A visit to Évora is always a great idea, as this beautiful town in the Alentejo region has many activities and things to do. Moreover, Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its history, architecture and culture. That’s why we’ve collected the seven best things to do in Évora, so that your trip will be unforgettable.
1. Visit the Roman Temple of Évora
If you’re wondering what to do in Évora, the Roman Temple is one of the city’s most iconic sights and a perfect place to start your journey. Built in the 1st century AD, the temple stands in the historical centre and is often referred to as the Temple of Diana.
Right across from it, you’ll find the beautiful Diana Garden, where you can take a break and enjoy views over the city.
2. Climb the Cathedral of Évora for the Best View
Apart from the Roman Temple, Évora also has another historical highlight: The Cathedral of Évora. It was built in 1283 and is the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal. Besides that, the cathedral’s interior invites you to explore its impressive Gothic cloister, where you can wander through quiet corridors.
Furthermore, we recommend climbing to the rooftop for an incredible panoramic view over the city. The best time to go is in the late afternoon, just before sunset, when the golden light bathes the Alentejo landscape in a warm, romantic glow.
Keep in mind that visiting the Cathedral requires a small entry fee. However, it’s one of the most memorable things to do in Évora, especially if you enjoy panoramic views and historical architecture.
3. Discover Small Local Shops in Évora’s Historic Center
One of the more relaxing and authentic things to see in Évora is to explore the small and colourful streets of the old town. Here, many local shops invite you in to explore handmade products from the region. You can find a great selection of the best shops to visit in one of our latest articles about shopping in Évora.
4. Visit the Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos)
This 16th-century chapel is one of Évora’s most unusual attractions. Decorated with human bones and skulls, the Capela dos Ossos was created by Franciscan monks to remind visitors of the fragility of life.
If you visit the chapel (small entry fee), don’t miss out the message above the entrance: “Nós ossos que aqui estamos, pelos vossos esperamos,” or: “We bones, are here, waiting for yours.”.
5. Try Local Food at the Best Restaurants in Évora
Among the top things to do in Évora is tasting the local cuisine at some of the region’s best restaurants. Especially, it’s a great place to eat and you will be surprised how much quality you get for the prices you pay. If you are not sure where to eat in Évora, we’ve collected five of the best restaurants in Évora for you. They are all worth a visit!
6. Explore the Historic Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval
Next to the Roman Temple of Évora, you will find the Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval. In the past, the Palace was a temporary residence of the monarchs Dom João II, Dom João IV and Dom João V. Nowadays, it still belongs the Dukes of Cadaval, but parts are open to the public. Besides that, the palace regularly hosts art exhibitions or cultural events for visitors. Please note that there is an entry fee to visit the palace.
7. See the Almendres Cromlech – the Portuguese Stoneheng
The Almendres Cromlech is just a 25-minute drive from Évora and one of the biggest and most important megalithic monuments in the world. With it’s estimated existence from the end of the 6th and the 3rd millennium BC, this cromlech is even older than the famous Stonehenge. It’s a great way to go back in time and discover the magical atmosphere of this place.
Keep in mind that you need a car to visit this place outside of Évora. However, it’s one of the most unique things to see near Évora.
There Are So Many Things to Do in Évora
These seven highlights are just a small selection of the many amazing things to do in Évora. Even if we visited and discovered the whole city on our own, we can recommend you to take a guided tour with a local in order to get a quick overview of Évora. Especially if you’re only visiting Évora for a day, having a local guide from the Alentejo can take the stress out of planning and help you make the most of your time.
You can book one of these private tours of 2:30h (including tickets to the main monuments) under this link*. For an even more complete experience, some tours include a stop at the Almendres Cromlech as well.
How to Get from Lisbon to Évora
If you’re based in Lisbon without a car, you don’t have to worry. There are daily train connections from Lisbon to Évora and the other way around. The drive will take less than 1:30h and gives you the ultimate chance to make Évora a perfect day trip destination.
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