What to Do in Évora: The Heart of Alentejo in Portugal
- e-Vai Por Mim 🌍 Clau Parra
- Jul 12
- 7 min read
Évora, the Jewel of the Alentejo
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, this open-air museum-city enchants visitors with its medieval alleyways, Roman monuments, and a unique atmosphere where time seems to have stopped. For history lovers, Évora is like a Portuguese history book — literally under the open sky. And here, I’ll help you plan your visit and explore what to do in Évora.
What to do in Évora: Top Attractions
Évora pulses to the rhythm of its central square: the iconic Praça do Giraldo. This is where life unfolds — surrounded by historic cafés, inviting terraces, and charming local shops that beckon you to wander through each one. At one end stands the imposing Church of Santo Antão, with its understated beauty and centuries-old stories. The central marble fountain, dating back to the 16th century, completes the scene and invites you to pause, observe, and simply experience Évora. Ahhhh… how beautiful she is!
Chapel of Bones and Church of São Francisco
We left Beja heading towards Évora, and as soon as we arrived in the city, we went straight to the enigmatic Chapel of Bones, which is attached to the Church of São Francisco. We were driven by curiosity and by the intense descriptions I had read before the trip.
But the truth is, rain was in the forecast for the next day, so we decided to visit the main attractions as soon as we got to the city.
The visit to the Chapel of Bones is part of a museum complex located within the Church of São Francisco, one of Évora’s most iconic buildings. Entry is through a single ticket, which gives you access not only to the Chapel of Bones but also to several other cultural spaces that are part of the circuit: the Chapter Room and Nativity Scene of Évora, the Museum of Sacred Art, the Royal Tribune Room, the Multimedia Room, the Galilee Terrace, and the stunning Canha da Silva Nativity Scene Collection.
Tickets cost €6 for adults, €4 for youth up to 25 years old, seniors over 65, people with disabilities, and their companions. There’s also a family option for €15 (2 adults + youth), and free admission for children under 12. A complete and well-organized experience.
We started with the chapel, and it truly leaves an impression — for its history, its unique atmosphere, and above all, the message that echoes from the walls lined with bones.Yes... bones and more bones. Natural light filters in through three small side openings, creating a dark, silent, and deeply contemplative environment.
Right at the entrance, the phrase:
“We bones that are here, wait for yours.”
And it's in this somber and reflective atmosphere that the visit begins.However, I must admit — I was expecting more emotion.Maybe the anticipation built by everything I had read beforehand raised my expectations a bit too high… lol.The experience was definitely interesting, but the content I saw before going seemed much more generous than what I actually found in person (and not that many colors either… haha).
It is one of the most impressive and symbolic places in Portugal. Built in the 17th century by three Franciscan friars, it was conceived as an invitation to reflect on the transience of human life.
The chapel’s walls and columns are covered with nearly five thousand skeletons — a mix of bones and skulls — taken from former monastic cemeteries that, in the 16th century, occupied too much space in the city.
As a solution, the monks removed the bones from the ground and used them to build and “decorate” the chapel. It’s a truly impactful place — one that leaves a lasting impression on those who visit. It’s definitely worth the visit and the experience!
Continuing through the convent complex, we reached the Museum Nucleus, featuring works from 2014–2015, located in what used to be the friars’ old dormitory.
The Canha da Silva Nativity Scene Collection includes two galleries filled with miniature nativity scenes — both national and international — created by numerous artisans, with varied compositions and different materials.
It’s truly beautiful and fascinating.And yes, there was even one from Brazil, made with corn husks, just like the photo below.
After visiting the complex, we continued exploring Évora on foot, wandering through the cobbled streets of the historic center.
Templo Romano de Évora e Sé Catedral
Our next stop was the famous Roman Temple of Évora, one of the city’s — and Portugal’s — most iconic monuments. Although it’s often called the “Temple of Diana,” there’s no evidence it was dedicated to that goddess.
