While a lot of people visiting Portugal flock to Lisbon, Évora is also a great option.
Spending time in Évora is like walking through a museum. Whether you’d like the medieval walls, Roman ruins, or simply the fantastic food, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
But, when there is so much to do, it can be challenging to know where to start. Luckily, I’ve compiled this complete guide to help you out.
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.
Location and Getting There
Located in the heart of the Alentejo region, 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, making it convenient.
By Bus: Buses from Lisbon and other major cities offer frequent and comfortable services to Évora.
The city’s compact size makes it ideal for walking, but local buses and taxis are also available for convenience.
Weather in Evora
Évora has a typical Mediterranean climate, much like the rest of Portugal.
This means that snow is very rare in winter, and temperatures rarely fall below freezing. Instead, winters are renowned for their rainfall.
Summers are both dry and hot. With temperatures often getting as high as 30°C (86°F).
Hot Tip🔥: Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit. The weather is pleasant, and there are fewer crowds.
6 Attractions in Évora
There are many things to see in Évora. Here are some of the most popular options to consider.
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 be sure.
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 quite macabre, but the Chapel of Bones reflects the overcrowded city cemeteries of the past. The remains are particularly impactful, next to the stunning frescoes.
Most days, the chapel is open from 9 AM to 6:30 PM (5 PM in winter), and tickets cost around €6.00. You can buy them at the counter or online.
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.
For a full ticket, which includes entrance to the museum, you’ll need €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.
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 simply fill the space between the massive stone arches.
As a monument, it’s free and open all the time.
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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, made up of more than 20 thousand 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.
University of Évora
It is one of the oldest universities in Portugal, offering a glimpse into the city’s educational heritage and its historic centre.
If you love the Renaissance cloisters and Boroque features of the rest of the city, I would highly recommend walking through the campus.
Entry is free, but you won’t be able to get into some buildings. There is also a gift shop.
4 Things to Do in Évora
Outside the basic museum and church sites, there are many other things you can do in the city.
Exploring Megalithic Monuments
Around the city are many megalithic sites, including the Almendres Cromlech, a prehistoric stone circle that predates Stonehenge.
The Almendres Cromlech is about 30 minutes away by car, but the approximately 100 large stones make it well worth the trip.
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 even include interesting stops like olive oil tasting and cork factory tours.
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 a bunch of trails that will give you scenic views of the Alentejo countryside, including picturesque cork oaks and cork trees.
Relaxing in Public Gardens
If all of the above sounds like far too much excitement, consider the myriad of gardens available.
The city’s gardens, such as Jardim Público de Évora, are perfect for a peaceful stroll.
You can look at some interesting ruins and statues, but no one will blame you for having a quiet picnic next to the water.
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 hearty 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.
I recommend you book in advance because of the limited space.
Hot Tip🔥: Enjoy these other amazing Lisbon day trips.
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 very popular 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.
If you want Mediterranean cuisine in the city center, this is the place to go.
Fábrica dos Gelados
Famous for its artisanal ice creams, Fábrica dos Gelados uses fresh, natural ingredients to create a variety of flavors like 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.
Where to Stay in Evora
There are a couple of different offerings in terms of hotels and resorts.
If you want something with all the modern amenities, try Octant Évora or M’ar de Ar Aqueduto.
If history is your passion, Convento do Espinheiro and Pousada Convento de Évora are both historic convents converted into luxury accommodations.
If you want a serene country guest house with big gardens that provide respite from the busy city, I’d recommend Imani Country House, 15 minutes outside Évora.
Wrap-up
There is so much to do and see in Évora that it is worth the visit. Whether you only go there for a day or stay for an extended period, you won’t be sorry.
If you would like more information on visiting Évora, Lisbon, or Portugal in general, check out my other articles covering topics like food, architecture, and transportation.
