Évora is a beautiful region just 1,5 hours outside Lisbon, which makes it perfect for a day trip from Lisbon.
Évora has so much to offer, from my favorite Portuguese wine region, Alentejo, to beautiful valleys, rich history, and more.
I just have to tell you about how beautiful Évora is, so get your notebook ready for your next trip to Évora.
4 Tips Before Visiting Évora
Before you travel to Évora, I just want to share some quick tips on getting the best trip to Évora.
How Many Days in Évora?
I recommend at least one day in Évora, and it’s a perfect day trip destination.
However, if you really want to experience Évora by exploring the vineyards, visiting the city, and the many historical monuments, you’ll need 2-3 days.
There are many great hotel options.
Do I Need a Car to Visit Évora?
You don’t need a car to visit Évora; you can get there by train from Lisbon in 1.5 hours.
That said, you’ll need to rent a car to visit the surrounding cities, vineyards, etc.
Renting a car in Portugal is not that expensive, so it’s definitely worth it, especially if you spend a couple of days in the region.
How Do I Get to Évora?
Évora is easily accessible from major Portuguese cities.
By Car: Évora is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Lisbon via the A6 highway. It’s quite a scenic drive through the countryside.
By Train: Regular trains run from Lisbon’s Oriente Station to Évora. It takes 1 hour and 20 minutes and costs around €15 per person one way.
By Bus: The bus leaves from Oriente Station, takes 1.5 hours, and costs around €8 per person.
How is the Driving in Évora Portugal?
The city center is not easy to drive around in, and the streets are super narrow, so I don’t recommend it.
If you want to experience the city, park your car and walk around. With your phone’s GPS, it’s pretty easy to navigate on foot.
It’s super easy to drive outside the city to visit vineyards and other monuments. Just ensure you have a GPS on your phone or in the car you rent.
10 Things to Do in Évora
There are many things to see in Évora. Here are some of the most popular options to do. I really recommend visiting the Chapel of Bones.
The history of the Chapel is just so interesting, even though it might feel a bit scary to see it in person.
1. The Roman Temple of Évora
The Templo Romano Évora, also known as the Temple of Diana, is a well-preserved ruin that testifies to the city’s Roman cultural heritage.
General admission to the temple is free, and there should be no restrictions on visiting time as it is an open-air monument. However, you can check the Alentejo culture website to learn more.
2. Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos)
Located in the church of St. Francis (São Francisco), this eerie yet fascinating chapel is decorated with human bones and skulls.
It’s pretty dreadful, but the Chapel of Bones reflects the overcrowded city cemeteries of the past. The remains are particularly impactful, next to the stunning frescoes.
The chapel is open from 9 AM to 6:30 PM (5 PM in the winter), and tickets cost around €6.00. You can buy them at the counter when you arrive.
3. Évora Cathedral (Sé de Évora)
It is a stunning Gothic cathedral with impressive architecture and incredible views from its roof.
The cathedral also shows the city’s religious influence throughout history.
The beautiful stonework, massive organ, and numerous chapels make you feel like you have entered another world.
A ticket, which includes entrance to the museum, costs €5.00. Visiting hours are 9 AM to 5 PM most days, but you can check the website to be sure it will be open.
4. Aqueduto da Água de Prata
This 16th-century aqueduct is an engineering marvel that once supplied water to the city.
It stretches more than 18 kilometers but doesn’t seem out of place, as whitewashed houses and shops fill the space between the massive stone arches.
It’s free to experience the monument, and open all the time.
5. Museum Frei Manuel do Cenáculo
A museum housing diverse artifacts, including religious art and archaeological finds.
Named after the bishop and scholar Frei Manuel do Cenáculo, the museum’s exhibits, which consist of more than 20,000 pieces, are an incredible testament to the history of this charming city.
It’s open from 9:30 AM to 1 PM and 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. A ticket costs about €3, and there are massive discounts for big groups.
6. University of Évora
t is one of the oldest universities in Portugal, offering a glimpse into the city’s educational heritage and historic center.
I highly recommend walking through the campus if you love the city’s Renaissance cloisters and Boroque features.
Entry is free, but you won’t be able to get into some buildings. There is also a gift shop.
7. Exploring Megalithic Monuments
Many megalithic sites surround the city, including the Almendres Cromlech, a prehistoric stone circle that predates Stonehenge.
The Almendres Cromlech is about 30 minutes away by car, but it has approximately 100 large stones.
8. Walking Tours and Sightseeing
Guided tours provide in-depth knowledge about Évora’s rich heritage and architecture.
The narrow streets offer many sights, such as city walls, white houses, and vibrant cultural scenes. Some tours might include interesting stops like olive oil tasting and cork factory tours.
