This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Évora.
Evora is the capital of Alto Alentejo. The natural beauty of this region becomes even more amazing when you get to explore the old town that is itself a town-museum. Nowadays it's possible to see all this combined with a modern and touristy city -- Evora is classified a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1986. Evora is an hour and a half from Lisbon, and it's easily reached by bus or car.
Don't miss a walk along the fortress walls -- the city is filled with historic memories in each street. Its squares and monuments tell us national history, religion, and culture episodes and its townsfolk are proud of both past and present times.
You shouldn't miss Giraldo Square (the most emblematic and busiest place in the city), the Roman Temple (usually called Diana's Temple, it's a relic of architecture in the Corinthian style and a unique example in Portugal), Almendres Cromlech (it a megalithic place with dozens of monoliths situated a few kilometres from Evora to the west) and make sure you have time enough for the Moura's Gate Square, the Cathedral, Loios Convent, and the Palace of Duque do Cadaval.
There are few options for hostels in Evora, but getting accommodation inside or near the fortress walls is really worth it! Evora's hostels and guesthouses are usually good and very clean -- and the best part are the friendly locals (they are really communicative and if they cannot speak or understand English, you can bet they will use a lot of gestures and other ways to get their messages to you, always trying to make you feel as if you were in your home). If you are in an Evora hostel, try to learn a few words in Portuguese and you'll get a smile every time you use them.
Written by local enthusiast for Évora hostels
CoffeeMarks
