One of the largest groups of megalithic standing stones in the Iberian Peninsula, dating back roughly 6,000 years, set among cork oaks on a quiet hillside with free open access.
Cromeleque dos Almendres lies just 15km west of Évora, about 20 minutes by car, though the final 1.5km approach runs along an unpaved dirt road, so a car with reasonable clearance is recommended; a guided megalithic-sites tour from Évora is a practical alternative, often combined with the nearby Anta Grande do Zambujeiro dolmen. The site is one of the largest groups of megalithic standing stones in the Iberian Peninsula, with around 95 granite monoliths arranged in an oval formation dating back roughly 6,000 years, predating Stonehenge. A short visit of an hour or so is enough to walk the open hillside among the cork oaks and take in the stones, many carved with faint circular motifs, making it easy to combine with other nearby sites such as the Anta Grande do Zambujeiro or a wider Évora day. Early morning or late afternoon light is best for photography, when the low sun brings out the texture of the granite stones and the site is quieter. There is no entry fee and no set opening hours, since the site has free open access at any time of day, though there are no facilities on-site, so visitors should bring water and plan food stops in Évora before or after.
| Distance | 15km west of Évora |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 20 minutes by car |
| Getting there | Car (recommended; final approach road is unpaved) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Almendres, 7005 Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe, Évora |
How to get there
- Car via a dirt access road for the final 1.5km
- Guided megalithic-sites tour from Évora, often combined with Anta Grande do Zambujeiro
Weather through the year in Portugal
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Portugal.
Location
Almendres, 7005 Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe, Évora
38.5578, -8.0664 View on map
Highlights
- Around 95 granite standing stones arranged in an oval formation
- One of the largest megalithic monuments in the Iberian Peninsula, predating Stonehenge
- Free, unrestricted open access with no entry fee
- Faint carved circular motifs visible on several stones
- Quiet cork oak hillside setting away from crowds
Tips for visiting
- The final 1.5km approach road is unpaved, so drive carefully or join a guided tour if unfamiliar with the route
- Visit in early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewest visitors
- Bring water, since there are no facilities or shade at the site
- Combine the visit with the nearby Anta Grande do Zambujeiro, a large dolmen a short drive away
- There is no entry fee, but donations to site upkeep are appreciated where collection boxes are present
When to visit
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best photography light and the fewest visitors on the open hillside.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entry fee for Cromeleque dos Almendres?
No, the site has free, open access with no entry fee and no fixed opening hours.
How do you get to Cromeleque dos Almendres from Évora?
It is about 20 minutes by car from Évora, with the final 1.5km along an unpaved dirt road; guided tours are also available.
How old are the standing stones?
The stones date back roughly 6,000 years, making the site older than Stonehenge and one of the largest megalithic groups in the Iberian Peninsula.
How long does a visit take?
Around an hour is enough to walk the site, making it easy to pair with other nearby attractions such as the Anta Grande do Zambujeiro.