Nestled in the heart of southern Portugal, Évora stands as the cultural crown jewel of the Alentejo region and one of the country’s most treasured heritage cities. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Évora is often described as a “living museum,” where cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and ancient monuments tell tales of its storied past.
Having lived through the reigns of Romans, Visigoths, and Arabs, the city’s architecture reveals an extraordinary blend of influences that span centuries. Today, Évora captivates visitors with its timeless charm, from its stupendous religious sites and fascinating museums to picturesque plazas that emanate the spirit of Alentejo’s cultural essence.
If you want an easy Evora day trip from Lisbon that combines history and a delicious winery visit, then you have to read our detailed guide, packed with tips as well as tour recommendations.
Plan the perfect Evora day trip from Lisbon, Portugal
We were kindly hosted by LivingTours for this Lisbon–Évora day trip; however, all opinions and experiences shared are entirely our own.
Beyond its wealth of historical landmarks, Évora entices visitors with a vibrant culinary scene that proudly celebrates the heart and soul of Alentejo cuisine. From savoring flavorful Carne de Porco à Alentejana (Alentejo Pork) to indulging in the sweet delight of Pão de Rala (Évora’s signature sweet bread pastry), every dish reflects the region’s deep-rooted gastronomic traditions.
Complementing this culinary journey are Évora’s celebrated Alentejo wines, offering a true taste of Portugal’s centuries-old winemaking heritage and best enjoyed one glass at a time!
We joined an unforgettable day trip from Lisbon to Évora with Living Tours, a journey that unraveled the city’s enthralling history, medieval charm, and endearing cultural heritage.
Along the way, we explored bustling markets filled with artisanal crafts and traditional delicacies, and indulged in the thriving food traditions that define the Alentejo region. This itinerary serves as your ultimate guide to discovering the best of Évora in a single day from Lisbon, including the top attractions and experiences that make Alentejo a must-visit destination in Portugal.
How to get from Lisbon to Évora + Guided Tour
One-way drive from Lisbon to Évora covers about 84 miles (135 kilometers) and takes around 1.5 hours via the A2 and A6 motorways. It makes for a great road trip; however, if you want to relax and not worry about directions, or driving after a great meal/drinks, then consider booking a guided tour – that gives you the BEST of the Alentejo region.
Direct trains take around 1 hour and 50 minutes from Lisbon to Évora. You can also catch daily FlixBus or Rede Expressos buses from Oriente to Évora’s main bus terminal, with a travel time of under 2 hours.
We highly recommend using LivingTours for the Evora day tour, which includes comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, entrance to the Church of St. Francis and the Chapel of Bones in Évora, and wine tasting at a local winery in the Alentejo region.
This guided tour from Lisbon is a fantastic way to explore Évora and its surroundings without the hassle of planning an itinerary, booking public transport, or renting a car.
Read: Best day trips from Lisbon, Portugal
Evora in One Day: Top Attractions and Experiences in Évora
Évora is a treasure trove of historical sites and experiences that encompass ancient ruins, centuries-old churches, medieval monuments, and a vibrant urban landscape.
Wandering through its cobbled streets, we were completely enchanted by the city’s profound history and layers of culture that have shaped its distinctive charm. Below, you will find sightseeing recommendations for Évora (we made the following stops on a guided day tour).
1. Church of St. Francis (Igreja de São Francisco)
After arriving in Évora, our first stop was the magnificent Church of St. Francis (Igreja de São Francisco), an architectural gem built between 1475 and 1510 that beautifully blends Gothic and Manueline styles.
Designated a National Monument, this church stands as a symbol of Portugal’s deep religious devotion and its prominence during the Age of Discoveries. At the entrance, the Cross of the Order of Christ and the emblems of Kings D. João II and D. Manuel I serve as a reminder of its erstwhile royal legacy.
Inside, we were awe-struck by the grandeur of its single vaulted nave, baroque gilded altarpieces, and exquisite blue-and-white azulejo tiles portraying sacred biblical scenes, reflecting a true masterpiece of faith and artistry!
2. Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos)
The Church of St. Francis complex also houses the renowned Chapel of Bones ( Capela dos Ossos), one of Évora’s most intriguing and visited landmarks.
Constructed in the 16th century by Franciscan monks, this riveting chapel is adorned with the bones and skulls of over 5,000 monks, a poignant reflection of the impermanence of human existence.
