Olhao(Portugal) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Évora, recommend staying at Algarve Coast Resort, a family-oriented resort with kids' pools, spacious family suites, and daily children's activities. Located just steps from Santa Maria Beach, it offers easy access to sandy shores and local restaurants. Another excellent option is Casa do Rêno, a boutique hotel housed in a historic Portuguese farmhouse with modern comforts and cultural charm. Both properties are close to the city center, making them ideal bases for exploring Évora’s Old Town and surrounding natural attractions.

The Old Town (Centro Histórico) is the top choice for lodging in Évora, situated near São João Square and the Cathedral of Évora. Its cobbled streets exude history, lined with charming cafés and artisan shops. Stay at Hotel Santa Maria, a well-located property blending traditional architecture with Mediterranean design, perfect for evening strolls. Alternatively, the Riverfront District appeals to travelers seeking tranquility, offering peaceful views of the Évora River and ideal spots for morning walks or sunrise watching.

Yes! Try Bela Vista House, a boutique guesthouse converted from a 19th-century farmstead. The hosts, local chefs, serve daily authentic Portuguese breakfasts featuring fresh bread, cured ham, and house-made jams. The property features an open kitchen where guests can join traditional fish stew workshops and learn how to prepare classic dishes like Caldo Verde. Additionally, residents enjoy monthly local market dinners, featuring creative meals made from regional ingredients—perfect for deepening your culinary experience in the Algarve region.

Don’t miss the annual Festa de São João, held in São João Square during summer, where locals wear folk costumes, play accordion music, and dance traditional rhythms. Explore the Roman ruins of Évora’s ancient walls, remnants of a former Roman outpost, and visit the Municipal Tower for panoramic views of the city and Évora River. At night, attend Folk Night at the Riverside Theater, where local artists perform traditional Portuguese music, offering a rich immersion into regional heritage.

Marina Bay Resort by Santa Maria Beach is highly rated, offering private beach access, water sports, and sea-view rooms with balconies. It blends Mediterranean aesthetics with modern comfort. Another top pick is Algarve Seaview Villa, a standalone seaside apartment with a private pool and terrace, ideal for those seeking privacy. Both are within a 10-minute walk of Évora Marina, convenient for ferry trips to nearby islands like Farol Island.

Stay at Vila do Amor, a secluded hilltop villa offering panoramic sea views and private hot tubs. Each room is adorned with rose and lavender scents for a romantic ambiance. Guests enjoy a private dinner on the terrace overlooking the Évora Estuary at sunset. The hotel also arranges couple’s sailing tours and stargazing experiences, allowing newlyweds to savor the serene beauty of the Algarve coast. Perfect for couples seeking intimacy and unforgettable moments.

Visit Catedral de Ourém, a 12th-century cathedral blending Romanesque and Gothic styles, housing rare frescoes and sacred relics. Another must-see is Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, whose façade features 16th-century religious reliefs. Don’t miss the Old City Gates (Porta da Vila) and the Municipal Tower, both preserving medieval structures. Climb the tower for breathtaking views over the city and the winding Évora River, a favorite spot for photographers.

Try a cave exploration tour through the Algarve’s underground cave system, navigating crystal-clear waterways by boat and marveling at stunning stalactite formations. For nature lovers, kayaking along the Évora River offers serene views surrounded by lush trees and native birds like herons and kingfishers. Hike the Castelo Forest Trail, a scenic path through oak and pine forests, ending at a lookout point with sweeping vistas of the Algarve plains—ideal for wildlife spotting and photography.

Évora’s nightlife thrives around its riverfront bars and jazz lounges. Visit Blue Note Riverside, a hidden gem beneath an old bridge, hosting live jazz nightly with craft beers and Mediterranean tapas. Every weekend, São João Square Market comes alive with local artisans and street performers, offering Portuguese fried shrimp and sweet wine pastries (Pastéis de Vinho). For a relaxed evening, sip orange blossom tea (Flor de Laranjeira) at an open-air café in the Old Town Square, enjoying the glow of lantern-lit historic buildings.

The peak season in Évora runs from May to September, with temperatures averaging 24–30°C—ideal for beach and outdoor activities. July and August see the highest visitor numbers. For quieter stays and better rates, consider visiting in April or October, when the weather remains pleasant and you can enjoy local festivals like the Spring Flower Festival or Autumn Grape Harvest Celebration, offering deeper cultural engagement.