We saw our first megalith in Lisbon’s Museum of Archeology and we were intrigued. What were these stones with their strange markings? Where could we see more of them? It turns out the largest collection of megaliths on the Iberian peninsula is located less than two hours from Lisbon in the Alentejo region not far from Evora, the area’s capital city.
There are numerous places to see megaliths in Portugal, many in the Alentejo. Cromeleque dos Almendres, or Almendres Cromlech, is the largest and most prominent site. Older than Stonehenge, Cromeleque dos Almendres is located about seven kilometers off the main road, the N114, driving towards Evora from Lisbon. SInce we had planned to visit Evora after Lisbon we decided to include a stop to see these archaeological wonders.
Head in the direction of Nossa Senhora de Guadalup through the beautiful forests of cork oak trees. The dirt road is clearly marked with signs pointing you in the direction of Cromeleque dos Almendres and Menhir dos Almendres. You will either need to drive or take a taxi to get here. There is no public transportation available.
There were no services or visitors center on our first visit to see the menhirs, but now there is. The Centro Interpretativo dos Alemendres near the tiny town of Guadalupe is a welcome addition to the area. In addition to outdoor panels with educational information in Portuguese and English, the Center has a helpful staff, restrooms, a small cafe and a gift shop. You can get a map showing the location of other megaliths here, as well as additional information about the area.
About 95 of the granite megaliths, also called menhirs, still stand in the area and date back to the Neolithic Period (4th and 5th century BC). The stones at Almendres Cromlech are arranged to form two rings and visitors are free to wander all around the area, though touching the stones is discouraged.
The earliest stones were believed to have been placed here in 6000 BC and that ancient peoples used the area at Almendres Cromlech until 3000 BC for religious purposes. There is still a great deal of mystery surrounding the purpose of the stones, their placement and the markings on them, but there is speculation that the site had astrological significance due to its latitudinal location.
There is a map of the enclosure on site, which identifies particular menhirs and describes various markings on the different stones.
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We chose to take a self-guided exploration of the area but guided tours can be easily arranged. We met a Canadian couple who had hired a tour company to take them out to Almendres Cromlech. The tour company provided transport and their well-informed guide explained the mysteries of this ancient site to them. They thoroughly enjoyed their visit.
Admission to the site is free and there is plenty of parking.
Written and photographed by Jeanne Neylon Decker
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Note: This post was updated Aug. 2026.
