Tucked into the scenic Alentejo region near Évora, Redondo is a small municipality and village brimming with history, artisanal culture, and rural charm. Walled medieval streets, sun-baked whitewashed houses with blue and yellow trim, and rolling cork-oak forests create the ideal setting for travelers seeking authentic Portuguese heritage—and a tranquil escape from city life.
📊 Total Population
According to the 2016 census, the Redondo municipality had about 7,031 inhabitants across 369.5 km² . More recently, the 2024 parish-level data shows approximately 5,257 residents in the village proper (down from 5,733 in 2011) . While rural depopulation is evident, the village retains a warm, close-knit community.
🗓 Festival Dates
Redondo is alive with vibrant cultural events year-round:
Ruas Floridas (Flowered Streets): A colourful tradition held biannually in August (odd years—next in August 2025). Streets are festooned with thousands of paper flowers, crafted by locals since the 19th century .
Carnival (Flower Festival): Celebrated annually in February or March, Redondo revives its historic carnival featuring floral floats, music, and Alentejo sweets like filhós and gram-pastéis .
“Redondo é Música” Band Festival: Held in late September (e.g., Sept 30, 2023), this gathering showcases town and touring philharmonic bands .
Red Jovem Youth Festival: A three-day summer event around June 7–9, featuring live music, pool parties, DJs, and family activities .
📏 Distance from Lisbon
Redondo is located roughly 138 km east of Lisbon . By road, this translates to a 1 hour 30–40 minute journey via the A6 and IP2 highways. By straight line, it’s a little shorter, but winding country roads add travel time.
🚗 How to Get There
By Car
Most visitors drive: from Lisbon, cross either bridge → take the A2 south → connect to A6 toward Évora → exit onto EN254/EN382 to Redondo. Journey takes around 1.5 hours.
By Bus
Rede Expressos runs daily routes from Lisbon to Évora; from Évora, regional buses or taxis serve Redondo .
By Train + Bus/Taxi
You can take regional trains from Lisbon to Évora or Estremoz, then transfer via bus or taxi to Redondo. This mode requires a bit more planning but is manageable.
🎨 A Glimpse into History & Culture
Redondo’s roots stretch to prehistoric times, evident from numerous megalithic monuments, including the Anta da Vidigueira dolmen southwest of Freixo village .
In 1318, King Dinis issued Redondo a charter and constructed a castle on an earlier Roman fortress foundation. Today the Castle of Redondo features imposing walls, semicircular towers, and medieval gates—key points of interest inside the village .
Beyond its castle, Redondo is famed for:
Pottery & crafts: Traditional ceramics and painted furniture, made in family workshops .
Wine production: As an Alentejo DOC sub‑region, Redondo is known for full-bodied red wines, recently awarded Cidade do Vinho 2025 status alongside nearby towns .
Cultural venues: The Museu do Vinho, Museu do Barro (clay museum), Convent of São Paulo in Serra d’Ossa, and scenic landscape trails round out the visitor experience .
🌿 Final Thoughts
Redondo is a gem of Alentejo—small in size but rich in heritage, artisanal tradition, and rural charm. With a modest population, dramatic medieval architecture, vibrant festivals, and accessible transport options, it’s a destination that captures the essence of Portugal’s hinterland. Visit during August for the unforgettable Ruas Floridas, taste memorable pottery on a June day, or sip local wine beneath its curtain of cork-oak trees—it’s a journey into a timeless way of life.