Updated 2025
Welcome to Évora, the UNESCO world heritage city in Portugal. Évora is the capital of Portugal’s most undiscovered (and arguably most authentic) region – Alentejo. If you’ve been here for a while you already know Alentejo is my favourite region in Portugal so naturally I spend a lot of time exploring every year.
I take multiple trips to the region every year and those trips almost always include Évora. If you love a good explore by foot, you’re in the right spot – Évora is made for wandering. The city is surprisingly compact but with a maze of cobbled streets to navigate its like an open-air museum and cultural adventure.
Planning a trip to Portugal? You’re in the right place! Welcome to Travel Planning and Itinerary design by Candy. Olá! I’m an independent travel advisor living in Portugal (since 2016). I help people plan their dream trip to Portugal, Spain and Italy. You’re currently reading a post from my collection of travel guides. I also offer personal travel consultation and a bespoke itinerary service.
Where is Évora?
The city of Évora is nestled neatly in the middle of Alentejo in the southern central part of Portugal. Being in the centre of the quietest region you might expect that it is difficult to get to but, Évora is less than a 90 minute drive from Lisbon. This short distance makes it an ideal day trip or get-away.
How to get to Évora
Évora is one of the more accessible parts of Alentejo and is easy to reach from Lisbon. Although there are trains and buses between the capital and Évora I would recommend hiring a car, especially if you have more than a few days in Portugal. The drive from Lisbon to Évora is an experience in itself. Once you leave the cityscape of Lisbon behind you’ll drive past acres and acres of cork forests before reaching the castle walls of Évora.
If you don’t fancy hiring a car, Évora is one of very few places in Alentejo is easy to get to by public transport. There are trains and buses every 2 hours or more and the ride is usually only 1h30.
To book trains, book direct at cp.pt
To book buses, book direct at Rede Expressos or FlixBus.
Where to stay in Évora
So now you know how to get to Évora you might want to ask ‘Where should I stay in Évora?’. Luckily for you there is no shortage of accommodation options in Évora.
Hotels to stay in Évora
- Casa do Escritor
- Pousada Convento de Évora
- M’AR De AR Aqueduto
- A Casa do Governador (4 km from Évora city centre)
Another great option just out of the centre is Octant which has several pools, a spa, a farm, restaurant and bar. The buffet breakfast is one of the best I’ve had in Portugal. Lots of activities and great choice for families with kids.
If you are looking for a relaxing stay away from the centre then I can personally recommend Quinta da Espada (see photos below). Located a short drive (or Uber) out of the city Quinta da Espada features traditional rooms and a pool – essential for hot summer days.
Other Stay Options in Évora
If you’re looking for a budget option or apartment in the heart of Évora then Casa Vitória Guest House is your place. You’ll find a collection of basic but comfortable apartments surrounding a traditional patio. At just a 5 minute walk from the roman temple and Praça do Giraldo you couldn’t be more central.
As I mentioned before Évora is brimming with places to stay. I usually book with BookingCom as I find the platform offers the largest selection of accommodation and best value but always check if you can book direct with smaller businesses.
Best things to do & see in Évora
- Indulge in the best of Alentejo’s cuisine. If you want a taste of Portugal Alentejo can offer some of the very best produce. We’re talking black pork, freshly baked bread and hearty soups. Not forgetting the convent sweets and pastries. It can all be found in Évora. See the restaurant guide below for suggestions.
- Marvel at mind-blowing history. I’m the first to admit not being a history buff but even with little interest in past eras it is hard not to be impressed by the 1st century AD (!!) Roman Temple.
- Capela dos Ossos. A museum of human bones? Oh go on then.
- Morning coffee or afternoon drinks at Praça do Giraldo. Get caught up in the bustle at the main square in Évora surrounded by history.
- Wine tasting. Évora is surrounded by vineyards and is the perfect base for enotourism in Alentejo. Don’t forget to drop into Rota dos Vinhos do Alentejo to plan your wine trip around the region.
Where to Eat in Évora – Best Restaurants
If you want to do nothing other than eat and drink in Évora you will not be disappointed. A few foodie delights you should try whilst in the capital of Alentejo include ‘porco preto’, ‘açorda à Alentejana’ and ‘queijinho do ceu’. Here is a selection of restaurants and cafes you need to add to your itinerary right now.
- Taberna Típica Quarta-feira (Tasting menu)
- Fialho – much loved traditional restaurant
- Baiuca – cute tiled restaurant serving a fantastic Açorda.
- Pastelaria Conventual – Pão de Rala for all your conventual sweet needs
- Buona Forchetta – Italian, in case you’re wanting a break from the seafood and pork.
Events in Évora
- Évora Wine Festival – Every year in May the city of Évora becoms a weekend wine festival, welcoming wine producers from all over the Alentejo Region. The festival celebrates wine and culture. With the purchase of a glass you’re invited to try as many wines as you please, until you find your favourite glass. There is live music and performances and it’s one of the best weekends of the year in the city. Évora Wine Festival updates.
Parking in Évora
There is a large dirt car-park available with free parking just outside the city walls. Providing it is not during a holiday/market day you should be able to find a spot easy enough.
Restaurant opening times
Restaurants typically open between 12h-15h for lunch and 19h-late for dinner. Some establishments close completely between lunch and evening service. Some restaurants, bars and museums close on Monday, Tuesday or both but stay open on weekends. Make sure to check before arrival.
So there you go, a quick guide to Évora. Hopefully this travel guide inspires you to include this UNESCO city to your Portugal itinerary.
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