What to do in Évora, Portugal?

Évora is a famous and unmissable city in Portugal for its precious cultural heritage classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The weather in Évora is mild all year round. The months of July and August can be particularly hot. Mid-season is therefore rather recommended to take full advantage of walks in the historic centre.
This fortified city is located in the Alentejo region, 1h40min from Lisbon and 1h30min from the Comporta.

How to get to Évora, Portugal?

It is very easy to get to this Alentejo city, whose geographical position makes it easy to access. You can get there by car, by bus (1h50) and by train (1h50) from Lisbon.
From Comporta it will take about 1h30 drive. It is therefore very easy to spend the day there.

What to do in Evora, Portugal?

Start your visit in the centre of Evora, in the Giraldo square. From this square, you can walk to all the interesting tourist points:

Royal Church of San Francisco

The Church of San Francisco is deeply linked to the history of Portugal, specifically to the events that marked the period of maritime expansion. It is also here that the first great Portuguese playwright, Gil Vicente (1536), is buried.

Chapel of the Bones

The Chapel of the Bones is one of the best known monuments of Évora. It is part of the church of San Francisco. It was built in the 17th century on the initiative of three Franciscan friars whose aim was to transmit the message of the transience and fragility of human life. This message is clearly conveyed to visitors at the entrance with the warning: «Our bones that are here, for your bones we wait». The walls of the Chapel of Bones and the eight pillars that make up the Chapel are covered with human bones and skulls. The vaults are made of white plastered brick and painted with motifs that symbolize or allude to death. It is estimated that there are about 5000 human skulls from the tombs of the convent church and other churches and cemeteries in the city.

Évora Cathedral

Founded in 1186, the Cathedral of Évora, dedicated to Saint Mary, is the largest medieval cathedral in the country and an incomparable example of Romano-Gothic architecture.
Its architectural features and details give it its unique side, with numerous statues, sculptures and chapels.
The terrace of the cathedral is the highest point in the city, with an exceptional panoramic view.

University of Évora – Colégio do Espirito Santo

The University of Évora, also known as the Colégio do Espírito Santo, is a splendid architectural building. It is the second oldest university in Portugal. You will find different rooms decorated with azulejos, each composition tells the history of the city. The auditorium and the library are a must. The patio is composed of amazing arcades. Ornaments and statues are present everywhere in the building and underline its importance.

Where to stay?

Espirito de Comporta

At 1h from Lisbon, Espirito da Comporta offers rentals of typical Comporta huts and villas. Located in front of the rice fields and close to the beaches, it is the ideal place to spend holidays with family or friends. The architecture of the houses follows the codes of the fishermen’s huts of the region and the decoration is simple and warm. The rooms are pleasant, bathed in sunshine and open to the surrounding nature. The swimming pools overlook the wild meadows of Comporta. The services and attentions of the hosts will finish to make your stay unforgettable. Discover here our holiday rentals in Comporta.

The best restaurants of Évora, Portugal

Botequim da Mouraria

A nice Portuguese guy behind his bar and a real cook with a real stove are waiting for you here.
Delicate Portuguese Pata Negra, lemony sea almonds, wild asparagus omelette, delicious lamb chops and an assortment of homemade desserts. Here is a selection of the delicious dishes you will find here. All this is accompanied by quality Portuguese wines. Attention limited access 8 place settings!

Rua da Mouraria 16A, Évora

Taberna Tipica Quarta Feira

You will find real family cuisine in the small restaurant of João Diaz which welcomes you by name and in your own language. The tables are covered with various gourmet dishes with incomparable flavours and the wine is divine, a true moment of happiness!

Rua do Inverno 18, Évora

Terceiro Tempo

A very friendly welcome in Portuguese and English in this charming restaurant which offers a menu of dishes to share. All the products are fresh and local and the wines are carefully selected. A very nice moment in an intimate and modern setting with a revisited local cuisine.

Rua de Serpa Pinto 34, Évora