The attractions of the lower Alentejo, located just south of Evora, are located further apart and therefore car hire is essential to be able to explore the area. There are many places of interest to visit including the historic town of Beja, the walled city of Serpa, the Moorish enclave of Moura and the charming town of Mertola.
The coastal region of the Alentejo, the Costa Azul, is still practically deserted, with just a handful of pretty seaside villages such as Vila Nova de Milfontes. The small seaside town of Vila Nova de Milfontes lies on the estuary of the River Mira, which rises high in the Serra do Caldeirao. This is a deserted, beautiful coastline with attractive villages and fine sandy coves and beaches.