Évora – more than just a day trip!

Are you looking to visit one of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval cities? Then add  Évora to your list!

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this small city has endless sites for you to explore. So much so, that it makes it difficult to really experience this city in just one day.

With its close proximity to Lisbon, only a 90-minute car or train ride away, many might be tempted to visit Evora on a day trip. Don’t. You’ll regret it. Evora is more than just a day trip. Here is everything you need to know about planning your visit to this beautiful, historic city.  (Updated September 2022)

Where is Evora

Evora lies in the Alentejo region of southern Portugal. In fact, this small city is the capital of the Alentejo region= the largest region in Portugal. It sits above the Algarve and stretches from the Atlantic to the Portugal-Spain border in the centre of Portugal.

Considered to be the hidden gem of Portugal, this region offers a rugged western coastline full of rural farmland of cork oaks and olive trees. But it’s here where you will find the best authentic villages just oozing with traditional charm. And, Evora is one of them! 

Such a central location makes Evora a great base to explore all of the Alentejo or a starting point to reach the Algarve or even Spain. 

About Evora Portugal

Évora has been shaped by more than 20 centuries of history. And that history can still be seen today. As a walled city that dates back as far as Celtic times when it fell under Roman rule in 57 BC. Those Roman ruins still remain.

The town was elevated to a cathedral city during the Visigoth period in 584. Then under Moorish rule from 715 to 1165, further improvements were made to the city including a fortified gate and a 13th-century Cathedral. But it was in the 15th century when the Portuguese kings began living in Évora on a regular basis that the city really began to grow and evolve.

At that time, convents and royal palaces sprung up everywhere: St Claire Convent, the royal church and convent of São Francisco, and Os Lóios Convent with the São João Evangelista Church. All of these significant sites make Evora, this well-preserved medieval city,  worth visiting.

First Impression of Evora

Around the walled historic center runs a ring road built in the 20th century. You enter the city on one of the several spoke roads.

What you’ll immediately notice is the stunning architecture of the low whitewash houses, decorated with painted tiles, mustard-yellow trim, wrought-iron balconies, and red tile rooftops.

All of these features make Évora the best example of a traditional city in Portugal. A city, that was undamaged by the great earthquake of 1755 which destroyed many towns and cities in Portugal, including Lisbon.

Top Sites to Visit in Evora

Like any destination that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, there is a lot to see. In fact, Évora is often called Portugal’s “Museum City” because of its preserved architecture. So, here are the best historic sites to visit in Evora. 

Aqueduct of Silver Water

Chapel of Bones

Church of Our Lady of Grace

Diana Temple

Fountain of Portas de Moura

Palace of the Counts of Basto

Praca do Giraldo

Church of St. Andrew

São João Evangelista Church

Se Cathedral

Is Evora worth visiting

I always measure a destination beyond its top attractions. To me, it comes down to the atmosphere and attractiveness. And, Evora checks both the boxes and then some. 

What makes Evora so special, it’s just one of those cities that is perfect for wandering. Whether you are intentionally going from site to site or letting your feet be your guide, you’ll soon fall under its spell.

In the historic center, there are endless narrow winding streets and alleyways just waiting to be discovered. Cobblestone streets, lanterns hanging from the walls, ivy, and flowers cascading over walls everywhere you look there is a great photo op! 

Wine Tours in Evora

Stop by the wine tasting room of the Wine Route of Alentejo in the old city center. Here you can learn more about the region’s wineries and book tours.

The Cartuxa winery just outside of Evora has daily tastings of wine and olive oil.  Contact them to make a reservation and confirm a tour in English. 

Visit here for more information on the wines of Alentejo.

Day Trips from Evora

The Alentejo region of Portugal is often referred to as the new Tuscany. A pastoral landscape, full of olive and cork trees, vineyards, and wheat fields. It’s rustic, traditional, and not touristy- yet!  The villages are authentic. The food is farm-to-table. And, it’s a peaceful getaway.

If you are wanting to explore more, here is a little inspiration:

• Arraiolos to Evora – 20 minutes
• Estremoz to Evora – 35 minutes
• Monsaraz to Evora – 50 minutes
• Elvas to Evora – 55 minutes

Best Restaurants in Evora

One of the best reasons why Evora is more than just a day trip is for the amazing restaurants.

Evora is known for its sweet desserts. The origin of sweet custard began here. Nuns used egg whites as starch and they had so many egg yolks left over that they started combining them with sugar and making different types of pastries, puddings, and bread. Down tiny alleyways, you’ll find window bake shops where you can buy these traditional custard treats. Let your nose be your guide. 

Here are some of the recommended restaurants in Evora:

• Botequim da Mouraria – a tiny, unassuming bar-like restaurant that offers some of the tastiest traditional dishes.  Address: 16 Rua de Mouraria
• Dom Joaquim – a Michelin-star restaurant located next to Porta de Serpa Pinto, one of the access gates to the historic centre of Évora. Expect to find traditional regional dishes and wine. Address: 6 Rua dos Penedos
• Fialho – a long-standing restaurant tucked away off a side street offering traditional dishes. Address: 14 Travessa Mascarenhas 
• Origens – a Michelin star restaurant tucked away down a quiet narrow street in Evora’s historic centre. Address: 10 Rua de Burgos
• Pateo – a casual restaurant with great outdoor terrace dining. Addresss: 53 Beco da Espinhosa

Traveller’s tip: Reservations are required at almost all of the best restaurants.  

Best Places to Stay in Evora

Whether you are looking for a hotel or an apartment stay, here are some options for accommodations in Evora.

• Pousada Convento de Evora – this renovated convent located between the Cathedral Se and Diana Temple with a courtyard pool offers the perfect mix of historic  
• M AR de AR Aqueduto – a 5-star boutique property in a former 16th-century palace with luxury spa services located near Diana Temple in city centre. 
• Vitoria Stone Hotel – a modern hotel offering a rooftop bar and terrace with an infinity pool with views of Evora and within walking distance of the historic centre. 
• Casa Madre de Deus – a contemporary 2-bedroom apartment near the Diana Temple.
• Casa Teresa – a 3-bedroom house perfect for family stays and is near the Cathedral Se.

Where we stayed in the Alentejo region: 

Villa Extramuros is situated in the countryside on the outskirts of a small village called Arraiolos, only 15 minutes north of Évora. If you are a lover of modern architecture and interior design this luxury property is a must! It’s also a quiet escape in the countryside. You will be treated to the most delicious breakfast, made to order before setting out on your way. 

As a holidaymaker…

So, have I convinced you that Evora is more than just a day trip? It really is a historic city that needs to go on your must-visit list while in Portugal. It has enough charm and things to see and do to capture your interest for at least a 1 or 2-night stay. My advice when you get there, put away the map and simply wander and discover every hidden corner of this beautiful city. Nothing is better than getting lost inside the walls of this old city.