One of the information boards at the Bone Chapel had the following written on it: “The more you pause, the more you will progress,” which is very profound and something so applicable in today’s world of hustle culture, where we forget to slow down and live in the moment.
You will find lots of thought-provoking lines on the info boards/exhibits, and can easily spend 30 minutes going through and pondering those.
Tickets are €5.00 per person, which includes entry to the museum. Our tour included this entry fee.
The Museum Center, situated above the Chapel of Bones, includes an entrancing collection of religious artifacts, sculptures, artworks, and historical treasures. We were particularly amazed by the vast assemblage of ancient sacred objects that reflected the social and religious life of Évora in centuries past.
The upper galleries of the Church of St. Francis host the enchanting Nativity Scene Collection, one of the standout exhibits in all of Alentejo. This unique space showcases hundreds of intricately crafted nativity scenes, created by artisans from around the world.
The collection not only preserves the Franciscan spirituality but also celebrates the spirit of Christmas.
The museum has a beautiful terrace from where you can soak in the views of the city centre – the one with white washed and yellow houses and orange rooftops!
3. Giraldo Square (Praça do Giraldo)
After exploring the Church of St. Francis, our guide led us to Giraldo Square (Praça do Giraldo), the lively heart of Évora since the 16th century. This elegant square perfectly embodies the city’s vibrant social fabric and historic charm.
At its center stands a striking baroque marble fountain with eight spouts, symbolizing the city’s historic streets, while the stately Church of Santo Antão (Igreja de Santo Antão) overlooks the square with quiet grace.
The ornate street lamps and coats of arms pay tribute to the valiant knight Geraldo Geraldes, who reclaimed Évora from the Moors in the 12th century. Today, surrounded by traditional restaurants, charming cafes, and quaint shops, Giraldo Square continues to be a favoured gathering place for locals and tourists.
4. Wander through Rua 5 de Outubro
Before making our way to the Évora Cathedral, we strolled down Rua 5 de Outubro, the city’s main shopping street, lined with boutiques showcasing vibrant ceramics, unique souvenirs, and beautifully crafted cork products.
As we wandered through Évora’s lively local markets, we were instantaneously drawn to shops and stalls selling handcrafted treasures and artisanal goods that perfectly epitomize the soul of the Alentejo.
Many of these local stores highlighted Portugal’s renowned cork craftsmanship, offering everything from fashion accessories to eco-friendly home decor. The aroma of local delicacies wafting from nearby eateries was an irresistible invitation for us to pause and indulge in authentic regional flavors.
We ended our market travels with a delicious lunch of Carne de Porco à Alentejana (Alentejo Pork), Bifana, and Queijada de Évora (Évora Cheesecake), at a cozy family-run eatery.
5. Évora Cathedral (Sé de Évora)
The Évora Cathedral (Sé de Évora), a magnificent Roman Catholic church and the seat of the Archdiocese of Évora, was constructed between 1186 and 1250 and stands as one of Portugal’s most important medieval monuments.
Recognized as part of Évora’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral embodies both historical grandeur and spiritual devotion.
Built in a striking blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, the cathedral’s granite façade rises with square and octagonal towers, giving it a fortress-like presence that commands the Évora skyline.
The exterior of the cathedral features a stone facade, a dome, and an elegant rose window, while the interiors are graced by soaring vaulted ceilings, finely carved stone columns, and chapels adorned with gilded altarpieces and exquisite religious sculptures.
The Gothic cloisters, with their serene courtyard and elegant arches, evoke a sense of timeless reverence. The cathedral terrace offers panoramic views of Évora’s white-washed and red-tiled houses, along with the encircling countryside.
The Religious Art Museum, an integral part of the religious complex, exhibits an exceptional collection of sacred paintings, intricate silverware, and ceremonial vestments from various bygone eras.
6. Roman Temple of Évora
Just a short distance from Évora Cathedral stands the iconic Roman Temple of Évora, one of the most photographed and admired landmarks in the Alentejo region.
Dating back to the 1st century AD, this ancient structure was built during the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula and remains one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Portugal.
Often referred to as the Temple of Diana, it was constructed during the reign of Emperor Augustus and serves as a striking example of classical Roman Corinthian architecture.
The temple ruins enclose 14 towering granite columns adorned with intricately carved capitals, offering a fascinating glimpse into Évora’s glorious past.
