Have you ever wondered about the hidden gems of Portugal? Well, after exploring Portugal’s most popular destinations of Lisbon and Sintra, we decided to head east to the quaint town of Evora. Now, Evora is a bit off the beaten path for the average traveler, but it’s full of curiosities such as stunning Roman ruins, the infamous Chapel of Bones, and a cathedral with a roof so lovely that you just have to see it for yourself.
Although Evora is on the smaller side, it really surprised us with its lovely parks, white-washed palaces, and delicious food. So in this travel guide, we’ll show you how to get to Evora from Lisbon, all the best things to see even if you just have one day in Evora, and why a day trip in Evora might be worth adding to your Portugal itinerary.
Want to see the beauty of Evora for yourself? Check out our Evora video below!
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How to Get From Lisbon to Evora
Evora’s close proximity, just 90 minutes east of Lisbon, makes it an ideal day trip destination from the Portuguese capital. Getting to Evora is a breeze, and you have multiple options at your disposal: bus, train, or car. The travel time by train and car is roughly the same, while the bus may take about 20 minutes longer.
Opting for the train is a popular choice, and it offers a smooth and hassle-free journey. Simply hop on the metro to Lisbon’s Sete Rios train station, where you can easily purchase roundtrip train tickets to Evora starting at just €22.50 euros.
Upon arriving at the Evora train station, you’ll be delighted to find that all the main attractions are conveniently within walking distance.
For those looking for a guided experience, consider joining a tour to explore Evora and its picturesque surroundings. Check out the fantastic tour options below to make the most of your visit!
The Best Things to Do in Evora Portugal
Although Evora is small with only 53,000 residents, it is packed with interesting things to see and do! We definitely couldn’t see it all, but below are our top picks on things you must do in Evora to make your trip an unforgettable one. These attractions can be easily done in one day, but should you have additional time and energy, I’ve included some additional attractions so you can experience even more.
1. Evora’s Public Park (Jardim Publico de Evora)
On your way into the city center, stop by Evora’s Public Park to see the beautiful gardens, and Dom Manuel’s Palace which is beautifully situated inside the park. There are also some “fake ruins” which are a combination of stones and windows from a variety of dilapidated historic buildings, put together in one cohesive structure that is lovely to see. If you are lucky, you will see some peacocks around the fake ruins adding even more life and beauty to the experience.
2. The Chapel of Bones
If you ever wondered what it would be like to have skeleton wallpaper, then look no further than the Chapel of Bones. This chilling chapel is filled with the bones of 5,000 monks, and its powerful message about mortality will really have you contemplating the meaning of life.
In the chapel, it is written, “Where are you going in such a hurry traveler? Recall how many have passed from this world, and reflect on your similar end.”
These poetic verses had a profound impact on us, prompting a profound sense of gratitude and mindfulness that carried us throughout the day. It served as a poignant reminder to cherish the present moment, for sooner or later, we all must face the inevitable embrace of mortality.
The Chapel of Bones also includes a nice museum, nativity scenes, and a gorgeous terrace that has a stunning viewpoint of the city. It was one of our favorite attractions in Evora and is a must-see when you go.
3. San Francisco Church (Igreja Sao Francisco)
Next door to the Chapel of Bones is Saint Francisco’s Church which has vibrant stained glass windows that paint the church with incredible colors. It is lovely to see the artwork and architecture in this 16th-century church and it’s worth a quick stop as you make your way to the center of the city.
4. Giraldo Square (Praca do Giraldo)
Giraldo Square is the main square in Evora as all roads lead to it. It has a picturesque church, a fountain, and a couple of cute cafes and restaurants that make it a great place to stop for a drink and enjoy the view.
Historically, this square was named after Geraldo Geraldes who liberated Evora from the Moors in 1167. From the square, you can also enjoy wandering through the winding alleys of the old town. The buildings here are painted with cheerful colors of white and yellow to repel away evil spirits and I can honestly say it is working. The vibe here is easygoing and friendly.
5. Cathedral of Evora
Another must-see is the Evora Cathedral. Built in 1250 this Romantic and Gothic style church is made completely out of granite with impressive artwork and domed ceilings. The best part though is climbing up to the terrace to see one of the most beautiful roofs that we’ve ever seen. On the roof, you will love seeing the domes and the spires up close and personal. The city view is not bad either.
