Evora 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Evora: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Igreja de São Francisco

A Gothic-manueline church with a striking nave, ornate side chapels, and a wooden ceiling. Free entry to the main church; the Capela dos Ossos is separate.

🕐 09:00-18:00 (Mon-Sat), 09:00-12:30 (Sun)

Free entry

💡 Look for the carved stone rope details on the pillars – a signature Manueline feature. No photography during services.

Hotels near Igreja de São Francisco →
Afternoon
Jardim Público de Évora

A shaded public garden with manicured hedges, fountains, and peacocks. Popular for picnics and a calm escape from the heat.

🕐 08:00-20:00 daily

Free entry

💡 Bring bread for the ducks at the pond. The café inside is pricey; better to buy snacks at a supermarket beforehand.

Hotels near Jardim Público de Évora →
Evening
Where to eat

O Sobreiro · ££

Bolas · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Evora

Morning
Aqueduto da Água de Prata

A 16th-century aqueduct that runs through the city, with houses built into its arches. The most accessible stretch is near Rua do Cano.

🕐 24 hours (public street)

💡 Walk along Rua do Cano to see the arches integrated into homes. The best photo spot is from the hill near the Convento do Carmo.

Midday
Templo de Évora (Roman Temple)

A well-preserved 1st-century Roman temple in the city centre, with Corinthian columns standing on a podium. Best viewed from the adjacent square.

🕐 24 hours (exterior only)

💡 Visit at dusk for fewer crowds and warmer light on the granite columns. The site is always accessible from outside.

Evening
Dining tonight

Café Nascer do Sol

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones)

A 16th-century chapel lined with human skulls and bones, intended to provoke reflection on mortality. Small entrance fee covers the adjoining church.

💡 Entry costs about 5 euros. Go early to avoid queues; it's tiny. Combine with the free Igreja de São Francisco next door.

Getting Around Evora

Rede Expressos From €12-15 100 min

Get off at the final stop, not the earlier one near the hospital—it's a walkable 8 minutes to the temple area but the bus station is closer. Buy tickets online day before to avoid queues.

CP Comboios de Portugal (Regional/Intercidades) From €15-25 90 min

The Intercidades train drops you right at the station. From there, it's a 15-minute walk south through the old town to the hotel—no bus needed. Avoid regional trains; they add 30 minutes with more stops.

Évora Local Taxi From €5-10 5 min

Flag one down at the Giraldo Square rank—don't call unless it's urgent. For a flat €10, ask the driver to take you to the Capela dos Ossos chapel; it's a short ride but uphill from the hotel.

Lisbon Airport Transfer From €80-100 90 min

Pre-book with a local company like Évora Airport Transfers or use Bolt—cheaper than hotel-arranged taxis. Ask driver to stop at the Aqueduto da Água de Prata viewpoint on the edge of town for a quick photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Evora?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Igreja de São Francisco and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Evora?

See our full best time to visit Evora guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Belver Monte do Carmo Hotel Rural, Casa Palma, Good Mood. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.