A 15th-century convent on the edge of Évora converted into a historic hotel with vaulted cloisters, a chapel preserved as an event space, terraced gardens, an outdoor pool and a spa built into the former monastic cellars.
Convento do Espinheiro, Historic Hotel & Spa occupies a 15th-century convent in Canaviais on the edge of Évora, a roughly 10-minute drive from the city's UNESCO-listed historic centre and Roman Temple. The building retains vaulted cloisters and a chapel, preserved largely intact and used today as an event and wedding space, alongside terraced gardens that surround the original monastic structure. Rooms range from Classic Rooms in newer wings to Cloister Rooms set within the historic convent walls, Junior Suites and the top-tier Convento Suite, with several rooms overlooking the cloisters or gardens. The hotel's restaurant serves Alentejo cuisine in a dining room built into part of the former convent, and a separate bar operates in the cloistered courtyard. A spa occupies the former monastic cellars, pairing historic stone vaulting with modern treatment rooms, and an outdoor pool and fitness centre round out the leisure facilities. The combination of historic architecture and formal gardens makes the property popular for weddings and events as well as leisure stays, with a concierge-style service geared toward guests exploring Évora's historic centre, wine routes and megalithic sites nearby.
| Price | $$$$ |
|---|---|
| Address | Canaviais, 7002-502 Évora |
Room types
- Classic Room
- Cloister Room
- Junior Suite
- Convento Suite
Amenities
- outdoor pool
- spa
- restaurant
- bar
- historic cloisters
- gardens
- wifi
- fitness centre
Weather through the year in Portugal
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Portugal.
Location
Canaviais, 7002-502 Évora
38.5850, -7.8980 View on map
Highlights
- 15th-century convent with intact vaulted cloisters and chapel
- Spa built into the former monastic cellars
- Terraced gardens surrounding the historic convent structure
- Short drive to Évora's UNESCO-listed historic centre
- Cloister Rooms set within the original convent walls
Tips for visiting
- Book Cloister Rooms early if historic character matters, as standard Classic Rooms sit in a newer wing
- The hotel hosts weddings regularly, so ask about event schedules if seeking a quiet weekend stay
- A taxi or short drive is needed to reach central Évora, as the convent sits outside the walled city
- Spa treatments in the former cellars should be booked ahead, especially on weekends
Accessibility
The historic convent structure includes original stone stairways and uneven cloister walkways that may limit wheelchair access in some areas; visitors with mobility needs should contact the hotel to confirm accessible rooms in the newer wing.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is the hotel from Évora's historic centre?
Canaviais is about a 10-minute drive from Évora's UNESCO-listed old town and Roman Temple.
Is the chapel open to visitors who are not attending an event?
The chapel is preserved primarily as an event space and may not always be accessible outside scheduled weddings or functions.
Does the hotel offer wine tours of the surrounding region?
Staff can arrange excursions to nearby Alentejo wineries and the region's megalithic sites, though tours are run by outside operators rather than the hotel itself.