Free walking tours in Évora and what to see

Must-sees

Évora is the capital of the Alentejo and its historic centre, inside the walls, is a World Heritage Site. At the highest point stand the columns of the Roman temple, next to the cathedral, a solid Gothic building whose roof you can walk on, with views over the plain. Praça do Giraldo, with its arcades, is the centre of city life.

The Church of São Francisco holds the Chapel of Bones, with walls covered in human skulls and bones. It is worth wandering the white streets with yellow trim, the Água de Prata aqueduct, which threads between the houses, and the university, with its tiled cloisters. Nearby is the Almendres Cromlech, a megalithic site.

Free tours and guided visits

The Évora free walking tour covers the Roman temple, the cathedral and the streets of the old town, and explains the city's different eras, from the Romans to the Portuguese kings. The centre is compact and largely flat.

There are also private tours of the city and trips to nearby towns such as Montemor-o-Novo and its castle. The Alentejo wineries in the surroundings organise visits with tastings.

How long to spend

One day lets you see the essentials, but Évora deserves a night to enjoy it without the groups. With two or three days you can visit Monsaraz, Estremoz or the megalithic monuments. In summer temperatures are very high: it is best to visit in the morning and at dusk.

Where to stay

It is best to stay inside the walls: there are hotels in palaces and convents, and guesthouses on the white streets, with everything on foot. Outside the walls hotels are more modern and parking is easier. The surroundings have estates and country houses among cork oaks and vineyards, for a rural stay.