Beja is a small city of about 35,000 people located in the heart of the Alentejo region of Portugal. Beja is one of Portugal’s oldest and most historically rich cities. If you’re visiting Beja or planning a trip through southern Portugal, you’ll find this charming city full of fascinating stories and ancient landmarks.
Beja was originally a Celtic settlement, but it gained real importance during Roman times when it became known as Pax Julia, named by Emperor Augustus after a peace treaty was signed there. As part of the Roman Empire, Beja became a thriving center with roads, walls, and agricultural traditions that still influence the region today.
After the Romans, Beja passed through the hands of the Visigoths and then the Moors, who left a strong architectural and cultural legacy. In the 12th century, it was taken back by the Portuguese forces during the Christian Reconquista.
Today, Beja is a peaceful city where you can explore centuries-old sites like the Beja Castle, which was built in the 13th century, the Regional Museum, and Roman ruins, all while soaking up that relaxed Alentejo vibe. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for unique places to visit in Portugal, Beja offers a perfect blend of past and present.
I visited Beja recently and was in complete awe of its beauty. I once again felt like I was stepping back in time while I explored the castle and the streets of town. It’s so amazing to see the architecture of a place so old that it existed far before America was even a country! I love exploring all these historic places and imagining how life would have been back then.
Beja is about 1:40 away from Tavira, which makes it an easy getaway. I went for an overnight visit to explore, however, I did so on a Sunday and Monday, which was a mistake on my part, as many things were closed. There was a lot I did not get to visit, such as the museums. It was still a nice, relaxing getaway though, and the pretty views of Alentejo were spectacular.
Trip details:
I went with a friend and we stayed at the Holiday Inn Beja. It was a nice, clean hotel with friendly staff. There was a nice pool area but unfortunately it was a bit too cold to go out. It was a good location, about a 10-minute walk from the centro. One of the highlights of the hotel is the artwork on the outside. The facade of the Holiday Inn in Beja features two striking murals by renowned Portuguese street artist Vhils, honoring literary icons Florbela Espanca and Mário Beirão—both have strong ties to the Alentejo region. Created using Vhils’ signature carving technique, the portraits are part of a broader urban renewal project that blends Beja’s cultural heritage with modern design, making the hotel a unique visual landmark in the city.
Food:
On our first day, we had a small snack and drink at Desafinado. We got chips that were celiac-friendly, and they were really delicious. Pretty sure they were fresh-cut potatoes because they were amazing and didn’t taste processed at all. For dinner, we actually did something I don’t usually do and ordered in. It was really cold and windy out, and we decided not to go out so we ordered sushi from Sushi Tian Tian. We ordered a 65-piece assortment to share and I was able to eat some of it, however they didn’t have gf soy sauce, so I ate them dry. The next day for lunch we had a place called Let’s Meat, it was really delicious. I had the mixed grill plate, which had 3 kinds of meat and some rice with it, and of course, a glass of wine.
Overall, I had a great time in Beja. I wish I had gone on different days because in many places in Portugal, things are closed on Sundays and Mondays, so I know I missed a lot. I guess I’d better plan another trip!
Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @vegas.to.portugal to see more of my pics from Beja and more of my life living in beautiful Portugal. 💙
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