Serpa: Cheese, Walls and Cante Alentejano

Serpa is a walled whitewashed town in the southern Alentejo, best known for its creamy sheep’s cheese and its tradition of cante alentejano, the polyphonic singing recognised by UNESCO. Its walls, aqueduct and quiet streets make it a lovely stop.

Quick answer: Serpa is about 30 minutes east of Beja. Walk the town walls and see the aqueduct built into them, taste Serpa cheese, and look out for performances of cante alentejano. It’s a good base for the Guadiana valley. See places to stay in Serpa.

Things to do

• The walls and castle: medieval walls around the old town.
• The aqueduct: arches running alongside the walls, with an old water-wheel tower.
• Serpa cheese: a soft, buttery sheep’s cheese. See Portuguese cheese.
• Cante alentejano: the region’s traditional choral singing, often performed by groups of men.
• The old town: narrow streets and small squares.

Nearby

• Mértola and the Guadiana: see Mértola.
• Beja: see Beja.

More: Alentejo food and Portugal’s hidden gems.

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