Activities

explore Évora

Historic Walk

A UNESCO World Heritage site — compact and walkable.

  • Roman Temple of Diana – beautiful ruins overlooking the city.

  • Cathedral of Évora (Sé de Évora) – climb the roof for panoramic views.

  • Praça do Giraldo – the main square for coffee, people-watching, and pastel de nata.

  • Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos) – eerie but fascinating; “We bones that are here, for yours we wait.”

Tip: The old town is best explored in the early morning or late afternoon when light is golden and temperatures are cooler.

MARKETS

Évora Saturday Market (Mercado Municipal de Évora)

  • Location: Around the Praça 1º de Maio area (just behind the São Francisco Church / Chapel of Bones)

  • Time: Every Saturday morning, roughly 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM

  • Vibe: A blend of fresh produce, handmade goods, and antique

Estremoz Market (~45 by car from Évora)

For the early birds and market lovers:

  • Head to the Saturday antique market in Estremoz, one of the best in Portugal!

  • Browse vintage treasures, ceramics, and furniture, and grab a coffee at Alecrim (or one of the cute cafés around the square).

  • If you stay for lunch, Mercearia Gadanha is a must — a stylish spot for modern Portuguese cuisine before heading back to Évora

for the adventurous

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride over Évora or Monsaraz (sunrise, stunning views)

  • Jeep Safari through the Alentejo countryside

  • Cooking + Foraging class with local herbs and produce

For the wine-lovers

(30–40 min drive from Évora)

  • Cartuxa Winery – iconic and elegant, very close to town. Great for tastings + history.

  • Adega da Herdade do Esporão (Reguengos de Monsaraz) – stunning estate with art, restaurant, and tours.

  • Herdade do Freixo – ultra-modern underground winery, visually striking.

Pair with: A long lunch of açorda alentejana (bread soup), black pork cheeks, and migas.

Best for: Friday pre-wedding activity or a Monday wind-down day.

for the curious

  • Évora Megaliths Tour (Hiking Edition) – visit ancient stone circles like Cromeleque dos Almendres on foot.

  • Olive Farm Walk & Tasting – guided walk through an organic olive grove, ending with a tasting.

  • Cork Forest Safari – 4x4 or walking tour through cork plantations; active but educational.

for the ACTIVE

The Alentejo has some of Portugal’s most peaceful and scenic trails.

Walking

  • Monsaraz Trail (PR1 RGS) – 8 km loop through olive groves and stone walls with sweeping views over Lake Alqueva.

  • Alqueva Lake Trails – gentle walks near Europe’s largest manmade lake; ideal for sunrise or sunset.

  • Arraiolos Castle Loop – short hike around the circular medieval castle and the town’s tapestry workshops.

Cycling

  • Évora to Guadalupe Aqueduct Trail – an easy countryside loop starting near the Aqueduto da Água de Prata.

  • Wine & Bike Experience – combine cycling with a tasting at Cartuxa Winery or Adega da Fita Preta.

Horseback riding

  • Equibéria (Évora) – well-rated stables offering trail rides for beginners to experienced riders.

  • Monte Velho Equestrian Resort (near Arraiolos) – upscale option with Lusitano horses and countryside routes.

Day Trips

Ideal if you choose to extend your stay or have a free day before/after the wedding.

  • Monsaraz (1 hr away) – a fairytale white-washed village on a hill with stunning views over Lake Alqueva.

  • Arraiolos (30 min) – famous for hand-woven carpets and a charming circular castle.

  • Vila Viçosa – a marble town with a royal palace and quiet charm.

  • Marvão (2 hrs) – a dramatic hilltop fortress village if guests want a scenic adventure.

Tip: These can be organised as small-group minivan tours with local guides, or self-driven for those renting cars.

F&B and Shopping

Breakfast & coffee

  • Quiosque do Jardim – in the park near the Chapel of Bones, perfect for a peaceful morning espresso.

  • Arcada – the oldest café on the main square (Praça do Giraldo), great for people-watching and pastel de nata.

  • Do Largo – for healthy options and juices (next to the shop Oxalá).

  • Quiosque Jardim Diana – a sunny outdoor kiosk beside the Roman Temple — ideal for a late-morning coffee.

Lunch

  • Café Alentejo – traditional vaulted restaurant serving hearty regional classics.

  • O Antão – simple, local, and delicious — great grilled meats and wines.

  • Enoteca Cartuxa – a wine lover’s dream; perfect for a light lunch with small plates and regional wines.

  • Taberna Típica Quarta-Feira – for the adventurous! No menu — dishes just keep coming until you say stop (book ahead).

  • Do Largo – also lovely for a fresh, easy lunch or smoothie between sightseeing stops.

Dinner

  • Degust’Ar – refined fine dining in a restored palace; elegant and romantic.

  • Dom Joaquim – one of Évora’s best-known restaurants for elevated Alentejo cuisine.

  • Enoteca Cartuxa – stay a little longer for an evening glass (or bottle!) of Cartuxa wine.

  • Café Alentejo – warm and atmospheric for a relaxed group dinner.

  • Taberna Típica Quarta-Feira – worth repeating if you didn’t manage to get in at lunch!

shopping

  • Rua 5 de Outubro – lined with traditional shops and local crafts.

  • Oxalá – boutique for handmade gifts and artisan pieces.

  • Rua João de Deus – charming little stores tucked under the arches.