6. Museum Frei Manuel do Cenáculo
Museum Frei Manuel do Cenáculo is a fascinating museum that’s full of history and art, with 2000-year-old artifacts from Roman times as well as Portuguese paintings. It’s a great place to visit if you want to dive deeper into the history of Evora.
7. The Roman Temple of Evora
Over 2000 years old, the Roman Temple is one of the most important landmarks in the city. Only a few columns remain, but those columns frame the city skyline behind it beautifully. There’s also a nice park in front of the temple giving this place a relaxed serene vibe.
8. Evora University (Colégio do Espírito Santo)
Another beautiful place in town is the Evora University. Founded in 1552, this historic university has a lovely campus to explore. The most lovely building on campus though is Colégio do Espírito Santo which is the most visited building on campus because of its cloister with dozens of arches and stunning blue tiles.
9. Saint Michael’s Palace (Paco de Sao Miguel)
Originally constructed by the Moors as a fortress, this historic palace stands as Evora’s oldest. After the city taken over by the first Portugeuse king, it underwent a remarkable transformation into a regal palace.
Throughout the ages, it served a variety of roles, at one point becoming the esteemed Palace of the Counts of Basto before gradually falling into disrepair.
Today, this magnificent palace is in the caring hands of the Almeida family, who restored it to its former glory with a touch of timeless elegance. Exploring its charming halls, you’ll be captivated by the classic decor and the mesmerizing frescoes that adorn its walls, providing a glimpse into the palace’s rich history.
10. Tabua do Naldo
For lunch, we highly recommend Tabua do Naldo for its flavorful food, friendly staff, and lively atmosphere. It’s located across the street from The Church of San Francisco and has a lovely patio where you can sit outside, enjoy your food, and take in the view at the same time.
The chef at Tabua do Naldo was also really helpful and friendly. He gave us great recommendations of what to try with our dietary restrictions. His suggestions were superb and we loved the food!
Optional Things to See in Evora
But Evora has even more to see if you have the time. Below are some optional things you can do to extend your visit and your fun in Evora.
11. Silver Water Aqueduct (Aqueduto da Água de Prata)
Just a 10 minute walk from city center, you can see the beautiful arches of the Silver Water Aqueduct. Completed in 1537, this granite aqueduct is a marvel of engineering that delivered much-needed water to the city of Evora. Marvel at its arches and towering pillars that stretch across the landscape, showcasing an impressive display of architectural ingenuity.
12. In Acqua Veritas Roman Baths
If you would like a unique spa experience while in Evora, then check out In Acqua Veritas. This Roman bath will transport you back in time and relax your aching sightseeing muscles in rejuvenating warm and cold water pools. They also offer soothing massages that will leave you in a state of pure bliss. However, advance reservations are recommended as spots are limited. If you are lucky enough to get a reservation, this spa experience might just be the highlight of your trip!
Where to Stay in Evora – The Best Evora Hotels
Although I believe that Evora makes a great day trip from Lisbon, if you would like to take a deep dive into the museums, spas, and the wine of the region then I would recommend staying a night or two in Evora. Below are some great hotel options for a two-night stay.
Is Evora Worth Visiting?
Definitely! Our day trip in Evora was filled with unique locations and vistas that we have not experienced anywhere else. It’s a one-of-a kind type of place and is well-worth the effort to go!
Now that you know about Evora, learn about these other great Portugal destinations below!
- 4-Day Lisbon Itinerary
- Sintra Day Trip Tips
- Coimbra
- Aveiro – The Venice of Portugal
- Braga Portugal
- Porto
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I fell in love with Portugal earlier this year and have been longing to return. I was only in Lisbon briefly, but when I do go back I will have to visit Evora as a daytrip. The architecture looks beautiful and The Chapel of Bones sounds profoundly fascinating. That quote you shared is…well, bone chilling!
Loved this informative post! We loved Evora but it has been a few years since we have been there, so it was great to relive those memories through your post and beautiful photos!! We love the digital nomad life too!!
The cathedral, chapel, and churches are really impressive!! The Chapel of Bones reminds me of the Paris catacombs. But what really caught my attention was the roman baths. Have you tried it?
No, we didn’t get a chance to try the baths ourselves. So, we definitely have a reason to return.