Santo Aleixo: Church and Hiking

Santo Aleixo in Portugal’s Alentejo region has a church that is still in use and a landscape dotted with historic dolmens. When choosing a hotel, consider whether your focus is visiting the village, going for a hike or visiting a more distant archaeological site.

Village and Traditions

• The Church of Santo Aleixo continues to serve the religious life of the local community.
• A popular religious festival in honour of Santo Aleixo is held regularly in Santo Aleixo.
• The Herdade do Monte da Serra d’Aires in Santo Aleixo is considered the traditional home of the Portuguese Cão da Serra de Aires dog breed.
• The municipality of Monforte organises an annual series of four hikes, which also includes Santo Aleixo.

Hiking and Dolmens

• A hike in Santo Aleixo followed an 8-kilometre route through a varied landscape.
• The Anta do Montinho das Pretas 1 is located on a terrace on the left bank of the Ribeira de Almuro, about 850 metres west of Monte do Peral.
• The Anta da Meada 2 offers excellent views of the surrounding landscape.
• Anta 2 is visible from Anta 1.

Choose the Right Accommodation

One documented hike was eight kilometres long; check the current route. The Anta do Montinho das Pretas is west of Monte do Peral and is not a hotel facility. Check festival dates and access to archaeological sites in advance, as well as the exact accommodation address.

For regional context: Portalegre.