I love going to Évora because it has a bit of everything. Musuems, music, student life, good restaurants, megalithic stones and vineyards.
Take a train from Lisbon to Évora, ride a bus, or rent a car. The train is local and stops many times. Once you get to the Évora station, you must get a taxi to the center or your hotel.
At least one night but I would stay two nights.
You can also just plan for a day trip.
Spring and fall are my top picks. The weather is just perfect, not too hot and not too cold.
Summer? Sure, if you can handle the heat. Remember to plan indoor activities between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm (or later if you are there in August).
Winter, on the other hand, can be pretty wet and foggy. I enjoy the mysterious vibe of cloudy days in Evora, but they might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Yes, it’s a safe city.
Take the usual precautions: Protect your belongings wherever you are and on important thing: Don’t leave things in your car
When I lived in Elvas I used to go to Evora quite a bit. My favorite hotel was the Convento do Espinheiro because they have a spa, a pool and it’s in the countryside.
Convento do Espinheiro, about 10 minutes from the center. If you don’t have a car, getting a taxi to the center of Evora will be easy.
Pousada Convento Evora is within the city walls.
M’Ar De Ar Aqueduto is within the city walls
Evora Olive Hotel is within the city walls
Moura Suites is within the city walls
It was voted the European Capital of Culture for 2027.
The center is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
It is a walled city.
Evora is the capital of the Alentejo.
Spend the day wandering around within the city walls. It’s a charming city with a great history, lovely places to eat, and cute stores.
The Roman Temple
Catedral da Se (the gorgeous cathedral) is near the Roman Temple. The view from the roof is worth climbing the stairs.
Évora Museum
The Chapel of Bones. The chapel is not for the squirmish because of all the real skulls!
Public Gardens
The Carriage Museum
Casas Pintadas to see the frescos
Walking tours and more at Visit Evora.
Ask your hotel or hostel to recommend a private or group guide.
I suggest a wine-tasting tour so you don’t have to worry about getting lost or driving. If you have a designated driver, take your car and spend the day wine tasting and having lunch at one of the vineyards.
Tours and picnics with Windedering
Cartuxa. Get all the information you need to visit their vineyard: Cartuxa
Mainova is roughly 30 minutes from Évora, and they have a restaurant within the city walls.
Herdade do Esporao is around 45 minutes from Évora.
The Alentejo is known for its rolling hills, fabulous wine, olive oil, cheese, cattle farms, and cork trees. Évora is in the southern part towards the center. Spend at least one day driving around the area and learn what Portugal is all about.
2. Monsaraz is a tiny medieval city on top of a hill about 2 1/2 hours by car from Évora. Park your car outside the city walls and spend a few hours walking, visiting the museum, and having lunch. Enjoy the views of the countryside and the Alqueva Lake. You only need up to three hours here, but if you are a photographer or a sketcher, you will want to stay much longer.
Visit the ceramic stores in São Pedro do Corval (just 6 minutes from Monsaraz).
Vila do Redondo is about 45 minutes from Monsaraz and is not on the tourist route yet.
Looking for pottery? Xico Tarefa is a Redondo ceramist who uses traditional methods to make his gorgeous pottery.
He creates exquisite and delicate paintings on his ceramics, which remind me of the embroidery from northern Portugal. He also paints plants with animals, flowers, and daily routine scenes. I think you will love seeing his work.
Visit his store at Rua João Anastácio da Rosa, 4 Redondo
3. Arraiolos
This is were the famous Arraiolo tapestries and rugs, are made, and it’s just a 30-minute drive from Évora.
Cromeleque dos Almendres is just a 30-minute drive from Évora. You’ll need a car to get there, and it’s best to avoid visiting if it’s been raining due to some dirt roads on the way.
This site is truly special. it’s the largest group of megalithic stones in the Iberian Peninsula and where I visit a whenever I go to Evora. They are magical to see.
Botequim da Mouraria
My favorite place. It’s a small restaurant with just a counter for about ten people. The Mouraria has a vintage feel. A couple runs it, and the service is friendly and personal. They will not rush you, but they will also not be rushed! Arrive early, no reservations.
R. da Mouraria 16A, 7000-585
Fialho is an award-winning family-owned restaurant. It has an old Portuguese feel, with crispy white tablecloths and photographs on the walls.
Tv. das Mascarenhas 16, 7000-557
Cartuxa, another spot I used to go many times. It’s near the Roman temple, the cathedral, and the museum, making it a perfect spot for petiscos and a fantastic glass of their red Cartuxa wine (or iced tea).
R. de Vasco da Gama nº15, 7001-901
Phone: +351 266 748 348
Portuguese pastries: You must try these pastries at the Pastelaria Conventual Pão de Rala.
Doçes conventuais are the well-known and traditional convent-made pastries you can find all over Portugal, including in Alcobaça, where they have one of the most famous doçes conventuais bakeries, the Pastelaria Alcoa.
Go to the Pastelaria Pão de Rala for tea time
R. de Cicioso 47, 7000-658 Évora, Portugal
Momentos is a fabulous place to eat fresh, organic veggies, amazing meats, and other tasty things.
Personal note: Unfortunately, I read some bad reviews due to their non-budget prices, so remember: Not every restaurant in Portugal is cheap, and this is not a budget restaurant.
Check the menu before you go to any restaurant to make sure it’s in your budget.
R. Cinco de Outubro 61, 7000-854 Évora, Portugal
I have not been to Hibrido but it was highly recommended and I can hardly wait to try it on my next Evora visit.
Marguerite Beaty, Blogger, Photographer & Artist
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