Évora

Évora sits 130km east of Lisbon in the heart of the Alentejo region, reachable in about 1h15 to 1h45 by CP train from Lisboa Oriente or 1h30 by Rede Expressos bus from Sete Rios, with fares typically €12-18 each way. Drivers can cover the distance via the A6/A2 motorway in roughly 1h20. A UNESCO World Heritage city, Évora is built around a well-preserved Roman Temple of Diana, whose Corinthian columns stand in the centre of the old town, and the unusual Capela dos Ossos, a chapel lined with the bones and skulls of thousands of monks. The whitewashed old town, encircled by medieval walls, is compact enough to explore on foot in a single day, with the Gothic Évora Cathedral and its cloister forming another anchor point. A typical itinerary starts with the Roman Temple and cathedral in the morning, moves to the Capela dos Ossos and the surrounding Church of St. Francis by midday, then spends the afternoon wandering the narrow streets, artisan shops, and Praça do Giraldo, the city's main square. Alentejo cuisine is a highlight of the visit, with restaurants around the old town serving migas, açorda, and local black pork dishes alongside regional wines from the surrounding vineyards. Because Évora is a full regional hub rather than a single sight, an early departure from Lisbon is worthwhile to make the most of the day before the return bus or train, most of which run until early evening. The Alentejo plain sees extreme summer heat, often exceeding 40°C between June and August, so spring and autumn are far more comfortable for walking the old town's exposed stone streets. Arriving by mid-morning leaves enough time to see the main monuments and have a proper Alentejo lunch before an afternoon return.