The seat of Portuguese kings during the 15th century, beautiful Évora brims with dazzling heritage architecture. One and a half hours from Lisbon and part of the striking Alentejo region, the city has long been popular with culture aficionados and history buffs. Traces of ancient civilisations, including the Celts, Romans, Visigoths, and Moors, can all be seen throughout the city — including at some of the best places to stay in Évora. This really is a magical place for a romantic weekend or an arts-focused escape!
Begin your explorations at the picturesque Praça do Giraldo, Évora's main square. Tour the remains of a Roman temple, baths — now housed in the Town Hall — and ancient walls which curve around impressive Gothic churches and Baroque palaces. The haunting Bone Chapel, constructed in the 17th century from the remains of over five thousand people, is a powerful sight — as is the Almendres Megalithic Complex, a stone circle set nine kilometres beyond the city. The Museu de Évora, with its vast collection of centuries-old artwork, is a must-see.
Évora’s 16th-century aqueduct, an architectural marvel completed in the 1530s and extending for eight kilometres into the charming neighborhood of Rua do Cano, is another stand-out. Explore key landmarks on foot with an expert guide, or hire bicycles to zip around the city at your own pace. Pause in pretty cafés to savour Alentejan cuisine, and attend fabulous events and exhibitions in the evenings — many curated by the city’s lively student population. Some of the best places to stay in Évora are within the old town, though we also have a few favourites in the surrounding countryside, perfect for those dreaming of a laid-back escape after days of discovery.