Complete Guide to Evora Portugal Things to Do, Getting There, & Where to Stay & Eat

Have you heard of Evora in Portugal? You wouldn’t be alone if not – but this really is a place worth knowing about. The town is so charming and packed with character that it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for starters. 

As Evora can take as little as 90 minutes to get to from Lisbon, you can take a day trip there. But to make the most of this lovely place and the surrounding area, I have to recommend staying for longer if you possibly can. I promise you’ll never regret it. 

Discover things to do in Evora and beyond. Learn where to stay and find the best places to eat. Get information on how to get there and what to know before you go. Read on for the ultimate guide to Evora Portugal things to do.

Where is Evora?

Even the merest glance at any Portugal map will tell you that Evora isn’t a coastal resort. Rather, Evora is the capital of the Alentejo region, in the southern part of central Portugal. The town lies within the lovely Alentejo Valley, around an hour-and-three-quarters east of Lisbon. 

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How to Get to Evora

Lisbon is the best airport to fly to if you want to visit Evora. Portugal’s main hub is around 81 miles, or 131 kilometers, from Evora. Many people spend time in Lisbon – often several nights – before or after heading out to discover other parts of Portugal. 

If you’ll be traveling from Lisbon to Evora, then taking the train is a quick and convenient way to get there. The trip by rail takes around 90 minutes. 

Evora’s train station also offers links to other Portuguese destinations, such as Faro, though rail services aren’t direct and take around 3.5 hours or longer. The route by road is more straightforward, and the journey takes about two hours and 50 minutes. 

You may wish to drive from Lisbon to Evora. Having your own set of wheels is ideal when you want to visit the surrounding valley and wineries during your stay. To sample a slice of beach life, you might also like to venture to the coastal town of Comporta. 

It takes around an hour and 45 minutes to drive from the Portuguese capital to Evora. The distance is about 86 miles, or 138 kilometers, from the city. It’s easy to rent a car at Lisbon airport, and booking online in advance is the most cost-effective way to do so. 

Another option for getting to Evora is to book an organized day tour from Lisbon, where transport is taken care of. 

Best Time to Visit Évora

Let’s be real: summer in Évora is hot. Like, frying-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk hot. Daytime highs can push past 100 °F, making sightseeing a sweaty affair.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) are the golden months. The weather is pleasant—mid-60s to high-70s—perfect for strolling the Roman ruins or enjoying a glass of wine outdoors. Spring also means wildflowers in bloom, while autumn brings grape harvest celebrations across the Alentejo.

Winter has its perks too. It’s mild, with fewer tourists and lower prices, though you’ll want a light jacket and an umbrella just in case. If you’re after lively local traditions, plan for June during the city’s popular festivities honoring St. John, when Évora turns into one big street party.

Top Things to Do in Evora

Whether you’re wondering what to do in Evora for a day or are planning a longer visit, here are the best paid and free things to do in Evora – and the surrounding area. 

Discover Evora’s historic sites

As well as wandering along the cobbled lanes lined with pretty whitewashed homes and admiring the medieval city walls, Evora has a number of historic attractions to experience.

Giraldo Square

Praça do Giraldo is the beating heart of Evora, and dates back to the 1570s. You can see medieval buildings here, and it’s also a good place for coffee and people-watching. A slice of local life awaits. 

Evora Cathedral

The Cathedral in Evora is lovely to visit. Don’t miss the graceful arches of the cloisters around the courtyard, and ascending to the roof for sweeping views over the town and surrounding valley.  

Chapel of Bones

Evora’s Chapel of Bones, or Capela dos Ossos, dates back to the 1600s, when it was built by Franciscan monks. If you’re seeking things to do in Evora with kids and they enjoy things that are gothic and gruesome, the skulls and bones adorning the walls shouldn’t disappoint. 

You can find the eerie chapel at Igreja de Sao Francisco, a beautiful church in its own right. The skeletal remains were placed here to help solve the problem of the area’s overflowing cemeteries. 

Roman Temple

The pillars of the Roman Temple of Evora, or Temple of Diana, are particularly well-preserved. The remains date from the early part of the first century AD, and would once have been part of a larger Roman complex. 

Agua de Prata Aqueduct

Completed in 1537, Aqueduto da Agua de Prata de Evora was used to transport clean water to the entire town. The structure is both historically significant and aesthetically pleasing, and stretches between the center of town and the lush valley beyond. There are several fountains in Evora fed by the aqueduct, and trails alongside it you can follow on foot or two wheels. 

