Escape the busyness of Lisbon and step back in time (with a glass of fantastic wine in hand!) in the lovely city of Évora.
Whether you've got a single day to spare or a full weekend craving history and delicious Alentejo flavors, Évora, the heart of Portugal's largest wine region, promises an unforgettable getaway.
I’ve been to Évora twice: once for Christmas back in 2010 and again in March 2024. I know from experience that Évora is the perfect distance from Lisbon for a day trip or weekend escape.
Option 1: Évora in a Flash - One-Day of Historical Highlights
Jumping on the Flixbus from Lisbon's Oriente station, the journey to Évora is super convenient clocking in at a comfortable one and a half hours.
Before you know it, you'll be ready to dive straight into the town’s history. If you book in advance, it’s possible to buy Flixbus tickets for as little as 15 EUR round trip.
Morning - Stepping Back in Time
Head directly into the heart of the city to marvel at the impressive Roman ruins and the first-century Templo Romana de Évora.
Seeing these ancient stones standing so proudly in the middle of this Portuguese city is a sight to behold. As you wander, take a moment to appreciate the charming cobbled streets covered in calçadas portuguesas (Portuguese mosaic sidewalks) underfoot.
Midday - Iconic Landmarks
Next up, a visit to the majestic Cathedral de Évora is a must. If you're feeling adventurous (and I highly recommend it!), climb the tower for amazing panoramic views over Évora and the rolling Alentejo countryside.
Afterwards, embark on a truly unique experience at the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones). Built in the first half of the 17th century, it's the oldest of its kind in Portugal and most definitely memorable!
We visited the Chapel of Bones on our first trip to Évora in 2010 and had to do a reprise in 2024.
Lunch with Local Flavors
For a quick and tasty bite, find a local páteo or café. Order a queijada at Cafe Arcada for a sweet taste of Alentejo.
Afternoon - A Taste of Évora
Take a leisurely stroll through the town, admiring the atmospheric porticos. Stop for a quick coffee at whatever local cafe catches your eye to soak in the old-fashioned feel of the city.
Keep an eye out for details like the prevalence of yellow trim on buildings, which, according to Rick Steves, was believed to ward off evil spirits.
Return to Lisbon
When it's time to catch the bus back to Lisbon, make sure to allow time to get to the station. It’s about a 15-20 minute walk from the center of town.
Is a Day Trip to Évora Enough?
While a day trip offers a fantastic glimpse into Évora's historical highlights, a longer stay definitely allows for a deeper dive. But if time is tight, a day in Évora is still absolutely worth it!
Option 2: Immerse Yourself - A Two-Day Historical & Wine Adventure in Évora
Got more time? Excellent! A two-day adventure lets you savor Évora's history and indulge in its renowned wine culture.
We personally appreciated the opportunity to visit for a more leisurely weekend and see the town lit up at night while there are fewer people around.
Day 1: History and Heritage
Our weekend journey begins just like our day trip, with that comfortable bus ride from Lisbon, arriving on the outskirts of Évora, near a local cemetery featuring beautiful jazigos (little family tombs).
As you walk into town with your backpack, admiring the cobbled streets, you'll immediately feel the charm of this ancient city. Enter through the town wall, adding to the sense of history.
A Delightful Discovery
One of my first discoveries was Padaria Arte Antiga. I was delighted to see that the counter was designed to look like a replica of a small one-story local home, complete with a beautiful door!
As someone who enjoys door photography, this was a real highlight! And the homemade baked goods looked delicious too.
Exploring Évora's Historic Heart
Spend more time exploring the magnificent Roman ruins and the first-century Templo Romana de Évora.
Ascending the Cathedral
Take your time visiting the Cathedral de Évora and definitely make the climb up the tower for those rewarding panoramic views.
Lunch with Alentejo Flavors
For lunch, I had a lovely time at Páteo. Even in March, I was able to eat outside. I enjoyed a dish of shrimp and even though the heads were still attached (messy and not my favorite) it was still delicious. A chickpea salad accompanied by a glass of refreshing white wine rounded out the meal.
