Évora Portugal is a historic city located in the center of the Alentejo region, famous for its beautiful countryside, delicious cuisine, incredible wine and relaxed way of life. With its rich cultural heritage, Évora has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular destination for tourists and expats alike.
If you are considering making the move to Évora, Portugal, this guide will provide you with valuable information to decide on the best location for you. From the city’s culture and entertainment options, to practicalities like transportation, healthcare and education, we are here to help you navigate the challenges of moving to a new country and make the most of your experience in Évora.
Where is Évora Portugal?
Évora is situated in the south-central part of the country and is approximately 80 miles (130 km) east of Lisbon. The city is the capital of the Évora District and has a total population of around 54,000 people. The city is surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, making it a popular destination for wine enthusiasts.
Some of the major cities located near Évora include Lisbon and Faro, which is a popular tourist destination in the Algarve region. Évora is also known for its rich history and has several well-preserved landmarks that date back to Roman and medieval times.
See Evora on the map.
What is Evora like?
Évora has a unique geography. The city is situated on a plateau at an altitude of 300 meters (900 feet) above sea level. The terrain is relatively flat, and there are no significant mountains or valleys in the area.
Évora is surrounded by natural landmarks, such as the Serra de Monfurado Natural Park and the Guadiana River, which are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
What’s the weather like in Évora?
The city has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature during the summer months (June to August) is around 86°F (30°C), and it can sometimes reach up to 104°F (40°C).
During the winter months (December to February), the temperature averages around 50°F (10°C), and it can sometimes drop below freezing at night.
The spring and autumn months are mild, with temperatures averaging around 68°F (20°C). Évora is known for its sunny weather, and there are around 300 sunny days per year. The precipitation in Évora is low, and the city receives around 20 inches (500 mm) of rainfall per year, mostly during the winter months.
How to get to Évora, Portugal
Évora is well-connected to other cities in Portugal and can be easily accessed by train, car, or plane. The nearest airport is Lisbon Airport, which is approximately 80 miles (130 km) away.
From the airport, visitors can take a train, bus or rent a car to reach Évora. There are also direct train connections from Lisbon and Porto to Évora. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours from Lisbon and around 4 hours from Porto.
If traveling by car, the distance between Lisbon and Évora takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Education in Évora
The city is home to several higher education institutions, including the University of Évora, which is one of the oldest universities in Portugal, founded in 1559. The university offers a range of courses in various disciplines, including arts, sciences, and humanities.
There are also several language schools in Évora that offer courses in Portuguese for foreigners. Additionally, there are a few international schools in the region, such as the Évora International School, which offers a British-style education to foreign children from around the world.
Cost of living in Évora
Évora is an affordable city to live in compared to other major locations in Portugal. According to the Numbeo cost of living comparison calculator, the cost of living in Évora is approximately 39% cheaper than in Lisbon and 32% cheaper than in Porto.
The average monthly cost of living for a single person in Évora is around $750 (€700), which includes accommodation, food, transportation and other expenses. The cost of housing in Évora is also lower than in other major cities in Portugal, with rent prices being 49% lower than in Lisbon and 31% lower than in Porto.
An overview of the real estate market in Évora
The real estate market in Évora Portugal offers a range of properties for both buying and renting. The typical architecture in Évora is influenced by the Roman and Moorish periods and is characterized by whitewashed buildings with red-tiled roofs.
The average price per square foot for an apartment in the city center is around $208, while the average price per square foot for a house outside the city center is around $180. The rental market in Évora is also affordable, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costing around $680 per month.
Things to do in Évora Portugal
The city offers plenty of things to do for both old and young. Some of the major entertainment attractions in and around the city of Evora include:
- Visiting the Évora Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dates back to the 12th century.
- Exploring the Roman Temple of Évora, which is the city’s most famous landmark and dates back to the 1st century.
3. Strolling around the historic city center and admiring the architecture.
4. Attending the annual Évora International Classical Music Festival, which takes place in July.
5. Celebrating the Festa de São João in June, which is a local holiday that involves music, dancing and fireworks.
6. Visiting nearby natural landmarks such as the Serra de Monfurado Natural Park and the Guadiana River.
7. Taking a wine tour in the area surrounding Evora.
Lesser known facts about Évora
From its rich history to its traditional cuisine and handicrafts, there are many lesser-known facts about Évora that make it a unique and fascinating destination.
- Évora is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, with a history that dates back over 2,000 years.
- The city has several well-preserved Roman ruins, including the Temple of Diana and the Baths of Lusitania.
- Évora is known for its traditional cuisine, which includes dishes such as bacalhau com todos (salt cod with vegetables), açorda (bread soup), and migas (breadcrumbs with pork).
- The city has a tradition of making traditional handicrafts, such as pottery, weaving, and cork products.
- Évora is surrounded by vineyards and is known for its wine production, particularly its red wines made from the local grape varieties.
- The city has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several museums, art galleries and cultural centers.
Why move to Evora Portugal?
Évora offers a unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty. Here are some of the reasons why you might consider moving to this beautiful Portuguese city:
- Rich History: Évora’s long and fascinating history is reflected in its well-preserved historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has been continuously inhabited for over 2,000 years and is home to many impressive landmarks and monuments.
- Cultural Heritage: Évora has a vibrant cultural scene, with several museums, galleries, and cultural centers showcasing the city’s artistic and intellectual traditions. It is also known for its lively festivals and events throughout the year.
- Natural Beauty: Évora is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including vineyards, olive groves and cork forests. The city’s location in the Alentejo region of Portugal also offers easy access to nearby beaches and other scenic areas.
- Quality of Life: Évora is a small and safe city, with a high quality of life and a low cost of living compared to other major cities in Europe. It offers a relaxed pace of life, good healthcare and a friendly community.
The downside of living in Évora
While there are many advantages to living in Évora, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. Here are some of the downsides:
- Limited Job Opportunities: Évora is a relatively small city with a limited job market, particularly in certain fields such as technology and finance. Many residents commute to nearby cities for work.
- Hot Summers: Évora’s location in southern Portugal means that summers can be very hot and dry, with occasional extreme temperatures. This can be uncomfortable for some people, particularly those who are not used to the heat.
- Limited Public Transportation: While Évora has a good network of roads, public transportation options are limited, particularly for those who live in the surrounding rural areas. This can make it difficult to get around without a car.
- Lack of Diversity: Évora is a relatively homogeneous city, with a small population and a limited diversity of cultures and backgrounds. This can be a challenge for those who are used to more cosmopolitan environments.
Living in Évora Portugal: the perfect destination for history, nature and sunshine
Évora truly offers a unique blend of rich history, stunning natural landscapes, affordable living and a relaxed way of life. With a Mediterranean climate, mild winters and hot summers, it is a great destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities, wine and sunny weather. Additionally, its proximity to Lisbon and Faro and excellent transportation options make it a great base to explore Portugal. Whether you are planning a short visit or considering making Évora your new home, it is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Explore more wonderful places to live in Portugal:
- Guide to Cascais
- Guide to Faro
- Guide to Aveiro
- Guide to Lagos
- Guide to Coimbra
- Guide to Nazare
- Guide to Braga