Casa do Montado

This museum in Evora is all about cork. If you want to know about the place of cork in the local ecosystem and the material’s commercial production, this is where to come. 

Shop till you drop

Evora’s charming streets aren’t only visually pleasing, they’re also lined with lovely shops for browsing and buying. Whether you’re treating yourself or picking a gift, things to buy in Evora include local produce including olive oil and wine, and handmade ceramics. 

Dine out on delicious Portuguese cuisine

There are some fabulous places to eat on Evora, from homely, relaxed, family-run spots to Michelin-recommended restaurants. If you want to sample local dishes or Portuguese favorites, make sure you stop for lunch or dinner at least once during your visit. You can find my Evora restaurant recommendations below. 

Essential Évora Restaurants:

Taberna Típica Quarta-Feira

Botequim da Mouraria

Fialho

TascaTosca & Wine Restaurant

Momentos Évora

Restaurante Origens

Dom Joaquim

This Michelin-recommended spot has a rustic chic interior, and is situated right by one of the historic town center’s entrance gates. Traditional regional cuisine with a contemporary twist is what to expect food-wise, and one of the dessert recipes comes from a convent only meters away from the restaurant. Book a table in advance if you want to sample this esteemed eatery. 

Restaurante O Templo

Restaurante O Templo is often named as the most popular restaurant in Evora. Both food and service are outstanding, and the owner’s passion for what he does is very evident indeed. The meat dishes are particularly good, though lighter options like fish and salad are also available. 

Taberna Típica Quarta-feira

If you don’t mind leaving your food choices in the hands of the chef, dining out at Taberna Típica Quarta-feira is a real treat. With no menu, all you need to do is advise the accommodating staff of any dietary requirements. Make sure you’re hungry, as the food just keeps on coming here!

Restaurante Lombardo

A monochrome interior with original features and lots of warm wood creates a cozy atmosphere at Restaurante Lombardo in Evora. This one’s a better option than some for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Again you can sample regional and national Portuguese favorites here, along with local wines from the valley. 

For authentic Alentejan home-cooking, try Tasquinha do Oliveira or O Templo for delicious petiscos and a warm tavern vibe. Wine lovers should visit Enoteca Cartuxa for regional wine pairings and inventive plates.

Most top-rated venues require dinner reservations, especially on weekends. For sweets, look for Doçaria Conventual shops offering Sericaia (egg pudding), Pão de Rala, and almond-based convent treats.

Local Tips and Trade-Offs:

• For a traditional, multi-course meal with local crowd, prioritize Taberna Típica Quarta-Feira or Fialho.
• For lunch, Botequim da Mouraria offers unbeatable value and atmosphere (weekday only).
• TascaTosca and wine bars are ideal for lighter bites, couples, or terrace seating.
• Modern and organic-focused options include Origens and Momentos.
• Reservation is highly recommended for all popular venues—walk-ins rarely succeed for dinner, especially at small taverns.

Local Dishes You Can’t Miss in Évora

If you only remember one thing about eating in Évora, let it be this: bread rules, pork reigns, and convent desserts are the crown jewels. Alentejo cuisine is rustic, hearty, and proudly tied to the land.

Start with migas—a garlicky breadcrumb mash that somehow tastes like a hug in food form. Then there’s açorda alentejana, a bread-based soup laced with garlic, olive oil, and coriander, often topped with a poached egg or fish. If you’re into soups, don’t miss sopa de cação, a fragrant dogfish stew that shows just how bold local flavors can be.

Meat lovers will want to try ensopado de borrego, a slow-cooked lamb stew, or porco preto (black Iberian pork), which shows up in everything from grilled cuts to stews with wild asparagus. For a true feast, order feijoada de javali—wild boar stewed with beans.

And then dessert. The convent kitchens of Évora are legendary for their sweets. Sericaia—a soft, eggy pudding sprinkled with cinnamon—often comes with local plums. You’ll also find plenty of nut-and-honey concoctions, each one richer than the last.

And while sericaia steals the spotlight, don’t skip Pão de Céu—literally “Bread of Heaven.” This almond-rich, egg-heavy pastry was born in Évora’s convent kitchens, and its soft, cloud-like texture explains the celestial name. You’ll find it in local pastelarias tucked beside trays of other convent sweets, often dusted with sugar and served in generous slices. It’s a little less famous than sericaia, which means more for you—consider it Évora’s heavenly secret.