Built in the 1st century AD, the temple impresses with its well-preserved Corinthian columns, which remain strong despite nearly two thousand years of history.
Surrounded by a small garden and with the Évora Cathedral just behind, the place is perfect for photos and enjoying a coffee in the garden.
Tip: if possible, visit the temple at night — when it’s beautifully illuminated, it’s simply amazing. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance.
The Évora Cathedral stands out with its mix of Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque styles. It’s the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal! Wowwwwww!
We climbed up to the terrace and were rewarded with an incredible panoramic view of the city and the Alentejo plains. Definitely worth it!
Where to Stay in Évora: Our Experience at Quinta da Amendoeira
During our visit to Évora, we chose accommodation with a rural, cozy, and super charming atmosphere: Quinta da Amendoeira. A true gem!
The place offers a modern farmhouse vibe, surrounded by nature, with excellent facilities for those who want to relax while still enjoying independence during their stay.
They are pet-friendly — we didn’t bring Zoe this time, but we loved knowing she would be warmly welcomed on a future visit. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped, with a minibar, electric stove, pots, plates, and utensils — all neatly arranged, perfect for those who want to prepare their own meals and save on dining out.
When we stayed, the property’s restaurant was closed for renovations, so we went out to dinner in town. But we heard that the local cuisine there is quite interesting, featuring typical regional dishes and a carefully selected wine list that highlights Alentejo labels. We definitely want to return to fully experience it.
Useful Information for Visiting Évora
Best Time to Visit:
Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September and October) are ideal. The weather is pleasant, with sunny days and milder temperatures — perfect for walking around the historic center without the intense heat of the Alentejo summer.
How to Get There:
Évora is about a 1.5-hour drive from Lisbon, with easy access via the A6 motorway. It’s also possible to reach by train or bus, but renting a car can be a good choice if you want to explore the region more freely.
From Portimão to Évora, it’s approximately 230 km, and the car trip takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and the route chosen. The most common route is via the A2, then the A6, with roads in excellent condition (tolls along the way).
It’s a calm and comfortable trip, ideal for those coming from the Algarve and wanting to explore Alentejo with ease.
Parking:
The historic center has restricted access zones, so it’s best to leave your car in one of the nearby public parking lots, such as Parque da Rua da República or Parque Rossio de São Brás.
Clothing and Footwear:
Wear light clothing (especially in summer) and comfortable shoes, as Évora has many cobbled streets and hills. A hat and sunscreen are also great allies!
Ideal Visit Duration:
To fully explore the main tourist attractions at a relaxed pace, we recommend at least 2 full days. You’ll have time to visit the monuments, stroll through the historic center, enjoy the local cuisine, and even include a winery visit or a trip to the surrounding areas.
Fun Fact:
Évora has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 — a well-deserved title for its rich historical, architectural, and cultural heritage.
Ending the day in Évora is like closing a chapter of a history book — full of art, architecture, flavors, and memories that linger in your mind. The city surprises not only with its monuments but also with the atmosphere and the calm pace of an inland town.
After a good night’s rest at Quinta da Amendoeira, we continued our journey toward one of the most magical places in all of Alentejo: the medieval village of Monsaraz. But that… is a story for the next chapter!
Shall we go together?
Warm regards and until next time. (¬‿¬)Clau Parra
Hi! I’m Clau, Rafa’s mom. I’m a tourism specialist, marketer, and passionate about discovering the world in all its forms. Traveling is about getting lost out there—and it’s the best way to find yourself. I’ve been to four continents and, in every corner, I’ve brought back a new way of seeing life.
Here, I want to inspire you with these stories, share honest tips, behind-the-scenes of my trips, and reflections from someone who lives tourism as both a profession and a way of life.
If you love traveling with purpose and believe every destination has something special to teach, come along with me on this journey!
Did you like our itinerary for Évora? Save this post for your next trip, leave a comment with your questions or experiences there — and share it with anyone who loves exploring Portugal too! 🇵🇹
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