Évora: Day Trips and Tours from Lisbon

East of Lisbon lies one of Portugal’s most beloved destinations. Évora is a medieval city where culture and history collide in a perfectly preserved living museum. The city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its immense historic value, and it makes for the perfect day trip from Lisbon.

Not only is it overflowing with amazing historic attractions, but the Alentejo region is also overflowing with wine. A day trip to Évora from Lisbon gives you the chance to invigorate all your senses as you get a well-rounded taste of Portugal.

Here's all you need to know about Évora, one of the most exciting day trips from Lisbon.

How do I get to Évora from Lisbon?

Évora is about 1.5 hours east of Lisbon, in the heart of south-central Portugal.

From Lisbon to Évora by car

The drive between Lisbon and Évora is fairly simple and you will cover only 130 kilometers. Take the A2 out of Lisbon heading southeast for about 50 km. Just after you cross over into the Évora District you will merge onto the A6. After another 50 km, you will veer onto the N114 that takes you into the city.

From Lisbon to Évora by public transport

Public transport in Portugal is affordable and reliable. You can catch one of several direct buses between Lisbon and Évora, departing from Gare Oriente. There are also four trains per day departing from Entrecampos in Lisbon.

Guided tour to Évora from Lisbon

A guided day tour to Évora is the most convenient way to travel. Let someone else worry about the itinerary and driving while you sit back, enjoy the stunning scenery, and try some of the region’s best wines.

What is on the itinerary of a typical excursion?

A day trip to Évora will leave from Lisbon around 9 AM. You will visit the whitewashed Old Town and see the most prominent attractions in the city.

This includes visiting the Roman Temple with its impressive Corinthian columns, and the Church of St. Francis and the Chapel of Bones. End the day with a stop at one of the most prolific cellars in Portugal where you get to try some of their robust wines during a wine tasting.

Most day tours to Évora also include other stops to fill your day with even more adventure. You will make stops around the Alentejo region to see cork trees and olive groves, taste wine and visit the medieval parishes of Monsaraz or Arraiolos. Some tours also make a lunch stop in Évora or visit the local market.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Évora?

You can experience Évora as part of a small group or opt for a private excursion. Either way, you are in for a treat in this fabulous city.

Guided tours to Évora from Lisbon

A guided day trip to Évora is a stress-free way to explore the city and the region. Group tours are kept small and there are several options including a tour with lunch, a tour with wine or olive oil tastings, and historic tours that focus solely on the city.

Day trip to Évora plus Monsaraz from Lisbon

For even more value from your day trip to Évora, book a tour that also visits Monsaraz. After seeing all the main attractions in Évora you will drive towards the Spanish border to visit Monsaraz Castle. Soak in the smashing views of the Alentejo plains as you wander through the medieval streets of this walled town.

Private tour to Évora from Lisbon

If you value comfort and privacy above all else, a private day trip to Évora is for you. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel or any other location of your choice and take you to this picturesque city in style.

They will take you to all the most significant spots in the city and allow you to follow a comfortable pace. You can also customize your itinerary to your liking, ensuring that you explore Évora your way.

How much does a day trip to Évora from Lisbon cost?

A basic day tour to Évora costs between €70 and €90 per person. These could include a wine tasting, an olive oil tasting and often entry tickets to various monuments in the city. A day trip that visits Évora and Monsaraz costs €95 per person.

Private day trips to Évora start from around €120 per person for a basic historic tour. Private tours that include cork and wine experiences cost around €250 per person, while tours that take you to other villages will cost around €400 per person. These prices decrease when more people join your group.

What are the highlights in Évora?

Day trips to Évora and beyond last upwards of 8 hours. These tours are jam-packed with activities and sightseeing, and you will have more than enough to write home about at the end of a day in the Alentejo region.

See the UNESCO-listed city

There is a fascinating historical landmark around every corner of Évora, making it no secret why this city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the most anticipated attractions in the city is the Roman Temple, also known as the Temple of Diana. It dates back to the first century A.D. and features magnificently preserved Corinthian columns.

Another must-visit landmark is the Cathedral of Évora, a grand Gothic cathedral that houses an impressive collection of religious art and artifacts. One of the more obscure attractions is the Chapel of Bones, a macabre yet fascinating chapel adorned with human skulls and bones. This is only the tip of the iceberg as Évora has several other captivating landmarks.

Get a taste of Portugal

Wine tasting is one of the main attractions in the region, and no visit to Portugal is complete without a comprehensive cellar experience. You will try some of the finest wines in the country and learn about the rich viticultural heritage of the Alentejo region. Alentejo red wines are rich and full-bodied, bringing unapologetic spicy aromas and fruity notes.

You can also take part in an olive oil tasting where you will indulge in the highest quality oils from around Évora. This region produces some of the finest oils in the world using traditional methods and a range of olive cultivars.

Learn about cork

Some tours stop in the small town of Azaruja to take you on a tour of a cork factory. More than half of the world’s cork is made in Portugal and you will learn about the fascinating traditional methods that are still used to create wine stoppers and other cork creations.

When is the best time to explore Évora?

A day trip to Évora is best enjoyed in the spring or autumn. This region can be particularly hot in the summer with the city’s tiny streets are overflowing with tourists. Winters are mild but there are some chances of rain or grey skies.

What other day trips can I book from Lisbon?

• Day trips to Sintra from Lisbon
• Cascais day tours from Lisbon
• Day trips to Fatima from Lisbon
• Obidos day trips from Lisbon
• Day tours to Nazare from Lisbon

Travel tips

• Bring along your ID or passport to confirm your age. There is an age limit of 18 to drink wine on wine-tasting tours.
• Wear comfortable shoes to walk around the uneven medieval streets of  Évora.
• Let your guide know ahead of time if you have any dietary restrictions if you participate in a tour that includes lunch.