Wineries Worth Visiting Near Évora

Évora isn’t just about food—it’s also at the heart of the Alentejo wine region. Just outside the city walls sits Adega Cartuxa, home to the iconic Pêra-Manca wine. Their tastings are an experience in history as much as in flavor.

For a modern twist, head to Fitapreta Vinhos. Set in a restored 14th-century estate, this winery pairs bold architecture with bold wines. Another solid choice is Quinta da Plansel, known for its experimental varietals and relaxed tasting sessions.

If you’re willing to make a short drive, Herdade do Esporão near Monsaraz is a heavyweight. Think vineyard walks, fine dining, and sustainability woven into everything they do. And for the ultimate splurge, Herdade da Malhadinha Nova blends wine, boutique hospitality, and even horseback riding.

Best Things to Do Around Evora

Visit the Alentejo Valley wineries

The valley of Alentejo provides perfect conditions for growing grapes and making wine, and is not to be missed when you’re visiting Evora. Bold, rich reds from this area are particularly well-respected, while fans of white wine won’t be disappointed by the region’s crisp, refreshing whites. 

You only need to drive for around 15 minutes before reaching some of the local vineyards. If you don’t want to take the car, plenty of day tours are available. 

Tour the local towns and villages

Taking a scenic tour of the area is a wonderful way to see more of the landscape, and there are some appealing towns and villages to stop at, too. 

Montemor-o-Novo

One that’s perfect for visiting on your way to or from Lisbon is historic Montemor-o-Novo, where you can explore the castle and meander down the narrow streets. 

Corval

Other highlights include Corval, which is ceramics central and the ideal place to see pottery being made and pick up beautiful pieces to take home. 

Monsaraz

There’s also the medieval hilltop village of Monsaraz, which counts an ancient fortress and panoramic vineyard views among its attractions. 

Discover Cromeleque dos Almendres

Around 35 minutes’ drive from Evora are the Cromeleque dos Almendres standing stones. Central Portugal’s answer to Stonehenge in England is located among cork forests, and has an interpretive center so you can understand what you’re seeing. 

It’s well worth booking a tour if you don’t want to drive along the rocky, potholed dirt track. 

Take a day trip to Comporta

If you don’t mind venturing slightly further, the laid-back coastal town of Comporta is almost directly west of Evora, and you can drive between the two in around an hour and 20 minutes. 

Comporta is known for its flawless natural landscapes, including beautiful beaches. It’s also home to some luxury hotels and renowned restaurants – ideal for those who enjoy the finer things in life. 

Where to Stay in Evora

Where to stay in Evora – or the Alentejo Valley region – partly depends on whether or not you have a rental car. If you’re getting there by train, then you’ll need to stay close to public transport links – unless you don’t mind paying taxi or rideshare costs.

Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Evora. 

In town

Cicioso Boutique Hotel

Combining local character and boutique style with a location slap-bang in the center of Evora is Cicioso Boutique Hotel. Stay here and you can walk everywhere in town. There is also free parking on site if you do have a rental car. The hotel has a range of rooms and studios, a restaurant, and saltwater pool surrounded by palm trees. 

M’AR De AR Aqueduto

M’AR De AR Aqueduto offers unique views of Evora’s historic aqueducts, and the building was originally a palace dating from the 1500s. Arched ceilings within echo the aqueducts outside, and create a sense of space, while light pours in through the large windows. Facilities include a spa, a pool, private parking, and a restaurant with a wine cellar, and some accommodation comes with a balcony or terrace.

Outside of Evora

Ocant Evora 

The four star Ocant Evora is just over 10 miles from the attractions of the historic town center. It offers a great restaurant, three swimming pools, a gym, a sauna, and a spa. The modern, low-rise property has a range of double and family rooms, plus two or three bedroom villas with private pools. It’s a very child-friendly place to stay, and even offers free bike rental for exploring the area. 

Imani Country House

If you appreciate a peaceful and picturesque countryside setting, then Imani could be your perfect place to stay. The historic buildings and shady gardens ooze charm and character, and house a restaurant and bar, and a couple of pools. If you opt to stay here, your accommodation choices include large double rooms and spacious suites. 

Evora facts and FAQs

Also check out Driving from Lisbon and Seville and also Portugal with Kids