Avis

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To the north of Alentejo, nestled among rolling hills of oak forests, lies the village of Avis, with ancient origins and rich history. It has maintained its characteristic layout, with medium-sized settlements formed near the main waterways—Ribeira de Sede and its tributaries, Ribeira de Avis, and Albufeira do Maranhão. Today, visitors to Avis find a picturesque, modest village with narrow, steep streets and traditional white houses with yellow or blue trim. The gastronomy is renowned for its soups (purslane and mint), "migas gatas" of asparagus, "miolo", or tomato, and hunting dishes. Avis' "cavacas" round out the menu.

What to do in Avis

Castelo de Avis

Avis

Built in the 13th century, the castle was rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries by Fernão Anes, master of the Military Order of Aviz. Of the castle's six towers, only three and a few sections of the wall remain, adapted for modern construction. Highlights include the Queen's Tower or Convent Tower, the Tower of Santo António, and the Tower …

Antigo Convento da Ordem de Avis

Avis

The church was founded on an uncertain date, but it is known that it was rebuilt in the mid-17th century. Its appearance maintains its medieval design. The church has a simple portico, crowned by a pediment bearing the national coat of arms. The Renaissance-style chancel was built in 1694, with the rest of the church being Baroque. The convent houses …

Albufeira do Maranhão

Avis

A reservoir created by the Maranhão Dam and fed by the Seda, Avis, and Raia streams. Its characteristics and size make it very attractive for water sports enthusiasts such as rowing, canoeing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, fishing, sailing, and water-skiing. The Maranhão Reservoir also boasts a river beach, camping, a picnic area, and a restaurant.

Adega Abreu Callado

Avis

A winery belonging to the Alentejo Wine Route. The winery, in operation since 1953, is one of the region's icons and one of the most prestigious in Alto Acre. In addition to the winery, you can visit the foundation of …

Percurso da Ribeira de Seda

Avis

This route along the Ribeira de Seda can be done on foot or by canoe. The estimated duration is about three hours.

Museu Fundação Arquivo Paes Telles

Avis

In this space you can see the collection of Doctor Mário Sá, consisting of archaeological pieces, fieldwork reports and documentation on research work in the field of History, namely the studies on "As grandes vias da Lusitânia" (The Great Routes …

Boutique da Cultura Avis

Avis

The Avis Culture Boutique was founded in Alentejo, in the former GNR Territorial Post. Here, you can watch plays or participate in reading, citizenship, and local intervention projects. Don't miss a stay at the local accommodation, which allows visitors the …

Aroeira de Valongo

Avis

Centuries-old tree classified as of Public Interest.

Jardim da Praça da República

Avis

Small green flowerbeds with a few trees make this garden a very pleasant space.

Torre de São Roque

Avis

Of the six original towers on the walls of Avis Castle, only three have survived, one of which is Saint Roque. The other two towers are Saint Anthony and the Queen.

Jardim em Avis

Avis

Very pleasant garden, with small palm trees and a rectangular lake.

Museu do Campo Alentejano

Avis

The Museum of Ethnography and Archaeology is housed in the Chapter House of the former Convent of São Bento de Avis. The interior houses archaeological, handicraft, and ethnographic pieces collected by municipal employees, Mr. Antônio Bonito, a local artisan, and …

Miradouro de Avis

Avis

Viewpoint with views of the mountains and the Maranhão dam.

Praia Fluvial de Avis

Avis

This beach is located next to the Avis Nautical Club, on the banks of the Maranhão Reservoir. It's spacious and the landscape is dominated by greenery. The area is well-maintained, and there's a staircase leading down to the water.

Igreja e Antigo Hospital da Misericórdia

Avis

This eighteenth-century church, with an attached hospital, is in good condition. It features a single nave, sacristy, and chancel. The main altarpiece is neoclassical in style, made of pink and gray Estremoz marble.

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Travel Guide

Up to date tourist information about the city's top attractions

The Best River Beaches in Southern Portugal

In the deep Alentejo and the Algarve, there are freshwater beaches that are a true balm for body and soul.

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Where to eat in Avis

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Where to sleep in Avis

Herdade da Cortesia
Herdade da Cortesia

4 star

Magnificent Hotel, with an avant-garde design which nevertheless fits perfectly into the landscape of Alentejo. Opened at the beginning of 2009, this is the fi…

Casa da Moira
Casa da Moira

Situada no centro histórico de Avis, surge da remodelação de uma casa nobre alentejana do século XVII. Caracterizada por um estilo “happy-chique”, proporciona …

Monte de Pêro Viegas
Monte de Pêro Viegas

Magnificent French style house, integrated in a monte alentejano, into an extensive and abundant hunting reserve. The time can be filled with activities that t…

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Near Avis

Ponte de Sor

Ponte de Sor

With an area that exceeds 800 square kilometers, Ponte de Sor is the largest municipality in the Portalegre district. The town's toponym is due to th…

Alter do Chão

Alter do Chão

Located in Alto Alentejo, the quiet Alentejo village of Alter do Chão is part of the Portalegre district. Its origin is closely linked to a Roman set…

Gavião

Gavião

The municipality of Gavião belongs to the district of Portalegre, in the North of Alentejo, at the confluence of the Alentejo with Ribatejo and Beira…

Castelo de Vide

Castelo de Vide

Castelo de Vide is a picturesque village in the Portalegre district, with an ancient and enduring past, originating at the top of a hill in the Serra…