Évora: Portugal's secret jewel
A weekend adventure in the heart of Alentejo
7 min read
Tucked away in Portugal’s Alentejo region, Évora feels like a hidden gem. This enchanting town may not top every traveller’s list, but it’s a perfect weekend escape where history, culture and a touch of magic converge.
With narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, ancient temples and quaint cork shops, Évora is a living museum. Stunning views, centuries-old aqueducts and delicious local food make it ideal for wandering.
Now, let’s explore the wonders of Évora and how to make the most of your weekend getaway!
Day 1: explore the UNESCO heritage
Templo de Diana
The Temple of Diana is one of Portugal’s best-preserved Roman sites. Built in the 1st century CE in honour of Emperor Augustus, the temple features striking granite and marble columns in the Corinthian style. Its impressive ruins reveal the region’s ancient Roman past and have served various purposes, including as a medieval fortress and even a butcher shop. Today, the temple stands as a celebrated historical landmark, inviting visitors to explore its architecture and imagine life in ancient Roman times.
Cathedral of Évora
Facing the Temple, the Cathedral of Évora resembles a fortress with its numerous towers, but inside, it reveals a treasure trove of art, cloisters and orange trees. Among its highlights is a spiral staircase leading to the cathedral’s roof terrace, offering breathtaking views of Évora.
Chapel of bones
Entering a chapel and being greeted with the words “We bones, lying here, await yours” sounds unusual, but it’s the reality at the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones). This chapel, belonging to a Franciscan monastery, is lined with bones from over 5,000 skeletons exhumed from the city’s five cemeteries in the 16th century. Undoubtedly, it is a highlight of the city, though not for the faint-hearted.
And a lot more...
Be sure to visit the 16th-century Aqueduto da Água de Prata, an impressive 9-kilometre structure with arches weaving through the town, perfect for photos!
Then there’s the Museum Frei Manuel do Cenáculo, tucked away in the former Episcopal Palace. It’s packed with treasures – art, archaeology, ethnography – a real mix to feed any curious mind.
And for church enthusiasts, the Igreja de São João Evangelista is a must-see. Its interior features stunning blue tiles, or azulejos, creating a magical, uniquely Portuguese atmosphere.
Rua 5 de Outubro: where Évora shops, strolls and savors
Rua 5 de Outubro is Évora’s bustling shopping street, perfect for a casual wander to pick up unique local finds or just enjoy the lively atmosphere. Along this charming road, you’ll discover small shops with handmade crafts and delightful Alentejo souvenirs. Here’s a taste of what you’ll find:
Cork galore: Alentejo is cork country, so it’s no surprise you’ll see cork everywhere – bags, hats, coasters, you name it. The region’s cork oaks make it one of the world’s top producers!
Striking ceramics: Local artisans craft vibrant tiles, traditional cookware and decorative pieces that bring a touch of Alentejo to your home. Each item has a little bit of Évora’s spirit in its design.
Textiles to treasure: From handwoven rugs to delicate lace, the textiles here make for beautiful statement pieces. Look for table runners and tapestries, both classic and modern, in traditional Alentejo patterns.
Souvenirs with a local twist: Alongside postcards, you’ll find unique keepsakes like regional wines, cherry liqueur, olive oil and cork trinkets. Perfect for bringing a little bit of Évora back with you!
A quick overview of the Alentejo region
Alentejo, in southern Portugal, is famed for its bold, fruity red wines alongside crisp whites and rosés. Winemakers here blend old traditions with modern methods, creating world-renowned wines. Discover unique flavors in subregions like Évora and Portalegre, or tour local wineries to taste and explore the beautiful vineyards firsthand!
Try Alentejo cuisine
Évora is an excellent place to explore the unique and rich flavors of Alentejo cuisine. Here’s a quick breakdown of some dishes and local products you should definitely try:
- Porco preto: Black Iberian pork is one of the most celebrated ingredients in Alentejo cuisine and is featured heavily on menus across the region.
- Açorda: Traditional in Alentejo, açorda is a delicious bread soup you must taste!
- Migas: A delightful bread-based dish commonly found in Alentejo cuisine.
- Sopa de Cação: Sample this exceptional dogfish soup, a signature food in the region.