9. Adventure Activities
Hot air balloon rides offer a unique perspective of Évora and its surroundings but can be pricey at about €180 per person.
The nearby Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve is a perfect spot for stargazing, offering clear skies and minimal light pollution. It boasts of being one of the first starlight tourism destinations globally.
If you prefer water activities, head to Lake Alqueva for boat rides and water sports.
There are also several trails that will give you scenic views of the Alentejo countryside, including picturesque cork oaks and cork trees.
10. Relaxing in Public Gardens
Consider the many gardens if the above sounds like far too much excitement.
The city’s gardens, such as Jardim Público de Évora, are perfect for a peaceful day or just a few hours.
You can look at some interesting ruins and statues, but no one will blame you for having a quiet picnic beside the water.
Best Restaurants and Bars in Évora
You can’t go wrong with food and wine in Portugal, but if you want somewhere particularly noteworthy, consider some of the following options.
Dom Joaquim
Known for its traditional Alentejo cuisine, Dom Joaquim offers dishes made with local ingredients. The city’s people have voted this as one of their favorite restaurants.
The cozy ambiance adds to the authentic dining experience.
Origens
This restaurant offers a modern twist on Portuguese classics, blending traditional flavors with a contemporary gastronomic experience.
The menu changes seasonally, ensuring fresh and innovative dishes. Because of the limited space, I recommend booking in advance.
Cavalariça Évora
A chic restaurant known for its innovative dishes, Cavalariça Évora combines modern culinary techniques with regional ingredients.
The stylish decor and creative menu make it a trendy spot. However, it seems more suited to high-end dining than a quick dinner spot.
The Michelin guide has even recommended it!
Enoteca Cartuxa
Perfect for wine lovers, Enoteca Cartuxa offers an extensive selection of local wines paired with delicious plates.
This is the place to go if you want Mediterranean cuisine in the city center.
Fábrica dos Gelados
Famous for its artisanal ice cream, Fábrica dos Gelados uses fresh, natural ingredients to create a variety of flavors, such as tangerine and melon.
It’s a must-visit for a sweet treat after a day of exploring Évora.
Ervideira
Offering comprehensive wine tours and tailored tastings, Ervideira is known for its award-winning wines.
Here, you can learn about the winemaking process and sample various wines in a beautiful vineyard.
FitaPreta
Renowned for its innovative and high-quality wines, FitaPreta provides an immersive experience with vineyard tours and tastings.
The winery’s scenic location and excellent hospitality make it a standout destination.
Best Hotels in Evora
Évora has some amazing hotels and resorts. Depending on your needs, here are some different options.
Imani Country House: A peaceful boutique hotel surrounded by nature, ideal for couples.
Octant Évora: A luxurious countryside retreat offering modern design and tranquility, perfect for couples.
M’ar de Ar Aqueduto: A modern hotel near Évora’s ancient aqueduct, ideal for history lovers.
Convento do Espinheiro: A stunning 15th-century convent-turned-hotel offering opulent accommodations, perfect for luxury in a historic setting.
Pousada Convento de Évora: A former monastery in the heart of Évora, perfect for culture enthusiasts.
Here are the best things to do in Lisbon in February 2026
I’ll send you a list of the best things to do in February and every month thereafter.
It’s based on my personal experience of living and traveling around Lisbon for years. I’m sharing many hidden gems.
Looking for weekly Lisbon tips? Check out my Lisbon Newsletter.
The History of Évora
Évora is a treasure trove of history, with influences from various eras. including the 13th century and 14th century.
From Roman temples to Moorish courtyards and Gothic cathedrals, Évora’s architecture reflects its diverse historical influences.
The Renaissance period, in particular, brought a surge of artistic and cultural development to the city.
This small city has been a significant cultural hub for centuries, evident in its well-preserved buildings and monuments, such as the medieval cathedral.
The city’s history dates back to Roman times when it was known as Liberalitas Julia. It even has remnants from the 2nd century.
In 1986, Évora was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its outstanding examples of architectural and artistic achievements spanning several centuries.
Wrap-Up
That’s Évora for you. A super unique and history-rich region with some of the best wines in the world.
Whether you’re into high-adrenaline activities, history, relaxing, or wine, then Évora has something to offer.
If you go to Évora, I always say you have to experience the Chapel of Bones; it’s such a unique experience.
If you like wine, remember to try some local wine at one of the many great restaurants.
Lastly, rent a car if you plan to stay more than one day in Évora. It makes it much easier, especially if you also want to explore the surrounding cities, vineyards, and nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning On Going To Lisbon?
I’ve created a trip planner where you enter the number of days you’re going and what activities you want to do.
Based on your input, you then get an entire vacation planned with ideas.
