The best day to visit Estremoz

Saturday is the best day to be in Estremoz!

The main plaza transforms itself into a colorful and bubbly space full of people from all over. The Spanish come from neigboring towns in search of a good bargain in the antique market. This is where you will find mixture of second hand things and some choice antiques along with jewellery and clothes. There is a little bit of everything.

Estremoz food market

Estremoz, market

The food market has wonderful fresh veggies and fruits sold by locals who have transformed their back yards into blooming gardens. Many people have their own olive trees and they make their olive oil in communal mills.

You will see bright flower stalls next to wild and freshly picked mushrooms and asparagus and during summer you can find the best and sweetest small figs. It’s such a treat.

This is where I saw my first and only knife sharpener on a bike. What a fabulous entrepreneur.

Knive Sharpener, Estremoz

Estremoz castle

Estremoz castle walls are up the hill where you can visit a small museum, exhibits in the church and where you must go up the tower steps to see the best city views.

Tower steps

View from the tower

View from tower, Estremoz

When I go to Estremoz I always go for a coffee break at the Pousada. I liked the atmosphere there so much that I stayed there during a few hot summer days to enjoy their pool!

Below you will see more views from the top.

View from the the castle walls, Estremoz

View from near the Church

The best restaurants in Estremoz

The Alecrim and the Gadanha Mercearia are my two favourite restaurants in Estremoz. It’s best to reserve a table unless you are traveling off season. They both have a great wine collection and the food varies quite a bit.

The Alecrim has a modern design and lots of light in the front of the restaurant. You can sit outside under their shaded areas too. Be advised that the smokers usually sit outside. The Alecrim has wonderful meats and fish and super desserts. Whenever I miss the good old American burger I go there because it’s the closest if not better!

They do have other delicious dishes but this is my “go to”.

The burger at the Alecrim Restaurant, Estremoz

The Gadanha Mercearia has an outside shaded area and a more traditional interior. The restaurant has a lower light, clean design and is very cozy.

The staff is very friendly and the chef is a fabulous cook. I come here often and even drove an hour to get my pandemic takeaway because I missed it so.

Fresh olives and local olive oil from the Gadanha Mercearia

Gadanha Mercearia has a tapas type of lunch menu and tasty fish and meats

Estremoz is a charming city with some real architectural gems, parks and fountains. The city has different several entrances each with their own beautiful design.

The tourist office is at Rossio plaza and try to get a map so that you an create your own walking tour.

The Alentejo wine is very good!

Another great restaurant in Estremoz:

Tasca O Carlos

I did not write about this restaurant, BUT it’s a great local and typical restaurant and it’s known for it’s fresh fish on Fridays. You must reserve!

R. Victor Cordon 14, 7100-106 Estremoz ph: 962 466 788

Things to know about Estremoz

• Estremoz is in the Alentejo
• You will need a car to visit Estremoz and the surrounding towns.
• Closest airport: Badajoz, Spain, with limited airlines
• Best airport: Lisbon airport
• Estremoz can be a great place to stay as a base to visit the Alentejo. It is near Vila Viçosa, Elvas, Marvão, Castelo de Vide, approximately 45 minutes from Evora and near Badajoz, Spain.
• Estremoz is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and marble quarries.
• Estremoz is known as the white city because of its marble production.
• Museu Berardo has an amazing tile collection. 
• Estremoz’s clay figures are considered cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO
• Estremoz has several excellent restaurants, Mercearia Gadanha is my favourite.
• The awesome Saturday market sells fresh veggies and fruits and the flea market/antique market is beside the food market.
• The Estremoz Castle is just up the hill and you must go up there! You will love the narrow cobble stones streets, antique stores and the views.
• The Pousada Castelo hotel is near the castle in case you are looking for a hotel in the city.

Updated June 2024