Évora itinerary – 3 amazing days in Évora

A couple of weeks ago, I shared with you a travel diary of my visit to Évora, and today it’s time for a complete Évora itinerary! In this itinerary, you will find all you need to spend an amazing 3 day stay in the beautiful city of Évora. All sites you should visit, as well as accommodation recommendations and places to eat!

This Évora itinerary is for those who have never been to the city and wish to spend some time, visit most of the main attractions of Évora, without rushing! Because who wants rushing while on vacation? Exactly, nobody.

Don’t have much time now? No problem, pin this for later!

Grab your pen and notebook, and let’s get started with Évora itinerary, shall we?

About Évora

Welcome to Évora, the capital of Alto Alentejo region, and often mentioned as one of the most beautiful Portuguese cities. Located about 130km (approx 81 mi) from Lisbon, 226km (140 mi) from Faro, and 411km (255 mi) from Porto, Évora could easily be a great opinion for a one-day trip (in case that’s all the time you have), but in this itinerary, we stay for 3 days in Évora.

When you visit Évora, you will soon realize that this city is as charming as it gets, mixing perfectly historic (its city center is part of UNESCO World Heritage sites) and contemporary sites. A city that has not stayed in the past, but it fully embraces its glory from older times.

Évora’s narrow streets will lead you to Roman ruins, temples, and beautiful gardens. No matter where you go, there is something to appreciate, a place with history, and colorful buildings to brighten up anyone’s mood.

For these reasons and many more, Évora is a destination to consider spending more than just a day. So, here you have: a 3-day itinerary to Évora!

How to get to Évora

By Car

Let’s assume you will be traveling from Lisbon, for example. In this case, the drive to Évora will take you approximately 1h30 (130km / 81mi) if you drive via the A2 and A6 motorways.

When traveling by car in Portugal, you always have to consider toll costs, and for this trip, that amounts to less than 10eur (per journey).

Summary:

• Distance: 130km (81mi)
• Motorways: A2 and A6
• Tolls: <10,-Eur.

 

By Bus

Traveling by bus can be an excellent choice for those who do not have a rental car, or rather not drive during their vacation. I get you; I sometimes feel just the same. It’s a very relaxing way of visiting a new place. Many express buses are going from Lisbon to Évora, meaning you can just select the bus that fits your schedule best.

When I travel by express in Portugal, I always go for the Rede Expressos bus service. Their buses are comfortable, and the service is good; you even have free wi-fi onboard; perfect for those who need to do some work.

Summary:

• Bus company: Rede Expressos.
• Schedule: ~1 bus per hour, every day.
• Ticket Price: 12,50Eur (adult)
• Note: check the Rede Expressos website for detailed schedules and ticket information.

 

By Train

If you rather get to Évora by train then I’ve got news for you: it is possible! 🙂 As a Portuguese, I must admit that option would not pop to my mind, but I checked and CP (main train provider in Portugal) does offer train connections from Lisbon to Évora.

On their website, you can select your preferred departure location, add Évora as your destination, select the day and time, and voilà! Travel times are a bit longer than by car or bus, but it’s more eco-friendly. A train ride from Lisbon to Évora may take, at least 2h, depending on what type of train connections (and services) you select.

Summary:

• Train company: CP.
• Schedule: ~1 bus per hour, every day.
• Ticket Price: 17,90Eur (adult)
• Note: check the CP website for detailed schedules and ticket information

 

Accommodation

I have selected 3 hotels per budget category for you to consider. There are many more options of course, but these are a great place to start in case you are looking for a place to sleep when in Évora. I am not going to share prices/night because those vary depending on the season you will be vising Évora.

I always do my bookings on Booking.com.

Low-Budget

• Moov Hotel Évora (**)
• Ibis (***)
• Albergaria Solar Monfalim (**)

 

Mid-Budget

• The Noble House (****)
• Vitoria Stone Hotel (****) – In case you read my travel diary Évora, you will know that I stayed in this hotel and I can totally recommend it! Great service, friendly staff, rooms are amazing and it even has an outdoor pool.
• Vila Galé Évora (****)

 

High-Budget

• Pousada Convento de Évora (*****)
• M’ar de Ar Muralhas (****)
• Convento do Espinheiro, Historic Hotel & Spa (*****)

 

Évora itinerary – Day 1

Sights to visit

On your first day in Évora, you can pack it as much as you like, but that will depend on what time you arrive in Évora, I would say. It’s very easy to fill up your day with many sights to visit, but for this itinerary, I will try to keep it somehow not very busy.

This way, you will have plenty of time to explore all sights, without rushing, and if you still find time or energy left, you can always add something extra.

 

• Praça do Giraldo

Évora’s main square, located right at the heart of city Historic center, and surrounded by charming buildings that will capture your attention. It makes the perfect starting point for your visit to Évora.

Praça do Giraldo has been part of many of Portugal’s historic moments, like the execution of the Duke of Bragança, Fernando, late 15th century, or the public execution of Inquisition victims, during the 16th century.

Nowadays, it’s way more relaxed and friendly at Praça do Giraldo! 😉

 

• Visit the Sé

Sé de Évora (Évora’s Cathedral) is just a short walk away from Praça do Giraldo. The Cathedral dates from 1186 when Sancho I order its construction, but it wasn’t completed until 60 years later.

This Cathedral has something different to it, in my opinion: it looks more like a fortress rather than a… Cathedral!

Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, during my last visit to Évora, it was not possible to visit the Cathedral, but normally, you could do so. It’s even recommendable to go for a tour.