- Queijada de Évora: A mildly sweet cheese pastry that’s light and fluffy and goes great with a morning coffee or tea.
- Portuguese olive oils: Évora is home to award-winning olive oils! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to taste these exquisite liquid gold bottles.
Where to eat
At Taberna Típica, there’s no menu – just enjoy what’s served! Expect six courses featuring local ingredients and creative flavors, from cheeses and mushrooms to gizzards and more.
Here you get a small but exceptional menu with regional products and typical local delicacies. Also a large wine list and a cosy atmosphere.
The restaurant, which may seem unassuming at first glance, attracts diners with its authentic cuisine and great hosts. An all-round experience – and not just in culinary terms.
Taste Alentejo's finest at Cartuxa Winery
Wine lovers, rejoice! Évora is home to some of the Alentejo region’s best wineries, and Cartuxa Winery is a must-visit. Just a quick 5-minute drive (or a scenic 30-minute walk) from the city centre, this vineyard offers tastings that highlight the rich, full-bodied flavours typical of Alentejo wines. As you sip, you’ll also learn about the winemaking process and get to wander through the picturesque vineyards.
Grab a bottle or two of their exquisite wine to savour later – or bring home as a delicious souvenir of your trip. There’s something undeniably magical about tasting wine on the land where it’s grown and Cartuxa Winery will have you toasting to Évora long after you’ve left.
Day 2: the countryside
If you have the time, venture beyond Évora and soak up the Alentejo countryside. This region is dotted with historic villages and captivating landscapes, so a road trip is the way to go. Here’s a route full of charm, history and just the right touch of rural magic.
First stop: Monsaraz
Start with Monsaraz, a picture-perfect medieval village perched high on a hill. It offers sweeping views over the Alqueva Dam and endless vineyards. This fortified gem feels like a trip back in time, with its narrow, cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and a history dating back centuries. Explore the Church of Nossa Senhora do Lago, the Pelourinho (old pillory), the quaint town hall and the Sacred Art Museum in a former hospital. And don’t miss Casa Tial – a little shop brimming with authentic local crafts.
Next up: Corval – pottery paradise
From Monsaraz, it’s just a short drive to Corval, a tiny village famous across Portugal for its pottery. This is the pottery capital of Alentejo, so make sure to pop into a few workshops. Olaria Tavares is a favourite for its unique, handcrafted designs, and you might even catch the artisans at work. You’ll find vibrant ceramics in all shapes and sizes, perfect for a special souvenir.
A castle with a view in Marvão
Then head to Marvão, another hilltop village but with fewer crowds. This charming fortress town boasts a dramatic castle that seems to touch the clouds and the views from here are unforgettable. Wander the walls, take in the scenery, and enjoy the peace – this spot is a little off the main tourist path.
A quick stop: Montemor-o-Novo
On your way back to Évora, swing by Montemor-o-Novo. This village is steeped in history and has a lovely castle just above the old streets. It’s also an easy and rewarding pitstop if you’re on the road to Lisbon, blending ancient charm with a relaxed, friendly vibe.
Other useful tips for the perfect weekend in Évora
- Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) take the crown. These seasons offer that sweet spot of mild temperatures without the peak summer crowds, so you can explore this lovely Portuguese gem at your own pace. In spring, you’ll be treated to blooms and bursts of colour, while autumn offers that perfect sightseeing warmth. Summer can be scorching, so unless you’re a sun-worshipper, it might be best to avoid August’s high temperatures.
- Getting there: With Lisbon just about 1.5 hours away, getting to Évora is easy and scenic. Trains and buses offer a direct route to this historic hub, but if you want to meander through the Alentejo countryside, a car hire is the way to go – just think rolling olive groves and sleepy villages along the way! Once in Évora, a car isn’t needed – the city is delightfully walkable, with almost every charming sight within a short stroll. For the odd longer hop, local buses do the trick nicely.
- Local customs: They’re all about the good life at a slower pace. A friendly Bom dia (good morning) will go a long way and it’s common to see locals enjoying a leisurely coffee or pausing for an afternoon rest, especially in the warmer months. Respecting this relaxed rhythm – and keeping a respectful hush near historical and religious sites – is key to fitting in.
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