Marvão is a tiny village, contained almost completely within its ancient walls, in the north of Portugal's large Alentejo region. A tiny village but a terrific spectacle and an outstanding viewpoint.
It is very close to Spain, much of which can be seen from the castle. Marvão's castle is right at the top of one of the mountains of the Serra de São Mamede and the village walls and castle are floodlit at night to appear somewhere magic from the plain below.
There is a Pousada converted from old houses but if you want great views for a lower price, you can easily achieve it here.
Unlike a number of fortified mountain-top villages, Marvão appears entirely genuine and there is nothing phoney about the massive rock slopes around the castle.
There are also at least two churches, two restaurants and a snack bar in this tiny village - but you'll have to leave your car outside or get one of the two buses a day from Monday to Friday, which will also drop you outside the walls. [edit text][editors]
