Travel with a Purpose

Table of Contents

Travel with a purpose and make your trips about your dreams, hobbies, and curiosities.

Photo above: Burial site. Anta da Herdade da Candeeira.

Travel with a purpose

What does it mean to travel with a purpose?
A trip with a purpose is a trip dedicated to something you want to learn or experience. When you go on a safari, paint for a week in France, or take a week-long cooking class in Italy, you are traveling with a purpose.

What will be the purpose of your next trip? 

Will your trip have a theme? Will it be about mythology? History? Mystery, archeology or a bit of everything like some of my road trips in Portugal?

Go on an adventure and fulfill your curiosities. You don’t need to tick off boxes! 

travel with a purpose,Megalithic stones Baracena

Traveling with a purpose in Portugal

Did you know that there are many megalithic stones in the Alentejo area in Portugal?

When I moved to Elvas in the Alentejo, I went on many road trips in search of these beautiful stones.

Magical megalighic stones

I have had a passion for megalithic stones ever since I was very young, and I have to admit I first learned about megalithic stones in the Asterix books.

Cromelieque de Almenderes
Cormeleque Almenderes, near Evora, Alentejo

The Cromeleque dos Almenderes (photo above), in Evora, are the easiest stones to find. They are the largest group of megalithic stones in the Iberian Peninsula and a must visit when you go to that area.  

Finding Megalithic Stones in Portugal

It is quite a challenge to find megalithic stones in the Alentejo.  Many are off dirt roads with no signs, inside private properties or they are not documented. Luck has a lot to do with discovering them!

I found general information on Google, and some stones had coordinates. I got lost many times and considered myself a lucky explorer whenever I found a megalithic stone in the middle of nowhere.  

The Anta da Herdade de Candeeira

This is a burial site that was discoverd by Gabriel Pereira. It is inside a private property and the owners used to allow the public to visit it but the owner had to close it off due to lack of respect by the public. 

megalithicburialsite
Anta da Herdade de Candeeira

The Anta da Herdade de Candeeira is near the Aldeia da Serra.

The megalithic stones are surrounded by rolling hills, roaming cattles, small farms and tiny villages. 

Buraco da Alma (Hole for the Soul)

All burial stones have a hole on the opposite side of the entrance, although I did see some to the side.

travel with a purpose, megalithic stone close up

The name of the hole is: Buraco da Alma  (the soul’s hole).  Very poetic.

Some people believe that the hole was put there for the soul to leave when the body was burnt in the site.

The truth is that no one really knows why the hole is there.

 

Xerez Cromeleque Monsaraz

Monsaraz 

The  Xerez Cromeleque is about 5 or 6 kilometers from Monsaraz.

These stones were originally in a different area that was flooded to make a dam.

The megalithic stones were removed and placed here, not necessarily in the same order.

Monsaraz and the area around it have quite a few burial stones and stand-alone stones. 

This part of the Alentejo is beautiful, has great hotels and good food, and is also known for its pottery. It’s worth staying a couple of nights to explore!

FAQ How to plan a trip with a purpose

Machrie isle of arran
Machrie, Isle of Arran, Scotland
  • Define Your Purpose

Start with clarity. Are you fascinated by ancient history, megalithic stones, or a specific culture? Define what you want to learn or experience so you can tailor your trip accordingly.

  • Research Destinations in Depth

For megalithic stones, look into sites like Stonehenge in England, Carnac in France, or Almendres Cromlech in Portugal. Understanding their history and cultural significance adds depth to your journey.

  • Plan Around Your Passion

Make your interest the focus of your itinerary. If you’re exploring megalithic sites, include local museums, lectures, or guided tours to enrich your understanding.

archeology lesson, travel with a pupose
Archeologist in the Alentejo
  • Engage with Experts

Seek out local archaeologists, historians, or tour guides who specialize in your area of interest. They can provide insights that are often missing from guidebooks.

  • Take a Workshop or Class

Deepen your connection by participating in activities related to your purpose.

  • Immerse Yourself in Local Culture

Pair your purpose with cultural experiences. Visit nearby villages, taste local cuisine, and attend traditional events to fully appreciate the context of the sites you visit.

  • Capture the Experience Creatively

Document your trip through photography, writing, or sketching. 

  • Be Flexible and Open-Minded

While it’s great to have a focus, allow room for serendipity. 

  • Support Sustainable Tourism

 Respect the heritage and environment of the sites you visit, ensuring they’re preserved for future generations.

  • Reflect and Share

After your trip, take time to reflect on what you’ve learned. Share your experience!

Links for you

Anta da Candeeira

Megalithic Circuit in Evora

Prehistoric Portugal

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Updated January 2025

Marguerite Beaty, Blogger, Photographer & Artist

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