Frontier Fortresses

The star-shaped walls of Elvas and the castle villages of the hills.

Two days along the border, with a night inside the walls of Marvão. The star-shaped fortifications of Elvas, the flower-filled streets and old Jewish quarter of Castelo de Vide and, finally, the village on its granite crag with views into Spain. It is far, so it only works with an overnight stay. For lovers of castles and landscape.

The day, stop by stop

1. 

   1

   Elvas

   Elvas, close to the Spanish border, is one of the largest fortified towns in Europe, with star-shaped walls, forts on the surrounding hills and an aqueduct striding across the valley. The whole ensemble is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the walls are squares, churches and narrow lanes, and the Graça fort on the hill shows the true scale of it all. Entry fees are paid separately. Wear comfortable shoes and try Elvas plums, a long-standing local sweet.

2. 

   2

   Castelo de Vide

   Castelo de Vide is a hillside town in the São Mamede range, with flower-filled lanes, white houses with Gothic doorways and fountains everywhere. The Fonte da Vila is the meeting point, and just above it the old Jewish quarter keeps a small medieval synagogue. At the top, the castle looks over the town and the hills. The climbs are steep, so wear comfortable shoes. The fountain water has a good reputation locally, so taste it and fill a bottle.

3. 

   3

   Marvão

   Marvão is a whole village enclosed by walls, perched on a granite crag in the São Mamede hills. The lanes are narrow and white, and the castle, at the tip of the rock, has one of the widest views in the country, reaching into Spain. There are few people and plenty of quiet, especially outside summer. Entry to the castle is paid separately. Bring a warm layer, as the wind is cold up there, and stay on for the sunset.

The essentials

Duration

2 days · Two days, night in Marvão

Pick-up

At your hotel. The final price depends on where you are staying; we confirm it when you tell us.

Included

The car and the driver, only for your group, tolls and water.

Not included

Entrance tickets and meals.

Who it is for

Lovers of castles and landscape.

The route