Évora Day Trip from Lisbon: Roman Ruins, Bone Chapel & Alentejo Charm

If you're craving a day trip from Lisbon that combines Roman history, haunting beauty, and rustic countryside charm—Évora has it all. Located roughly 1.5 hours from Lisbon and slightly under most tourists radar, this small Portuguese city has a lot to explore.

Nestled in the Alentejo region, this UNESCO-listed town is like a living museum, with every cobbled street whispering tales from the past. Think: Roman temples, medieval cathedrals, whitewashed buildings with yellow trim, and yes, even a chapel made of human bones.

It’s weird, it’s beautiful, and it’s 100% worth your time. This guide covers everything you need to know to plan the perfect day trip to Évora from Lisbon, including what to see, do, eat, and how to get there.

How to Get from Lisbon to Évora

The fastest way to get to Évora is by train, which takes about 1.5 hours from Lisboa-Oriente or Entrecampos stations. The train drops you off at Évora Station, which is about a 15-minute walk (or quick Bolt ride) to the historic city center.

🚌 Prefer the bus? Rede Express also runs frequent buses from Sete Rios in Lisbon. The journey takes around 1 hour 45 minutes and is very comfortable, with air conditioning and WiFi.

→ Check bus schedules here

→ Check train schedules here

🚗 If you're renting a car, the drive is just under 1.5 hours and takes you through some of the Alentejo region’s scenic countryside. Driving is the best way to see Almendres Cromlech on the way to the city center as the bus and trains do not stop here.

The Easiest (and Best) Way to See Évora from Lisbon

If you want to make the most of your Évora day trip without worrying about logistics, this guided tour from GetYourGuide is hands-down the best way to go (and the way I visited Évora in 2022).

It includes round-trip transportation from Lisbon, skip-the-line access to major sights like the Chapel of Bones and Évora Cathedral, and an expert local guide who brings the city’s Roman and medieval history to life. You’ll also get to explore Almendres Cromlech, Portugal’s version of Stonehenge, which most travelers miss on their own.

It’s the perfect mix of culture, history, nature, and food—and it’s all planned for you. With free cancellation, mobile tickets, and hundreds of glowing reviews, it’s the easiest and most enriching way to experience Évora in just one day.

On the Way to Évora: Do Not Miss Portugal’s Mysterious Stone Circle

Just outside of Évora, hidden among cork trees and farmland, lies one of Europe’s oldest and least-known megalithic sites: Almendres Cromlech. Older than both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, this stone circle dates back to 6,000 BCE and is believed to have been used for astronomical and ceremonial purposes. There are more than 90 stones, some engraved with mysterious carvings, arranged in an oval pattern that aligns with the solstices.

The site is free to visit, and while it’s a bit off the beaten path (a winding dirt road leads there), it’s absolutely worth the detour. It’s especially magical in the early morning or late afternoon when the light hits the stones just right.

One reason I recommend visiting with a tour guide is so that you can learn the history of this place as there are not a lot of signs.

The Cork Trees of Alentejo: Portugal’s Natural Treasure

As you travel into the Alentejo region on your way to Évora, keep your eyes on the rolling hills dotted with cork oak trees—they’re not just pretty scenery. Portugal produces over 50% of the world’s cork, and most of it comes from right here.

Cork trees are harvested by hand every 9–12 years, and the process doesn’t harm the tree. In fact, a single tree can live for more than 200 years and be harvested 15+ times! It’s one of the most sustainable crops in the world.

You’ll find cork products everywhere in Évora: bags, shoes, wallets, coasters, and even umbrellas.

Things to Do on an Évora Day Trip

You won’t run out of things to do in Évora in one day—but these are the highlights I recommend for a well-rounded experience:

1. Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos)

One of Évora’s most unforgettable sights, and easily its most eerie, is the Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos). Built in the 16th century by Franciscan monks, this small chapel is lined from floor to ceiling with the skulls and bones of over 5,000 people.

The monks intended it as a reflection on mortality and the fleeting nature of life. Above the entrance, you’re greeted with the haunting inscription: “Nós ossos que aqui estamos pelos vossos esperamos”—“We bones that are here await yours.” It’s meant to make you pause, think, and feel small in the face of time. As unsettling as that sounds, it’s deeply moving—and strangely beautiful.

Visitors are often surprised by how thoughtfully the bones are arranged. Skulls and femurs form decorative arches and symmetrical patterns across the walls and columns, turning what could be morbid into something strangely reverent.

The chapel is part of the Church of St. Francis complex and is included with your ticket to the museum, which also features religious art and a rooftop view. It’s small, so you won’t spend more than 20–30 minutes inside, but it’s one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.

Pro tip: Go early or during lunchtime to avoid the biggest crowds, and be respectful as this is still a sacred site and place of worship.

2. Roman Temple of Évora (Temple of Diana)

This is the best-preserved Roman ruin in Portugal and dates back to the 1st century AD. It’s a stunning centerpiece in the middle of the town, and the view from the small park behind it is a great photo spot.