The Chilling Beauty of Capela dos Ossos
Dedicate ample time to the Chapel of Bones. It's the oldest bone church in Portugal, built in the first half of the 17th century, and it's believed the bones used in its construction came from the burials connected to the convent. It’s a truly thought-provoking place.
Evening Indulgence
For a slightly more upscale dinner, we went to Cavalriça Évora, conveniently located very close to our hotel. I appreciated the modern patterns and textures in the décor.
While the food was absolutely delicious, it was a little too quiet for our taste and I suspect that the restaurant is way more popular in the summer during the high tourist season.
A Historical Stay
For a truly immersive experience, I highly recommend staying at Pousada Convento Évora. We paid less than 200 EUR for our one night stay including breakfast.
This pousada (run by the Pestana chain, which I'm quite fond of in Portugal) is the old Monastery of St. John the Evangelist or Lóios, founded way back in 1485 and classified as a National Monument since 1922.
The rooms are the old cells of the "Cónegos Regrantes" (monks), all unique and the same size as they were originally!
In the evening, I enjoyed a drink at the bar so we could steep a little bit in the history of this beautiful convent.
Day 2: Wine and Countryside
A Morning of Wine Education
After a lovely breakfast at the pousada, we headed to the visitor center for Rota dos Vinhos do Alentejo. It was fascinating to learn about Alentejo, the largest wine-producing region in Portugal. Évora is right at its heart.
We briefly explored the exhibits, checking out the wine displays and even the scent stations where you could experience the aromas of local wines.
Journey to the Vineyards
Next, it was time for some wine tasting! Our appointment was at Fitapreta vineyard, about a 15-minute drive from the center of Évora.
We walked to the ring road near the edge of town and took a Bolt (rideshare) to the winery for less than 10 EUR each way. The entrance was a little challenging to find, and our driver even had to call the vineyard for directions.
Once we’d been dropped off, we learned that the tasting room was about a kilometer to a kilometer and a half from the front gate, making us a bit late. We walked at double speed in the rain to reach a beautiful building covered in Ivy and made from historic stones.
Vineyard Experience
Despite the rush, arriving at Fitapreta was worth it! I loved seeing the flock of black sheep and little black lambs walking amongst the vines – such an endearing sight!.
Our Alentejo Wine Tasting
The guided tour of the vineyard culminated in a delightful wine tasting of five different wines, served with a platter of cheeses and crackers (45 EUR per person).
It was a fantastic opportunity to sample some local wines and pick up a bottle to take home with us. We would have taken more had we not been traveling with just backpacks on our short visit from Lisbon to Évora.
Return to Évora and Departure
After the tasting, the winery staff kindly helped us call a taxi back to town. They picked us up at the tasting room so we didn't have to repeat our long walk to the main gate. Once we arrived back in Évora's town center, we walked to the bus station to catch our Flixbus back to Lisbon.
Tips for Your Évora Escape (Regardless of Duration)
Best Time to Visit: While we visited in March and had a lovely time, consider the warmer months for potentially more vibrant outdoor experiences. Of course, as you approach Spring and Summer, the number of tourists increases accordingly. We’ve also visited Lisbon for Christmas and a day trip to Évora at this time of year is also worth doing.
Getting Around: The city center of Évora is very walkable. For reaching vineyards like Fitapreta, Uber or Bolt is a convenient option.
Accommodation: For a unique and historical stay, definitely consider booking a night or two at a pousada like Convento Évora.
Wine Tasting: If wine tasting is a priority, it's a good idea to book vineyard tours and tastings in advance, especially during peak season.
Food and Drink: Be sure to try the local Alentejo cuisine (e.g., porco preto), but beware, Alentejo portions can be huge. Consider ordering a meia dose (half portion) or sharing one dish between two people.
Your Perfect Historical & Wine Escape Awaits in Évora
Whether you choose a whirlwind day trip or an immersive two-day adventure, Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a perfect escape from Lisbon.
With its rich history, stunning architecture, and exceptional, well-priced Alentejo wines, it's a destination that truly has something for everyone. I definitely recommend adding a historic and wine-focused escape to Évora to your Portugal vacation itinerary.
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