Evora is a beautiful city in Portugal’s Alentejo region, known for its well-preserved historical landmarks and charming streets. I was drawn to Evora after seeing photos of it’s architecture, the iconic viaduct, churches and roman influences. During our two-week trip through Portugal using only public transportation, staying the night in Evora made more sense than a day trip, particularly given the train schedules. In this post, I’ll share our experience with a detailed itinerary, including recommendations on what to do, where to stay, eat, and how to get around.
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- Why Stay One Night in Evora?
- Things to Do in Evora
- Day Trips from Evora: Exploring the Alentejo Region
- One Night in Evora: Our Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Evora
- My Food and Drink Recommendations
- Transportation Tips
- Lisbon to Evora by Train: Our Itinerary
- How Many Nights in Evora?
- One Night in Evora: Final Thoughts
- Links to Additional Resources
Why Stay One Night in Evora?
We chose to stay overnight in Evora as part of our two-week trip through Portugal because we were relying solely on public transportation. Given the train schedules, staying the night allowed us to explore Evora at a more relaxed pace, experience its evening charm, and avoid the rush of a day trip.
Things to Do in Evora
Walking Through the Old Town: Stroll through the winding cobblestone streets and admire the whitewashed houses with colorful accents.
Aqueduto da Água de Prata: This impressive aqueduct is an engineering marvel and an iconic symbol of the city.
Cathedral of Évora: This medieval cathedral offers stunning rooftop views over the city.
Templo Romano: Also known as the Temple of Diana, this Roman ruin is one of Evora’s most famous landmarks.
Chapel of Bones: We visited this site right before closing and didn’t have enough time to fully appreciate it or explore the attached museum. If you’ve seen similar places, like the catacombs in Rome, you might consider skipping it. However, if this is your first experience with such a site, it’s worth seeing.
Day Trips from Evora: Exploring the Alentejo Region
If you have an extra night or two in Evora, consider taking a day trip to explore the renowned wine country of the Alentejo region. This area is famous for its rolling vineyards, traditional wineries, and unique wine experiences. Here are some day trip options you might enjoy:
Visit a Traditional Alentejo Winery: Many wineries in the Alentejo region offer guided tours that include a walk through the vineyards, a look at the wine production process, and, of course, tastings.
Explore Monsaraz and Its Surroundings: A visit to the charming hilltop village of Monsaraz is a great way to complement your wine tasting experience. This small village is surrounded by vineyards and offers stunning views over the Alentejo plains. Combine a visit to Monsaraz with stops at nearby wineries for a full-day excursion.
One Night in Evora: Our Itinerary
Afternoon Arrival: We arrived in Evora by train and checked into our accommodation, then grabbed lunch at O Combinado. After that we went to the Cathedral of Évora. Then we passed by the Roman Temple and walked through town, and squeezed in a visit to the Chapel of Bones before closing.
Early Evening: After that we explored the streets and alleyways on our way to visit the aqueduct. At this point it was dusk and we leisurely walked back through town.
Dinner: For dinner we went to Head to Tempero & Prosa for a fantastic meal with great house wine.
Morning Departure: We woke up and headed right to our train in the morning but if you have time before your departure, this is where you could visit the Chapel of Bones or enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
Where to Stay in Evora
We stayed at Zoetic Sustainable Rooms, a cozy and comfortable guesthouse that offered a fantastic experience. They have since moved to a location inside the town walls, but it looks just as great and with a slightly better location. Here are my recommendations of where to stay in Evora:
Zoetic Sustainable Rooms: Eco-friendly and welcoming, this guesthouse is now located within the city walls, offering a convenient and sustainable stay. Book Here.
T’Inácia Guest House: Located just outside the city walls in the same building that previously housed Zoetic, this guesthouse is walking distance to the train station and the main attractions. Book here.
Lavradores Boutique Guesthouse: A charming boutique option with beautifully decorated rooms and a cozy atmosphere. Book here.
Moov Hotel Évora: A modern budget-friendly hotel inside the city walls, known for its minimalist design and great location. Book here.
StayInn Évora: This guesthouse offers excellent value for money with comfortable rooms and a convenient location. Book here.
My Food and Drink Recommendations
Tempero & Prosa: We had an awesome meal at this Brazilian-inspired restaurant. The food was excellent, and the house wine was a perfect complement to the dishes. Find on Google Maps here.
O Combinado: A great spot for lunch, offering a variety of traditional Portuguese dishes at reasonable prices. Find on Google Maps here.
Transportation Tips
Evora is compact and easily walkable, especially within the city walls. You can explore all the main sights on foot in a single day. To get to Evora, you can take a train or bus from Lisbon.
Lisbon to Evora by Train: Our Itinerary
Lisbon ↔ Evora Round Trip
Cost: €17 one round trip ticket.
Train Times: We departed Lisbon at 10 a.m. and returned to Lisbon the next day on the 11:35 a.m. train.
Booking Tips: I booked 5 days ahead because we wanted these specific times.
Where to Book: Comboios de Portugal (Portugal’s official rail site).
How Many Nights in Evora?
One night is enough to explore the main attractions within the city walls. However, if you’re planning to take day trips to explore more of the Alentejo region, consider adding at least another night to your stay.
Can you explore Evora without a car?
Yes, Evora is very walkable, especially within the city walls. The main attractions are within easy walking distance of each other. You can reach Evora by train or bus from Lisbon, making it convenient for those relying on public transportation.
What is the best time of year to visit Evora?
The best times to visit Evora are in the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. Summer can be quite hot, while winter offers a quieter experience with mild temperatures. We visited Evora in November, it was lovely.
How do I get to Evora from Lisbon?
You can take a train or bus from Lisbon to Evora.
One Night in Evora: Final Thoughts
Spending a night in Evora was a lovely experience. The city felt completely different from our time in Lisbon, Porto, and even other small towns we visited in Portugal. Whether you’re drawn to its historic charm, eager to explore its iconic landmarks, or simply looking for a peaceful and relaxing getaway, Evora has plenty to offer. I hope this guide helps you plan your visit and make the most of your time in this Portuguese city.
Links to Additional Resources
If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, check out these related blog posts for more travel inspiration and tips:
Two Weeks in Portugal: A Complete Itinerary
A detailed guide to exploring Portugal over 14 days, with tips for budget-friendly travel, must-see destinations, and public transportation advice.
A Night in Óbidos: Exploring Portugal’s Medieval Charm
Discover what to see and do in this enchanting walled town.
Two Nights in Sintra: Your Guide to Portugal’s Fairytale Town
Tips for visiting Sintra’s iconic palaces, with advice on making the most of a two-night stay.