The museum city EVORA I

N ACQUA VERITAS SPA: Located near Giraldo Square, this spa can provide a pampering treat at the end of a day exploring. Soak up the Roman atmosphere and wonder at the architecture whilst taking care of those aching feet. Three differently heated pools will aid in the restoration of your physical wellbeing and the soothing of your mind. If you really want to create a special moment, add in a massage and enjoy some local wine and nibbles, all at a surprisingly reasonable price. Just make sure to finish in the frigidarium to ensure a spark of rejuvenation to gear you up for a delicious dinner! inacquaveritas.com

Giraldo Square: One of the best things to do in Évora is to sit and watch the daily bustling of people, soaking up the atmosphere of this lively city. Giraldo Square is a perfect point to relax and admire the famous marble fountain which has eight spouts that represent the city’s major streets that lead into the square. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to cafés and bars. evoraportugaltourism.com/guide/praca-de-giraldo.html Prata Aqueduct: Why not tailor-make a tour of various historical artefacts and points of interest? In an area such as Évora, you could design your own plan and take in various historical time periods. It will soon become clear why Évora is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Prata Aqueduct is awe-inspiring for its sheer scale and impressive construction. From Giraldo Square many features of the aqueduct can be viewed, including the water box on Rua Nova and various fountains and tanks. If you are looking to up your daily step count, then head off following the aqueduct and enjoy the Évora Nature Trail for a beautiful dose of nature and antiquity rolled into one. visitevora.net/en/agua-prata-aqueduct-evora/

After a day’s serious sightseeing take some YOU time. There’s nowhere better than in the spa, In Acqua Veritas, where the surroundings will amaze you and the treatments will set you up for tomorrow

EVORA’S NICKNAME IS APTLY DESCRIPTIVE – THE HISTORIC CAPITAL OF THE ALENTEJO REGION HAS A BEAUTIFULLY PRESERVED TOWN CENTRE, CROWNED BY THE FAMOUS ROMAN TEMPLE. OUR TOP TEN LIST OF THINGS TO DO THROUGHOUT THE AREA ONLY SCRATCHES THE SURFACE OF THIS STUNNING GEM

Words: LAURA SHEA

Capela Dos Ossos: A thought-provoking visit to the largest bone chapel in Portugal should be on the list of any first time visitor to Evora. Perhaps uncomfortable when you first enter, the St Francis Church is arguably one of the most beautiful displays of this kind of religious monument in Europe. Designed to make us ruminate on the fragility of life itself, the inscription that sits above the threshold is poignant: “We bones that are here, await yours”. However, this is not for the fainthearted as there are two entire skeletons hanging from the ceiling at one point, which many first-timers feel are gruesome. The church and museum are stunning, and your entry ticket to the chapel grants access to both. igrejadesaofrancisco.pt/

Wine Tours: The Alentejo is famed across the world for its production of great wines, and it would almost be criminal to visit Évora and not take in a tasting or two. If driving, then you have a multitude of options available on the way in and out of the city. Alternatively, visit one closer to the centre and make the most of the offerings. Rota dos Vinhos do Alentejo is a great place to start and can easily fit into a full day of touristy delights. Once you discover your favourite wine from the region, make sure to grab a couple of bottles to take home to prolong the vibes of Évora. vinhosdoalentejo.pt/

Alqueva Dam and star gazing: Europe’s largest artificial lake is absolutely worth a visit. You can hire a fully kitted out houseboat and spend your time enjoying life on the water for a couple of days before or after your time in the heat of the city. A short training session and some recommendations on where to sail and what to see is all that you need for this adventure. Spend the days relaxing, swimming and bird watching, then for the evening head to any number of lakeside restaurants for a delicious meal. Once happily on-board after dinner, lay back on the deck and view the stars; the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve holds the Starlight Tourism Destination Certificate from the Starlight Foundation. visitevora.net/en/alquevahouseboatsactivities-alentejo balonissimo.com/

Hot Air Ballooning: Adrenaline junkies will find a trip to the skies worthwhile. Look down on the surrounding countryside, the rolling fields and the rainbow of colours that can only truly be appreciated from this vantage point. Nature fans will be on the lookout for a variety of bird species, as well as hares which can be spotted on the plains. A glide towards the city itself will take your breath away as you look down on to the medieval walls surrounding the old town, the perfectly positioned small streets and the famous Roman temple (wrongly called the Diana Temple) and a focal point of the city. This experience is tranquil, beautiful and exhilarating all at once, and one that will not be forgotten easily.

Food and Drink: Being a huge fan of good food and drink, and the atmosphere that comes with local eateries, I like to flit from café to bar to restaurant whenever I get away to a new place. You can learn a lot about life in a city depending on where you visit to quench your thirst or fill your tum. Follow recommendations from people you meet whilst out and about, and try to wander down interesting backstreets to find authentic experiences rather than the usual tourist traps. Évora has several highly-regarded cake shops and cafés, and wine bars become a popular hangout from late afternoon. Sit outside on beautiful terraces and patios and breathe in the lively ambience. Rua 5 de Outubro has a wealth of options, some with live music. Some tastes not to be missed are the famous porco preto (black pork), migas doces (sweet bread pudding) and acorda (bread stew).

Cultural Centre Forum Eugênio De Almeida: A trip to the Cultural Centre is a must. Not only a beautiful space, the building is home to ever-changing displays, performances, exhibitions and cinema. Venture outside and spend time in the stunning gardens, but make sure to check opening times and what is available to view when visiting, and break up the exploring with a trip to the restaurant for some delicious wines and a snack. fea.pt/

Arraiolos: A side trip to the alluring village of Arraiolos, just 20 minutes away, shouldn’t be missed. The castle is striking due to its unusual round shape, and a wander inside the walls grants you stunning views, and glimpses of cork oaks from the towers. Arraiolos is a popular stop on the map of the Alentejo for another reason – its intricate, hand crafted rugs. Next month, 7–12 June, sees the hugely popular O Tapete Está na Rua event, where the history and artistry of the village’s rugs is celebrated. Wander the streets and take in the various styles and designs of carpets and visit one of the workshops to see first-hand how these pieces of art come to life. visitarraiolos.pt