Discover Alter Do Chão: Horses, History and Saffron

Alter Do Chão combines a long equestrian tradition with castles, Roman remains, varied landscapes and a distinctive cuisine. Those planning a trip around different interests will find opportunities here for active days, cultural discoveries and unique regional experiences. You can also choose your holiday apartment based on whether you are primarily interested in hiking, exploring history, learning about riding opportunities or discovering local specialities.

Landscape and trails around Alter Do Chão

The Tapada do Arneiro covers around 800 hectares. Its special features include landscape, botanical and wildlife assets, as well as archaeological and historical-cultural tours. This gives the area several perspectives: you can combine nature observation with exploring the history of the landscape and the region's cultural heritage.

One specific way to experience the landscape on foot is the 10.5-kilometre ALT PR1 “Olhar sobre a ribeira” route in Alter do Chão. It follows the Ribeira de Seda, through riparian woodland and onwards to the Ponte Romana de Vila Formosa. The bridge is one of the rural monuments in the Alter do Chão area. The length of the stage is also important when planning your day: Stage 15 of the Caminhos de Santiago is 14.4 kilometres long and runs from Cabeço de Vide to Alter do Chão.

Castles, churches and archaeological remains

The remains of a medieval castle lie on the hill of Alter Pedroso. There is also evidence of settlements from the Iron Age and the later Roman period. The Castelo de Alter do Chão offers a different historical perspective. The fortification has a square layout, high battlemented walls, cylindrical towers and Gothic portals. The square keep is around 44 metres high.

The Estação arqueológica de Alter do Chão comprises a building with mosaics and baths. The remains may have belonged to Abelterium. Several styles meet in the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Alegria: the church was built at the end of the 16th century and rebuilt in the following century; at the same time, it combines elements of the Renaissance, Mannerism, Baroque and Rococo. The Igreja de São Francisco has a Mannerist façade, a simple interior with features from the 17th century and of Mannerism, as well as gilded woodcarving in the main chapel.

For initial orientation on site, the ground floor of the Casa do Álamo houses the tourist office and rooms for temporary exhibitions. The library is on the upper floor. This means you can also combine your stay with visits to cultural spaces and changing exhibitions.

Lusitano horses and regional cuisine

The Coudelaria de Alter holds a special position. It was founded in 1748 by D. João V. to breed Lusitano horses for the Picaria Real and is considered the world's oldest stud farm to have operated continuously in the same location. It offers introductory riding sessions, carriage rides, trail rides, vaulting lessons and riding lessons. Depending on your interests, you can combine this focus with culture, nature trails or culinary discoveries.

The annual Semana Gastronómica do Açafrão, which places saffron at its centre, is also part of the local identity. Açafrão-bastardo is used as the basis for Arroz Amarelo, which is served with ensopado de borrego. Those looking for a holiday apartment for a stay with their own daily itinerary can consider this culinary tradition as an additional focus alongside the historical and landscape attractions.

Planning Alter Do Chão as a base

For travel by bus, Alter do Chão has a Rede Expressos bus stop. When choosing your accommodation, it is worth organising your planned priorities for the stay in advance: hikes, riding opportunities, historic buildings and regional cuisine each offer a different focus. Families with different interests can thus put together a stay in which active and cultural days alternate, without everyone having to do the same thing.

If you would like to compare other places for your travel planning, here is a concise selection: Sousel, Vaiamonte, Avis, Santo António Das Areias, Tramaga, Crato E Mártires and Espinho. Further information on finding accommodation in Alter Do Chão will then help you choose the right holiday apartment for your planned travel style.

For the higher-level travel overview: Portalegre.