Évora, located in the heart of Portugal’s Alentejo region, offers travelers a deep dive into the country’s rich history. Évora is encircled by ancient Roman walls and filled with medieval streets and architectural marvels. From Roman temples to Gothic cathedrals and a 16th century university, this UNESCO World Heritage city is a living museum. Évora is the perfect base from which to explore the wider Alentejo region. Many choose to visit Évora as a day trip from Lisbon. It merits at least 2-3 days to properly appreciate the city and diverse surrounding areas. Here is our guide to the best areas and the best places to stay in these areas of Évora, for different types of travelers.
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Best Areas to Stay in Évora for Travelers
Travelers | Area of Évora | Recommended Hotel(s) |
---|---|---|
Best for History Enthusiasts | Historical Heart (Inside the City Walls) | Zoetic Sustainable Rooms (budget to moderate) Templo Boutique Hotel (moderate) M’AR De AR Aqueduto (luxury) Pousada Convento de Évora (also known as Pousado dos Lois) (luxury) |
Best for Those Who Want to be Close to the Action | City Center (Around Praça do Giraldo) | Moov Hotel Évora (budget) M’AR De AR Muralhas (luxury) |
Best for a Rural Retreat | Surrounding Countryside | Convento do Espinheiro (luxury) L’AND Vineyards (luxury) |
Best for Short Stays or Those Planning Day Trips by Train | Near the Train Station | ibis Évora (budget) Évora Hotel (moderate) |
1. Best for History Enthusiasts: Historical Heart (Inside the City Walls)
Staying inside the Roman walls of Évora is like stepping back in time. This area is perfect for history enthusiasts who want to stay in a historic setting surrounded by centuries-old architecture. It’s generally quieter at night, offering a more intimate experience of the city’s storied past.
Recommended Places to Stay in the Historic Heart of Évora
Spotlighted Hotel: Zoetic Sustainable Rooms
For those committed to eco-friendly travel, this boutique guesthouse offers a sustainable stay without sacrificing comfort. Located in a quiet part of the historic center, it features beautifully designed rooms using natural and recycled materials. After a wonderful 3-night stay here, we wanted to share some additional highlights:
- Choice of rooms with private bath or with shared bath, depending on budget and preference;
- Large shared lounge area with TV, wifi, and plenty of comfortable seating and eating areas;
- Fully equipped kitchen, with all new appliances (stovetop, oven, microwave, refrigerator, etc.).
- The host supplies a variety of coffee, tea, milk, and breakfast supplies free for guests to use;
- Peaceful terrace area with wonderful views over the city;
- There is free parking near the Aqueduct about 10 minutes walking away, with plenty of spots.
Other Recommended Hotels in Évora’s Historic Heart
- Templo Boutique Hotel: This charming boutique hotel is a perfect choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the city’s rich history. Its location just steps from the Roman temple is ideal. Each room is uniquely decorated with a blend of traditional and contemporary elements, reflecting the local culture and heritage. The hotel offers a cozy lounge area and personalized services, ensuring a memorable and comfortable stay.
- M’AR De AR Aqueduto: This luxurious hotel is built around a 16th-century chapel and part of the city’s ancient aqueduct. It offers a blend of classical and contemporary design, with spacious rooms, a gourmet restaurant, spa, and parking. This is an ideal retreat for those seeking luxury in the heart of Évora.
- Pousada Convento de Évora: This luxury hotel offers a unique stay in a beautifully restored 16th-century convent. Its location is right in the historical heart of Évora and close to the university. Guests can enjoy a serene atmosphere, elegant rooms, an exquisite courtyard, and a pool. Walk outside the front door for views of the temple below.
2. Best for Those Who Want to be Close to the Action: City Center (Around Praça do Giraldo)
Within the historic center, the most vibrant area is Praça do Giraldo. Stay close to the Praça do Giraldo if you want a more vibrant and less tranquil feel. This area is best for first-time visitors and those keen on exploring the city’s rich history and culture on foot. The square is surrounded by cafés, shops, and some of the city’s most significant historical sites.
Recommended Places to Stay in the City Center of Évora
- Moov Hotel Évora: This budget-friendly hotel offers modern, minimalist rooms and a convenient location for exploring the city on foot.
- M’AR De AR Muralhas: This luxury hotel features spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and a garden. This provides a comfortable escape right in the city center.
3. Best for a Rural Retreat: Surrounding Countryside
For travelers looking for relaxation and a taste of rural Alentejo, staying outside the city center provides a serene escape. This area is suitable for luxury travelers, couples on a romantic getaway, or families wanting space and tranquility. It’s also ideal for those interested in exploring the local vineyards and taking day trips to neighboring towns such as Elvas. We recommend renting a car if staying in the countryside, to be able to access the attractions in Évora.