What makes the temple extra special is its location: it’s completely free to visit, and you can walk right up to it at any time of day. There’s a small park just behind it where you can relax and take in the view (especially lovely at golden hour).

While you can’t go inside or climb on the structure, you don’t need to—the columns are impressive from every angle. And because it’s located near the cathedral and town museum, it fits easily into your walking route through Évora. Whether you're a history buff or just love a good photo op, the Roman Temple is a must-see and a tangible reminder of Évora’s layered, multicultural past.

3. Évora Cathedral (Sé de Évora)

The Évora Cathedral (Sé de Évora) is the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal and one of the most striking examples of Gothic architecture in the country. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, it reflects Évora’s growing importance during the Christian reconquest.

From the outside, it looks almost like a fortress, with its granite towers and rose-colored stone, but step inside and you’ll find soaring arches, intricate carvings, and a peaceful cloister that offers a quiet break from the city’s busier streets. It’s often overlooked by tourists heading straight to the Chapel of Bones or the Roman Temple—but honestly, it’s one of the most rewarding stops in Évora. Especially if you climb to the top!

For just a few extra euros (if not included on your tour), you can access the terrace and walk along the stone roof, with panoramic views over Évora’s terracotta rooftops and rolling Alentejo countryside. It’s one of the best viewpoints in the city.

Don’t miss the small museum inside, which holds centuries-old religious art and artifacts, or the peaceful cloister (courtyard), which feels like stepping into another time. If you’re visiting Évora for the day, the cathedral is an easy and worthwhile stop—plus, it’s just a short walk from both the Roman Temple and the Chapel of Bones. Please note the hours though if you plan to climb to the top as they tend to shut doors early.

4. Olive Oil Tasting in Évora: Liquid Gold of Alentejo

Wine gets a lot of love in Portugal, but don’t skip the olive oil—especially in Alentejo. This region produces some of the country’s best oils, known for their buttery texture and peppery finish. Many Évora day tours now include a stop at a local olive grove, where you can walk through centuries-old trees and taste freshly pressed oils (sometimes with homemade bread and local cheese on the side).

If you’re not on a tour, look for shops in the historic center offering olive oil tastings or visit Esporão Estate, just outside the city. Their oils are award-winning and often organic, and you can pair them with regional wines for a full tasting experience.

Tip: Olive oil is allowed in carry-on luggage if it's under 100ml, but many shops offer travel-friendly packaging so you can bring some home. Note, this does not apply to checked luggage.

5. Having Lunch in Évora: Eat Alentejo Cuisine

One of my favorite memories from Évora wasn’t a landmark or museum, it was lunch at a tiny local restaurant where no one spoke English, and the daily menu was handwritten in Portuguese.

Thankfully, my tour guide ordered for me (a complete surprise meal), and what arrived was a steaming bowl of Sopa de Tomate Alentejana—a traditional tomato soup unlike anything I’ve had before. In Alentejo style, it was rustic and hearty, made with garlic, olive oil, poached egg, and pieces of local bread mixed right into the broth. It was simple, humble, and full of flavor—just like Évora itself.

When it comes to eating in Évora, don’t be afraid to go local and low-key. Skip the tourist-facing restaurants with laminated menus and instead follow the rule of thumb: if it’s full of locals and looks a little worn-in, it’s probably incredible. Many spots only serve a few dishes each day involving whatever’s fresh and in season.

Don’t worry if the menu is a mystery; most servers are kind, and if you’re on a tour, your guide will usually be happy to help.

Keep an eye out for Alentejo classics like migas, black pork, açorda, and convent desserts like sericaia with plums. And whatever you order, expect to eat slowly—it’s part of the rhythm of life in Portugal.

Quick Tips for Visiting Évora

✨ Use a Tour Guide: Évora’s layered history really comes alive with a guide. You’ll get deeper insight, skip the planning stress, and discover spots you’d probably miss on your own. I booked this guided day trip from Lisbon, and it made the entire experience seamless and unforgettable.

🫒 Don’t Skip the Olive Oil Tasting: Alentejo olive oil is some of the best in Portugal, and a tasting is the perfect way to slow down and savor the region. Many tours include a visit to a local olive grove or estate—and trust me, it’s worth it.

🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance: Some sites, like the Chapel of Bones, can get crowded, especially in high season. Booking in advance saves time and guarantees entry—especially helpful if you’re visiting on a tight schedule.

Is Évora Worth Visiting as a Day Trip from Lisbon?

Yes—especially if you're looking for something beyond coastal towns and want a glimpse of Portugal’s ancient heart. Évora feels worlds away from Lisbon: slower, older, warmer (literally and figuratively). If you like history, quiet charm, and slightly off-the-beaten-path destinations, it’s one of the most rewarding day trips you can take.

It’s not the kind of place where you’ll find high-energy nightlife or trendy coffee shops, but that’s exactly why I love it. Évora invites you to slow down, listen, and look a little closer.