The medieval village of Marvao is perched on a granite escarpment overlooking the expansive plains of the Alentejo region. Beautifully preserved 13th-century walls encircle this charming Portuguese village. It is said to be one of the prettiest places in the whole of southern Europe with its fairy tale setting and whitewashed stone cottages adorned with elegant wrought-iron balconies decorated with flower pots, and crowned by the old Marvao Castle. Visitors can explore the cobblestoned streets as they wind through the village, sample local Alentejo wine and discover some interesting artefacts in the Marvao Museum. Other highlights include relaxing at a quaint cafe, hiking and horseriding through the scenic countryside, and swimming in the river beach of the nearby village of Portagem.