Best Things to Do in Evora Portugal in One Day

24/09/2015 Indrani Ghose
47 Comments
Europe, UNESCO World Heritage Site

From Elvas we started off for Evora, another UNESCO World Heritage site of Portugal. We had chalked out a good list of things to do in Evora Portugal in one day. Turned out that, though we did have a good experience we surely won’t recommend just one day for Evora sightseeing.

Evora is worth visiting and including in your itinerary if you plan a leisure trip through the different towns of Portugal. The cost of accommodation, food, and attractions are relatively affordable compared to other cities of Portugal.

The distance of 88 km, from Elvas to Evora, didn’t take even an hour. We hoped to make it to the cathedrals before they closed, but after finally hunting down the hotel and a decent parking it was past 5 in the evening. Sunset for the day was at 9 PM; with 4 hours of daylight hours to kill we loitered around leisurely through the streets exploring the Evora  tourist attractions. But first, here is a view of the road connecting Elvas and Evora. Imagine the thrill we had to drive through this road!!!

Road to Evora from Elvas Portugal

Self Guided Walking Tour of Evora

Self planned and self guided itineraries of new travel destinations have its advantages and disadvantages. While planning a night halt in Evora we had our doubts about whether Evora is a safe town. Brief research didn’t show up anything alarming and our stay there for two nights proved to be a very enjoyable one.

Evora, the name sounded so sweet, it rhymed with Ellora in Maharashtra India. I wondered what the word Evora would mean. In a casual conversation with the receptionist of the hotel we were staying I came to know that Evora is a girl’s name of Portuguese origin meaning yew tree. Interesting, isn’t it?!

The streets we walked through seemed so similar to those in Elvas, only they were more populated and had more cafes. The walls were painted yellow in the lower part and the up and down sloping cobbled streets were neat and clean. Our hotel, Evora Inn Chiado Design hotel, was located on the Giraldo Square, the main square of Evora.

Things to do in Evora Portugal

Walking Tour – Things to do in Evora Portugal We had our heart fill taking walks along the small alleyways in this picturesque place discovering cute coffee shops, boutique stores, and mingle with locals!

Best Things to Do in Evora

Evora Town in Portugal was originally founded by the Romans. Much of that classic Roman touch has worn off as the Moors fortified the town. It flourished during the 15th C. This varied rule has provided Evora with a variety of interesting tourist attractions and historical monuments. Here is list of things to do and see in Evora if you are there just for a day or two.

Praca Do Giraldo – a place you cannot miss even by mistake in the old town of Evora. We enjoyed frequent halts here watching the fountain, the picturesque plaza, medieval arches, a church and of course people watching. It is a major Evora attraction.

Santo Antao on Praca Do Giraldo square Evora

Roman Temple of Évora – You can’t miss this famous landmark of vora Portugal – The Roman Temple! Standing tall since 1st century BC, this is slowly crumbling away, yet it is impressive with the 14 columns that has withstood the test of time. Years later I spotted such columns of Roman era in Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh.

Things to do in Evora Portugal

Roman Temple

Chapel of Bones – For the brave ones, here is a unique chapel made with stacked up with human bones and skulls. The 5,000 skeletons that were sourced from the city’s graves were used for this construction. The message that Franciscan monks wanted to convey through such an unique construction was: The bones of dead humans morbidly remind visitors that they will die despite any technological advancement in the health industry or their social, political status. 

See more here: Chapel of Bones

Evora Things to do and see – Chapel of Bones in Evora

Cathedral of Evora – The most important monument of Evora is its Cathedral located in the highest point of the town. Noteworthy to see here is the muscular Jesus which is made of wood and the pregnant Virgin Mary. See more and pictures here: The Cathedral of Évora

Statue of Dr. Barahona, in Evora – Cuba 1843 – 1905, a Portuguese land owner and philanthropist. Catch a glimpse of his bronze statue in the Garden of Diana. The female allegorical figure represents the city of Evora.

Statue of Dr. Barahona – Evora Things to See

Walk alongside the Agua da Prata – If time permits, take a walk along this historic 15th C aqueduct, popularly known by the name Silver Water aqueduct. We walked just a fraction of this 18 km length of the wall. It is a Evora must see. My travel blog here: Evora Aqueduct, an Engineering Marvel

Evora Markets – Explore Évora’s lively markets. We strolled into a vegetable/fruit market where we found them to be cheap compared to other cities in the neighboring country Spain. Colorful handicraft stores, jewelry workshops and family-run cafés too were interesting.

Evora Museum – Once this building was the residence of bishops and noblemen, today it houses a collection of regional treasures. Very spacious, light, and airy it is worth the effort and time mulling over the displays. The archaeology section contains the engraved slate plates, ceramic dishes, beads and other treasures dating through Bronze and Iron Ages to the Roman era. This is located in front of the cathedral, Largo Conde Vila Flor, Évora.

Things to Do in Evora

View of Evora Town

Things to See around Evora

I wish I had planned another day for Evora as there are interesting things to see around Evora. Though I had made notes on this and intended to see it, I had to give it miss due to lack of time.

Drive out of Evora old town, about 15 km west of Évora to see the famed megalithic Cromeleque dos Almendres (Cromlech of Almendres). There is so much of mystery around it; the oval space is studded with 95 lichen-encrusted granite stones that date back to between 4000 and 2000 BC. It is believed to be a temple dedicated to a solar cult of Neolithic era!

Location and How to Reach Evora

Evora is located in south-central Portugal. It is a hidden gem of the Alentejo region which many choose to skip. But those who make it there can’t get enough of the picturesque town’s vast plains criss-crossed by charming streets. It takes an hour and a half by road to Lisbon.

Evora is well connected to other cities by road and rail.

By Car: We hired a car and self drove to the town of Evora. The tolls along the way are electronic, hence not much of a hassle. That permitted us to leisurely explore the region and halt along the way. We did have to search around a bit for parking. But our hotel guys were super helpful to suggest the right area for parking around the historic centre.

By Bus: The second most convenient way to get to Evora is by bus from Lisbon. The buses depart from Lisboa Sete Rios station. The bus ride takes about an hour and 45 mins. You can purchase the ticket online, with validity up to 30 days.

By Train: If you love train journeys then this is for you. You can book your tickets online with validity up to 60 days.

Streets of Evora

Facades in Old Town of Evora

When to visit Evora Portugal 

Evora can be visited yearlong as it adorns a different grab during the different seasons each time beautiful and pleasant. In early spring as the temperatures are mild, and the plains are full of beautiful flowers. During fall and winter there is slight chance of rain which makes the air chill.

Temperatures are high during summers, go slow and better plan the sightseeing early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Needless to say bring a hat, put on sunscreen, and stay hydrated.

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