Perched in the undulating Alentejo plains between Évora and Redondo, Montoito is a charming historic village in the municipality of Redondo. With its whitewashed homes, rustic churches, and stands of cork oaks and olive groves, Montoito offers an authentic glimpse into rural Portuguese life. Though small in size, it’s rich in heritage, local traditions, and warm community spirit.
📊 Total Population
As of the 2021 census, the parish of Montoito counted 1,029 residents across an area of about 61.7 km², yielding a population density typical of rural Alentejo . Once an administrative seat, the village retains the dignity and traditions of a historic “vila,” despite modest demographic decline over recent decades.
🗓 Festival Dates
Montoito hosts several traditional festivals that bring the community to life every year:
Festas de Verão (Summer Village Festival) – A lively annual summer celebration held in late July, typically spanning July 21–23 . Expect street gatherings, live music, food stalls, and family-oriented entertainment.
Festas de Montoito – Organized by a local motoring association, this event takes place in late August—for example, Aug 23–25, 2024—featuring community gatherings, concerts, and social events .
Medieval Fair (Montoito Medieval) – A vibrant medieval festival usually held in May or June, with historical reenactments, medieval markets, period costumes, traditional music, dancing, and combat displays. For instance, it fell on May 18–19, 2024, and again for June 7–8, 2025
These events highlight Montoito’s living traditions and community vitality amidst rural life.
Distance from Lisbon
Montoito lies roughly 160 km southeast of Lisbon as the crow flies. By road, the journey is slightly longer—about 175 km—and typically takes 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the route via the A2, A6, and EN roads.
How to Get There
By Car
The most convenient way: from Lisbon, head south on the A2 motorway, then branch onto A6 toward Évora/Redondo. Near Redondo, follow local roads (EN series) to reach Montoito. Travel time is around 1 h 45 min.
By Bus
Take a Rede Expressos or Rodoviária do Alentejo bus from Lisbon to Évora. From there, catch the 8102 bus to “Aldeias de Montoito” (~43 minutes, fares €4–6) . Buses run up to twice daily, depending on the season.
By Train + Bus/Taxi
Though Montoito once had its own rail station (opened in 1926 for freight and later closed) , today the nearest train stations are Évora or Estremoz. From there, use the regional bus or taxi to reach the village.
By Taxi from Évora
A comfortable taxi ride from Évora to Montoito takes about 33 minutes, costing around €45–55.
🏰 History & Local Highlights
Founded in 1270 by the Knights Hospitaller and later included under King Manuel I’s royal charter in 1517, Montoito thrived as an autonomous “vila” until administrative reforms in the early 1800s merged it into Redondo municipality .
The village retains its medieval core: the Igreja Matriz (assuming the name Nossa Senhora da Assunção) and the Igreja do Espírito Santo reflect centuries of religious and architectural history .
The central bandstand (coreto) serves as the hub for social and musical events. A legacy of Montoito’s Order of Malta heritage appears in its coat of arms, bearing the Maltese cross .
Surrounding the village are cork oak montados, olive groves, and agricultural fields. The nearby Barragem da Vigia reservoir provides irrigation and natural beauty . Local cultural institutions include a choir (Grupo Coral Trabalhadores) founded in 1975, carrying forward traditional Alentejo song.
🌿 Final Thoughts
Montoito is a quiet but vibrant village that beautifully blends centuries-old history with contemporary community life. Its exhibitions of medieval heritage, summer fiestas, and maintained traditions—set against a backdrop of pastoral landscapes—make for an authentic Alentejo experience. Easily accessible from Lisbon via road or public transport, it’s a perfect destination for travelers seeking serene rural culture intertwined with living history.