Gardens M'AR de Ar Aqueduto Hotel, Evora

Evora is one of those small, attractive Portuguese cities that really deserves spending quality time in. While you can visit its highlights on a day trip if time is short, consider adding at least a couple of nights to your itinerary. To make that easier to do, this article is all about the best hotels in Evora and some rather special guesthouses and other places to stay.

Having stayed at several places within the old city walls as well as slightly more rural locations over the past 16 years, my own preference is to be in the historical centre so that I can walk to restaurants and the main sights. However, there are some amazing hotels within a few kilometres of Évora if you’re happy to be in the countryside.

If you have a car, trust me when I say that you do not want to be driving down narrow cobbled lanes, especially in a rental car, so pick accommodation with parking very close to the walls. There’s a large, free car park that might be of use if your hotel doesn’t offer parking onsite.

Before getting stuck into more fantastic Evora accommodation options, here’s a quick overview of what the city has to offer.

The historical center is home to the small but remarkable Roman Temple of Diana, near the Gothic Evora Cathedral and, of course, the haunting Chapel of Bones. There are several small museums and art galleries as well as pretty squares and cobbled streets to explore. A 15th century aqueduct runs through the historical centre and there’s a charming small park in which to relax and see the peacocks.

This part of the Alentejo region is also renowned for megalithic monuments, wineries and cork oak plantations and there are several craft and medieval villages in the vicinity.

Find out more about what to do in Evora

Gorgeous 5-Star hotels in Evora 

This beautifully restored monastery gives you the opportunity to stay in one of the old cells of the Loios monks. The hotel retains many original and historical features and guests can enjoy a courtyard swimming pool and a fabulous location beside the ancient temple. Definitely a unique experience! Check out available rooms here. 

Pousada de Loios, Evora
Pousada Convento de Loios, Evora

As the name suggests, M’AR De Ar Aqueduto offers unrivalled views of Evora’s 15th century aqueduct. A palace that dates back to the 16th century has been transformed into a contemporary hotel with spacious deluxe rooms that have a private terrace leading onto the gardens and smaller but still attractive standard rooms. The outdoor pool is a refreshing place to unwind after a day of sightseeing, as are the hotel’s bars and restaurant. Or the spa. Just inside the city walls, it’s easy to drive to and there’s onsite parking. All the city centre sights are within walking distance unless you have mobility issues, in which case, the Pousada (see above) is more central. Check availability and prices.

Gardens M'AR de Ar Aqueduto Hotel, Evora
Gardens M’AR de Ar Aqueduto Hotel, Evora

If you want to stay at this convent, a car is advisable as it’s about 3 km outside of the historical centre. The beautiful 16th century convent is full of atmospheric arches and offers a range of luxurious rooms and suites, some with gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. Pet-friendly with an outdoor pool, decent spa and onsite restaurant. See photos and grab a room with a view.

Unique 4-Star hotels in Evora 

A real gem of a place where staff are outstandingly pleasant and helpful. Breakfast is vast and varied with hot food cooked to order. Rooms are spacious and the beds very comfortable. The public lounges are cosy and welcoming and there’s an outside terrace above the (free) car park. Allow the staff to park your car as the space is a bit tight. Pick the perfect room for your Evora stay

Bedroom Albergaria do Calvario, EvoraBedroom Albergaria do Calvario, Evora

If you like minimalist decor and clean, bright contemporary architecture, then this hotel would suit you. Featuring an indoor pool, onsite restaurant and free parking, it’s also extremely central in terms of Évora’s main sights. See photos and check availability.  

Centrally located between the Alconchel and Raimundo city gates is this fabulous hotel. Here you will find bright and elegant rooms and you can take time to relax on a gorgeous terrace overlooking an attractive garden. The staff are very helpful and friendly and there is also an onsite restaurant. See photos and check availability 

This hotel is quite modern in concept and style with lots of stone and cork features, two onsite restaurants, a fabulous rooftop swimming pool and spa facilities to make your stay as stress-free as possible. Located just outside the city walls, it offers free parking and internet and great views of Évora from the rooftop. Choose a room or suite to suit.

View from the roof of Évora Cathedral

View from the roof of Évora Cathedral

Delightful boutique guesthouses in Evora

This lovely guesthouse is a former pharmacy with a great location and is beautifully decorated throughout. It has a selection of residential quarters to suit all requirements, a terrace for relaxing and the benefit of free parking. Choose a room to suit

The Noble House guesthouse is in a renovated traditional mansion which retains the best of its original features, such as tiles, stone columns and vaulted ceilings. Luxury, style and comfort are key and the location is extremely central. Breakfasts are noteworthy and there is onsite parking (for a fee). See photos and check availability.

Lavradores Boutique Guesthouse

You can choose from a range of accommodation at this boutique guesthouse. Rooms are light and spacious and decor is contemporary throughout. Guests are offered reduced costs for alternative medicine treatments, relaxation and massages at the attached wellness spa. Check availability. 

For a guesthouse that offers garden views, tranquility and a beautiful sunny courtyard with a swimming pool then this one can’t be beaten. Rooms are delightfully decorated and the family who run the hotel are friendly and very helpful. An airport shuttle is available and for guests with cars there is onsite parking. Check the photos and choose a room. 

Comfortable 3-Star hotels in Evora

Templo Boutique Hotel

There’s a range of rooms to suit most budgets at this centrally located hotel. Rooms are pleasant and the staff very helpful. There’s a nice rooftop terrace to enjoy sunsets. Check out options.

Graca Hotel

This hotel is only 2 kms from the city walls and is surrounded by nature. There’s a salt water swimming pool and the staff are friendly and helpful. Rooms are clean but can be a little on the small side. Book your stay now.

Charming apartments in Evora

Casa do Becco is a delightful 1-bedroomed apartment in the city centre with arched brick ceilings. Tastefully renovated to a high standard with a well-equipped kitchen if you want to prepare your own meals. The experienced AirBnB host is friendly and helpful and provides a welcome pack of basic supplies. There is free private parking in the garage. See photos and reviews.

This casa is an old restored palace originally dating back to the 15th century that lies at the heart of the ancient city. It’s a charming boutique Aparthotel that offers 12 stylish apartments all tastefully decorated. The staff are very helpful and its central location means you can walk everywhere easily. Check availability and reviews.

Casa do Sertório – Casa inteira

Close to the Cathedral of Evora Se are these apartment with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a terrace. It is a calm and comfortable place to stay and just a short distance from the many attractions. There are many little features to enjoy in this apartment from beautiful traditional Portuguese decor to ornate ceilings. Check availability and prices.

Houses in the aqueduct, Evora
Houses in the aqueduct, Evora

Lovely alternative stays in Evora 

You get 6 choices of accommodation all with simple yet imaginative decor featuring furniture and lighting created or upcycled by the owners, a brother and sister team. The organic and homemade breakfast is made using locally sourced produce. The location is quiet and the walk in to town is short. For those with cars there is free parking. Check out this special place and book a room! 

Oliveirinha Country House

If you have a car and would prefer to stay outside of Evora in a traditional Alentejo country house surrounded by fields, nature and horses, then Oliveirinha Country House is ideal. The hosts are very friendly and helpful, you can ride one of the aforementioned horses and it is the perfect place to wind down and relax. As part of the property there is a palace and winery you can visit. Take a look at room availability. 

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