7. Jardim Público & Diana Garden
Right across the Roman ruins and Évora’s ancient city walls lies Jardim Público, the city’s serene 19th-century public garden — a peaceful pause between sightseeing stops.
Shaded paths wind through towering plane trees, elegant fountains, and romantic ruins, making it the perfect place to slow down, sip a coffee, or simply enjoy the gentle rhythm of Alentejo life.
Within the grounds, you’ll also find the Jardins de Diana (Diana Garden) — a charming corner of manicured greenery bordered by historic walls and open views. This tranquil garden space blends nature with history, offering benches tucked under olive trees and glimpses of Évora’s rooftops and monuments.
It’s a beautiful spot to unwind, journal, or soak in the soft golden light the region is so famous for.
The garden terrace welcomes you to a front row view of Evora’s charming atmosphere, with architectural fragments and stone-lined streets — a reminder that Alentejo moves at its own graceful, unhurried pace.
8. Church of Lóios (Igreja dos Lóios)
Near the ancient Roman Temple, you will also find the graceful 15th-century Church of Lóios (Igreja dos Lóios), which stands as one of Évora’s most exquisite architectural treasures.
Its striking Gothic-Manueline facade, adorned with intricate stone carvings, reflects the artistic brilliance of Portugal’s golden era. Inside the church, visitors are drawn to the magnificent interior, where an ornately gilded altar glows with eternal grandeur and stunning blue-and-white azulejo tiles depict scenes from the life of Saint Lawrence.
9. Head to a winery in Alentejo
Alentejo is one of Portugal’s most acclaimed wine regions, and a visit to Évora would be incomplete without experiencing its world-class wines firsthand.
This day trip with LivingTours featured a guided tour of a local estate coupled with a tasting at a renowned Alentejo Winery, taking us through the intricate process behind some of the region’s finest wines.
During our visit to a traditional quinta (wine estate), we delved into Alentejo’s rich winemaking heritage, uncovering stories of passion and craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Wines of Alentejo are very different from the Port wines of the Douro Valley – we found the former to be lighter and crisp, and aromatic (however, you can also opt for full-bodied red wines).
The local winery host took us around the vineyard, and showed us every stage of the winemaking process — from the selection of grape varieties and fertile soils to the art of harvesting, fermentation, aging, and bottling.
We had a great time sipping various wines from the winery and wandering through the vineyard. The host was kind to answer all of our curiosities, and we even helped ourselves with wine directly from the storage tank.
We also got to watch the full bottling and labeling process — rows of freshly filled wine bottles moving along the line, ready to be shipped to local shops (and even a few heading all the way to the LCBO in Canada — love that!).
It’s amazing how travel takes you to these places, and we are truly grateful to have experienced the wine heritage of the Alentejo!
Each moment spent learning about these time-honored traditions was truly rewarding, and of course, it ended up in another round of delightful tasting sessions with cheese and light charcuterie, where we savored the rich, full-bodied, and balanced flavors of Alentejo wines under the expert guidance of the connoisseur.
After a memorable day immersed in Alentejo’s scenic countryside and Évora’s captivating blend of history and culture, we made our way back to Lisbon in the evening.
Is a day trip to Evora from Lisbon worth it?
The time we spent in Evora was perfect to get a glimpse of what the city has to offer – we checked off landmarks, views, learned about its history from the guide, and also had ample time to sit down at a local tasca, go souvenir shopping, and wander through the lanes for photography!
The day tour was not rushed at all!
Without the day tour, we wouldn’t have been able to experience the winery visit, as it would have been impossible to do it all on the same day (with public transport, or sacrifice on the drinking if we were driving there ourselves). Not to forget the booking process/reservations for the winery – can get time-consuming!
So, 100% we do recommend a day trip to Evora from Lisbon to experience the city’s iconic spots. And maybe return later for a longer stay where you can spend 2-3 days enjoying slow travel, trying different gastronomy, and visiting more vineyards!
Our experience with LivingTours
Our experience with LivingTours was truly exceptional, marked by ease, comfort, and a timely departure from Lisbon.
Our knowledgeable and friendly guide kept the journey engaging, sharing fascinating insights into Portugal’s rich history while ensuring the itinerary was well-spaced, with ample free time to explore prominent landmarks at our own pace.
Traveling in a clean and comfortable vehicle made the entire day even more enjoyable, and we highly recommend LivingTours for anyone seeking memorable tours and authentic experiences across Portugal.
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