Recommended Évora Countryside Hotels
- Convento do Espinheiro: This luxurious historical hotel is set in a beautifully restored 15th-century convent. Located just outside Évora, it offers a tranquil retreat with lush gardens, an exquisite pool, and a divine spa. The rooms beautifully mix traditional architecture with modern luxury, and its restaurant serves sumptuous dishes inspired by Alentejo cuisine.
- L’AND Vineyards: This luxury wine resort combines modern architecture with the natural beauty of the Alentejo landscape. Guests can enjoy wine-focused activities, a spa, and Michelin-starred dining. Note that this resort is in Montemor-o-Novo, located about a 30-35 minute drive from Évora.
4. Best for Short Stays: Near the Train Station
Staying near the train station offers practical benefits for short stays or those planning multiple day trips around the Alentejo. This area is also well-connected by public transport to other parts of the city.
Recommended Évora Hotels Near the Train Station
- ibis Évora: This hotel offers affordable, well-equipped rooms with all the necessary comforts. It’s an excellent choice for budget travelers and short stays.
- Évora Hotel: This hotel offers a more upscale lodging experience, a bit farther from the train station. The Évora Hotel has two pools, a spa, and sports facilities.
Wrap-Up Évora Places to Stay
Évora is as a splendid base from which to explore the enchanting Alentejo region. Évora caters to every type of traveler, with its rich variety of historical sites, culinary offerings, and accommodations. Whether you base yourself in the historic heart, the bustling city center, near the train station, or in the idyllic countryside, Évora promises an unforgettable experience.
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Travel Resources
We recommend booking through our preferred travel booking sites below.
Air Travel | SkyScanner |
Lodging | Booking.com, VRBO.com, Expedia.com, Hostelworld |
Tours and Activities | Viator.com, GetYourGuide.com |
Car rentals | Discovercars.com |
Travel insurance | Squaremouth |
Bike and scooter rentals | BikeBookings.com |
Train tickets | Trainline, RailEurope |
Bus tickets | Flixbus, Busbud |
[…] people choose to visit Elvas as a day trip from Évora (check out our recommendations for the best places to stay in Évora). If you would like to stay in Elvas, here are 3 of our suggested lodging […]
M’ar de ar aqueduto sounds good and I would love to stay in the historic heart of Evora.
I loved staying in the historic heart of town. So easy to walk around and see all the sights; at the same time, just a 5-10 minute walk to get outside the historic area.
thanks for these great recommendations on places ti stay in Evora I like the way you categorized them!
thanks for the feedback!
These are all great options, personally, I like being close to the action when I’m traveling solo. I’ve never visited Evora before, putting it on my next visit to Portugal. Thanks for the list of options.
I agree, when traveling solo it’s perfect to be in the city center.
The countryside sounds amazing!
It is perfect for a relaxing getaway!
I love this break down by area and hotel type! Such great info! I’ve saved a pin for when I get to go to Portugal!
Great! Hope you have a chance to visit.
Portugal has so many gems to offer! I haven’t visited Evora yet, but gonna put it on the list.
Lots of great areas to stay in Evora, something for everyone’s tastes. thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the feedback!
These are all great options of places to stay in Évora. I think I’d prefer to stay either by the countryside or in the city to be close to all of the action.
I chose the city, but this was for a solo trip. If I were traveling with others, I’d be more likely to stay in the countryside. Hard to choose.
I am saving this for my next Portugal trip ! thank you !
Thanks for the feedback!
What a gorgeous place – makes a great change from hugging the coastline like many visitors to Portugal.
It is! And, it is quite close to the beautiful Alentejo coast.
Hello! I like the idea of seeing some small towns in Portugal. They seem to be so cute! Evora looks pretty interesting for visiting! Is it possible to go to Evora from the Algarve region?
Yes, you can easily drive down to the Algarve, and there are buses that go from Évora down to Faro in the Algarve. I don’t believe there are direct trains (you’d need to go back to Lisbon first), so buses are preferable for public transport.
I have never been to Portugal but it seems like a great idea !
Wow Evora sounds incredible! I would love to visit this area one day. It sounds so unique! Thank you for the great advice! Would love to visit soon.
Thanks for the feedback!
I would love to see the Roman ruins. Choosing a place to stay in each location has its merits. City center, rural… yes, please.
I really enjoyed staying in the historic center, though the city was quite uncrowded. If it were more crowded, I’d prefer heading out to the rural hotels.
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