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An incongruous but very useful minimarket, squeezed in between rows of stone cottages, caters to residents and self-catering travellers alike. There are also one or twoartesanatos in the same street.

Superb location right in front of the Torre das Três Coroas, matched by first-class service. Top puddings.

This tranquil town makes for leisurely exploration. Start with the city walls and the stout towers of the Porta de Beja. Up above are the remains of an 11th-century aqueduct. Within the walls the castle provides the strongest focal point, and its ramparts offer sweeping views of the Alentejan plains. Finally, leave time to sample somequeijo de Serpa , a creamy ewe’s milk cheese often served as a starter.

Arched ceilings and low lights provide a romantic setting for this cosy restaurant. The imaginative menu includes diet-inducing fondue.

The tourist office has a great selection of traditional chairs, jars of honey and colourful house façades fashioned in miniature. On the fourth Tuesday of every month a country market is hosted on the outskirts of the town.

A little backwater famed for its natural springs, but also home to a fine 14th-century castle and a fortified church. Peacocks roam round the pilgrim church of Nossa Senhora de Aires, 20 minutes’ walk east of the town centre.

An attractive seaside resort hugging the River Mira near a vast swathe of golden sand. Popular in summer, with superb surf.

A deep violet wine made from trincadeira, aragonês, cabernet sauvignon and alicante bouschet grape varieties. Smooth on the palate and a healthy companion withjavoli (wild boar).

During the 15th century Vila Viçosa became the country seat of the dukes of Bragança and the town is best known today for its splendid Paço Ducal. The semi-ruined battlements of the dukes’ former abode, the castle, surround a collection of brightly painted cottages and the 14th-century church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição.