Moura Travel Guide

The new "biggest artificial lake in Europe" is located 15 km distant from Moura, but this is the best place to stay and eat, in its vicinities.

The touristy use of the lake is only starting, but it is a pleasant visit in the dry Alentejo.

If you have time visit the village of "Santo Aleixo da Restauração". During the wars with Spain, in the 17th century, the people of Stº Aleixo, instead of leaving the combat to the soldiers decided to stood and fight.
While women and children took refuge in the church the man accompanied by a few soldiers, engaged in some savage combats with the Spanish army.

A visit to the square and the small fort where the church is located are a regarding experience. One can almost fell the atmosphere of war and tension, that was lived there 4 centuries ago.

Moura is very well preserved, and you can see examples of Portuguese architecture of different ages. The medieval castle, the middle age churches, the modernist (1950's) buildings like the post office or the tribunal.
Also of interest are the typical chimneys that decorate the Moura skyline.

A little nice restaurant, with a modern decoration in an ancient building. The choice of plates is a bit limited. But it has a cozy ambient and the service is nice. Not the best value for money, but it is very conveniently located just across the street from the main hotel.

Favorite Dish: Pato de Coentrada (Duck with Coriander). In the south of Portugal mainly in Alentejo coriander has a big role in the kitchen. It is usually serve with pork meat or rabbit. This duck variation is delicious.

What to buy: The Moura Olive Oil, was once considered the best of Portugal. People would take the train from Lisbon just to buy a few bottles.

You can find it everywhere, just check if it has a Moura indication on the bottle.