Monsaraz Activities: Top 5 Outdoor Adventures

Monsaraz, you know, it’s just a pretty captivating medieval village perched high on a hilltop in Portugal’s Alentejo region, and so it’s just brimming with history and offers really amazing panoramic views. You might be wondering what’s there to do in Monsaraz that gets you outside? This area, in some respects, presents lots of cool opportunities for outdoor activities, things like exploring the scenic landscapes and, of course, the shimmering waters of the Alqueva Lake, and, as a matter of fact, you’re in for a treat if you like your dose of fresh air.

Stargazing at the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve

One of the best things about Monsaraz actually is its location right inside the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, arguably, just the first certified Starlight Tourism Destination, and, you know, it’s the spot to be. Because there’s little light pollution in Alentejo it makes for just ideal stargazing conditions, and honestly, the stars seems extremely bright. To do some sky gazing here could be considered amazing, just, very amazing! Join a guided tour which often is lead by astronomical experts; this very activity will teach one about the constellations, planets, maybe even a little about some galaxies. I was saying, you’re bound to learn lots.

Personal Story: Very, very much like your typical tourist, when I first visited Alqueva, I couldn’t believe my eyes. So, honestly I had never seen the Milky Way so clearly and so the guide used this awesome laser pointer to show us all all sorts of different constellations; really, I even saw a shooting star!

Hiking Around Monsaraz

Now, what about taking a hike? That you can do, but just outside of Monsaraz! Basically, the area offers diverse trails with amazing views and rich history for everyone. One such great option just so happens to be The Tapada Grande trail; apparently its the circular route just surrounding the historical village allowing hikers to fully absorb and appreciate the beauty of the Alentejo landscapes as a matter of fact. Of course, do prepare for a walk – you really ought to wear layers depending upon when your travels commence.

Boating on Alqueva Lake

Another thing: as a matter of fact, Lake Alqueva so just happens to be one of Europe’s largest artificial lakes, basically, just making it great, alright just really great for, alright some boating excursions. One could rent a kayak and leisurely explore calm waters; on the other hand some might prefer joining a boat tour just because you relax and enjoy views of shoreline plus, there always seems like plenty opportunity swim at every tour location; you know, you will most certainly enjoy the landscape while also refreshing during really, really warmer days, actually.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Getting on the waters in canoes and kayaks is yet an excellent way to simply, just appreciate Lake Alqueva really very up close. Now, this will just allow exploring many, lots of secluded coves actually that are, really not often accessible through boats; it also makes great exercise believe it! Now there happen being many, several rental companies that could be found just nearby so that accessing these amazing activities tends to become very seamless; like you just pick boat, wear life-vest just jump in! Because they allow paddlers to steer close, the personal experiences kayaking and canoeing become very popular, too it’s almost something one might not wanna, need never miss.

Birdwatching in Alentejo

Then it has Alentejo’s location so its actually right within routes when just many migratory birds usually move across yearly giving watchers amazing bird watching spots really almost like, all around Monsaraz that often offer birdwatching enthusiasts many spots just wanting really keen observers. Grab one good set binocs, then perhaps also one good guide, of course one identification chart for the kind with bird images printed right beside, basically, then its your call whether or not this outdoor fun thing occurs alone perhaps inside that specific tour just guiding everybody who’s also really into seeing species and habitats; you might learn of regional environmental protection tactics even just because bird preservation strategies come into the light, as well.