tours, wine cellar visits, and pottery workshops. Guides are often retired teachers or longtime residents who share personal stories and historical anecdotes. Tours come with multilingual narration (Portuguese/English), photo opportunities, and discounts at local craft shops. Guests can book these services upon check-in, ensuring a personalized and immersive exploration of Alentejo heritage.