When most travellers think of a trip to Portugal, they'll head straight to Lisbon or Porto. And while these cities are worth a visit for the culture and incredible scenery, we love Évora for its layered history.

Évora is the culinary heartbeat of Alentejo and a place that moves slower than other cities of the same size. It's UNESCO-listed due to its profusion of historical architecture and neolithic sites, including Roman ruins dating back to 1000 B.C., Renaissance castles and astonishing sites like the Chapel of Bones (with interior walls encrusted with human bones and skulls). This plays a testament to the city's spiritually rich reputation. It was once a place that performed witch trials and the only place in Portugal where one prosecution was actually carried out.

Not far, a pre-Stonehenge monument adds to the sense that time moves slower, beckoning to different ages throughout the centuries wherever you step. But not all feels old in Évora. Modern life abounds, with businesspeople and families living and working amongst the historical monuments. The music conservatory also attracts jazz and classical music students from around the country. Students are inspired by Alentejo's local music genre: Cante Alentejano, a style of vocal music carried out with no instruments traditionally sung in large groups and bound to make the heart flutter.

Europe

10 Underrated European Destinations to Visit in 2023

1. Bern, Switzerland

2. Vilnius, Lithuania

3. Ischia, Italy

4. Tbilisi, Georgia

5. Évora, Portugal

6. Alsace, France

7. Vis Island, Croatia

8. Sighisoara, Romania

9. Metsovo, Greece

10. Alesund, Norway

Find your next adventure.

Get insider access, travel inspiration and a first look at new adventures, straight to your inbox.