Guided Tours

Guided Tours with Sofia Vieira

Discovering the soul of the Dark Sky® Alqueva territory

There are places where the landscape tells stories.

In southern Portugal, among rolling plains, centuries-old olive groves and historic villages that seem suspended in time, Alentejo reveals itself as a land where every stone, every path and every horizon carries memories of civilisations that have lived here for millennia.

It is within this remarkable setting that Dark Sky® Alqueva can be found, an internationally recognised destination where the extraordinary quality of the night sky meets a territory rich in heritage, culture and landscapes of rare authenticity.

Here, discovery begins on the land. And continues in the sky.

Accompanied by Sofia Vieira, a guide-interpreter specialised in Portuguese heritage and culture, visitors are invited to explore the Alentejo through carefully curated experiences that reveal the history, traditions and identity of this remarkable region.

Each itinerary becomes an immersive journey, where the territory is discovered in daylight and where night opens the door to unique experiences of contemplating the universe.

Évora – A meeting point of civilisations

The journey often begins in Évora, one of Portugal’s most fascinating historic cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walking through Évora is a journey through more than two thousand years of history. Roman temples coexist with medieval cathedrals. Renaissance palaces emerge among narrow stone streets. Historic squares and ancient convents bear witness to the cultural and intellectual importance of the city over the centuries.

Through the interpretation of Sofia Vieira, the city reveals itself far beyond its monuments.

Each place gains context, every detail tells a story and each visit becomes an opportunity to understand how different cultures and eras have shaped the identity of this extraordinary city.

After a day exploring the historic heritage of Évora, the experience naturally extends into the surrounding landscapes of Dark Sky® Alqueva, where night reveals an entirely new dimension of the territory.

Monsaraz – The village that watches the horizon

Few places capture the essence of Alentejo as powerfully as Monsaraz.

Perched atop a hill overlooking the Great Alqueva Lake, this medieval village seems to preserve the spirit of the past intact. Whitewashed houses line narrow stone streets while the ancient walls embrace a landscape that stretches in every direction.

During the day, Monsaraz reveals a history shaped by centuries of rural life, the defence of the border and the deep connection between local communities and the land.

But when night falls, the experience transforms.

The very low level of light pollution allows the sky to appear with remarkable clarity, making this landscape one of the most privileged locations in Europe for contemplating the universe.

Here, within the territory of Dark Sky® Alqueva, the night sky becomes an integral part of the travel experience.

Megalithic Landscapes of Alentejo

Echoes of the first sky watchers

Long before cities, castles or vineyards were built, these landscapes were already inhabited by prehistoric communities that left behind an impressive megalithic legacy.

Near Évora stand some of the most important prehistoric monuments in the Iberian Peninsula, including the Great Dolmen of Zambujeiro, one of the largest megalithic monuments in Europe.

These monumental structures are not only archaeological testimonies; they also reflect the deep relationship early human communities had with the cycles of nature and with the sky.

Many of these sites reveal possible astronomical alignments, suggesting that ancient communities in Alentejo were already observing and interpreting celestial movements thousands of years ago.

Exploring these landscapes allows visitors to understand this ancestral connection between humanity and the cosmos, a relationship that continues today through astrotourism experiences in the Dark Sky® Alqueva territory.

Information, Conditions and Prices

Guided tours are organised privately and tailored to the interests and pace of each visitor.

Prices start at 190 € for programmes of up to 4 hours and 320 € for full-day programmes (up to 8 hours).

For visits taking place outside the city of Évora, an additional travel fee will apply, depending on the distance. This will always be communicated in advance at the time of booking.

The above prices are subject to VAT at the legal rate, where applicable. For eligible foreign companies, VAT may not apply according to current tax legislation.

Additional Information

• Entrance fees to monuments, museums or visited sites are not included in the tour price.
• Any additional costs related to the itinerary will always be communicated in advance.

Each experience is carefully designed with attention to detail, ensuring quality interpretation, historical accuracy and an authentic discovery of the territory.

A territory between earth and cosmos

What makes Dark Sky® Alqueva truly unique is the harmony between landscape, culture and the universe.

During the day, the territory reveals historic cities, medieval villages, prehistoric monuments and landscapes shaped by centuries of tradition.

When night falls, the region becomes one of the most privileged places in Europe to observe the night sky.

Far from the light pollution of major cities, the firmament reveals itself with rare depth, inviting contemplation and discovery of the universe.

Through these guided cultural visits, travellers discover the Alentejo in its fullest dimension — a destination where heritage, landscape, gastronomy and astronomy come together to create truly memorable experiences.

A place where discovery begins on the land… and continues in the sky.

Email: sofia.guide.evora@gmail.com. Telf/whatsapp: +351927500244