Visit the Sé de Évora website for all the details regarding opening hours, ticket prices, and tours.

 

• Check the Templo Romano de Évora (Templo de Diana)

Welcome to the jewel of Évora: the Roman Temple of Évora, or mostly known as the Temple of Diana. This temple was once part of a Roman forum and its remains date from the 2nd or 3rd century AD. It is also considered to be one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Portugal.

You do not need tickets to visit the Temple all you need is time to appreciate its magnitude, amazing details, and read about the history behind it.

While you’re there, take a moment to visit the Garden of Diana (Jardim de Diana) right across the street; you will not regret it.

 

Food & Drinks

Whether you need a place for lunch or dinner, I totally recommend making a reservation at the restaurant A Choupana. Small, yet with delicious food, if you get a chance to find a table here, I can guarantee that you will have a meal to die for.

And as a plus: the prices are very reasonable!

A Choupana

Rua dos Mercadores, 20

7000-661 Évora

Price range: €

 

Évora itinerary – Day 2

Ready to start exploring Évora? The second day is filled with beautiful architectural sites. So, prepared to walk! But as always, remember to take some breaks now and then, and just enjoy the livelihood of Évora. Day 2, here we go!

 

Sights to visit

• Walk along the City walls

The historic center of Évora is located within the Medieval city walls and in my opinion, you should also consider adding a walk along the city walls, to appreciate the architecture as well as all the details. This Medieval fence (or city walls, whatever you call it), was ordered by King Afonso IV, during the 14th and 15th centuries.

While doing so, you will notice that there are several entrances/gates (Portas, in Portuguese): Porta do Raimundo, Porta de Alconchel, Porta da Lagoa, and Porta de Avis.

While walking along the Medieval fence, you will notice different architectural styles, such as Gothic, and Manueline styles.

 

• Check the Aqueduct

Located on the North East side of Évora is the Aqueduto da Água da Prata (Aqueduct of Silver Water), dating from 1530 and designed by Francisco de Arruda (also responsible for Belém Tower, in Lisbon). This aqueduct was intended to bring clean water into the city of Évora, with its huge arches, on a total length of 9km!

Right at the end of the Aqueduct, in Rua do Cano, you will notice something very call: houses, cafes, and shops are built right into the arches of the aqueduct.

 

 

• Visit the Roman Therms

You can find the Roman baths, inside the main hall of Évora’s town hall building. According to the information I could find, these baths include a 9m-diameter circular pool, which makes it probably one the largest public baths of Roman Évora. These ruins were found only in 1987, and you can visit them for free.

Note: due to the covid-19 pandemic, visiting this site may be limited. please check Évora’s town hall website for more information

 

Food & Drinks

Considered to be one of the best restaurants in Évora, Café Alentejo is an excellent option for a meal. Consider making a reservation beforehand, as this place is often fully booked!

Café Alentejo

Rua do Raimundo, 5

7000-661 Évora

Price range: €€

 

Évora itinerary – Day 3

The last day in Évora is here, but before is time to head back, there are still some sites to visit! So, without further due, let’s get to explore Évora.

 

Sights to visit

• Visit the Jardim Publico

The best way to start your last day in Évora is to enjoy a relaxing stroll in the public garden (Jardim Publico), located at the right of the Porta do Raimundo. If you like picnics, this may be the place to go!

Here you can also visit the Galeria das Damas (Lady’s Galery), a building with many different architectural styles as if the responsible person had no idea which one to choose, so they added all of them – from Gothic to Manueline, to Neo-Moorish and others! Why choose if you can have them all, right? 🙂

 

• Check out Capela dos Ossos

Capela dos Ossos (Bone’s chapel) is by far one of the most iconic places of Évora, and you should definitely visit it. It may sound creepy at first, but it’s worth your time. The walls and columns of this chapel are covered with the bones and skulls of about 5000 people.

I know, it sounds weird but this was the solution found back in the 17th century to deal with the overflow graveyards and so on.

On hot days, this chapel is one of the coolest places to visit! However, again, due to the covid-19 pandemic, I couldn’t visit it.

Please check the official website for more detailed information on ticket prices and visiting hours.

 

• Pay a visit to Museu de Évora

And last but not least, pay a visit to the Museum of Évora to get to know more about the city’s history and more. The museum is located right next to the Cathedral. The Museum is open every day, except Mondays, and tickets cost €3,- for adults and children get free entrance.

Check the official website of Évora’s town hall for more details.

 

Nearby Évora

If you have the chance to extend your stay in Alentejo, then I suggest you consider adding some of the places listed below to this Évora itinerary:

• Estremoz:

Distance: 46km. |  Travel time: 35min.  |  Route: via A6 and IP2

• Reguengos de Monsaraz:

Distance: 39km.  |  Travel time: 30min.  |  Route: via IP2 and N256.

• Barragem do Alqueva:

Distance: 65km.  |   Travel time: 45min.  |  Route: via IP2.

• Evoramonte

Distance: 30km.  |  Travel time: 30min.  |  Route: via N18.

• Arraiolos:

Distance: 23km.  |  Travel time: 20min.  |  Route: via R114-4 and N370.

 

I hope you have enjoyed these 3-days in the Évora itinerary and found it useful. We are currently living in times of a Pandemic, and travel is not at the top of our priorities. So, save it for when you feel the time is right for you.

Have you ever been to Évora?

f your answer is yes, let me know in the comments what you liked the most.