Évora Almendres Cromlech Day Trip: Temples & Stones

A chapel built entirely from human bones sits inside a 12th-century cathedral in the middle of Portugal's oldest walled town.

This full-day guided tour from Lisbon takes you to Évora, a UNESCO-listed town in the Alentejo region, and two ancient megalithic sites nearby. You'll explore Roman temples, climb the Gothic Cathedral to its roof, visit the Chapel of Bones, and walk the Almendres Cromlech—a Neolithic stone circle said to be the largest structured group of menhirs in the Iberian Peninsula. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with a private guide and minivan transport; the drive takes about an hour each way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Évora and Megaliths in Alentejo

• Pickup from Lisbon hotel
• Drive to Évora with countryside views
• Visit Temple of Diana
• Tour Gothic Cathedral and climb roof
• Explore Chapel of Bones
• Free time and lunch in Évora
• Visit Almendres Cromlech stone circle
• Return to Lisbon crossing 25th April Bridge

The Experience

The day starts with pickup from your Lisbon hotel and an hour-long drive through the Portuguese countryside in a private minivan with your guide. Évora itself is more than 2,000 years old and sits behind medieval walls that still stand intact. Once you arrive, you'll walk to the Temple of Diana—a Roman temple dedicated to Augustus—and then move through the town's narrow cobblestoned streets to the Gothic Cathedral, built in the 12th century. You can climb to the roof to see the surrounding countryside spread out below.

Inside the Church of St Francis sits the Chapel of Bones, a small chamber whose walls and ceiling are constructed entirely from human bones and skulls. After exploring Évora's center, you'll have free time to wander the streets and eat lunch at one of the local restaurants. The final stop is the Almendres Cromlech, a Neolithic stone circle in the countryside where roughly 95 menhirs stand arranged in patterns aligned with the Summer Solstice. Your guide will explain how the stones were likely used for sacred rituals before you return to Lisbon, crossing the 25th April Bridge on the way back.

The tour runs for about 8 hours total and involves a moderate amount of walking through the town and around the stone circle, so comfortable shoes are essential. Bottled water is provided during the drive, and WiFi is available in the minivan. The guide speaks English and can answer questions about the history and culture of the region throughout the day.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Lisbon.
• private guide speaking English.
• transport by private minivan.
• bottled water during the drive.
• WiFi in the minivan.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats available

Operated by Around Lisbon

Is this one for you?Book the shared tour if you're comfortable meeting other travelers and want a lower cost; choose the private tour if you'd rather travel with your own group and set the pace of stops inside Évora's town center.

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Top questions

What is the Chapel of Bones and why is it made from human remains?

The Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos) is a small chamber inside the Church of St Francis in Évora, constructed from human bones and skulls. The exact reason for its creation is unclear, but it is believed to date from the 16th century and may have been built as a memento mori—a reminder of human mortality—or to make use of bones from the church's cemetery.

How far is Évora from Lisbon and how long does the drive take?

Évora is located in the Alentejo region of Portugal, roughly 130 kilometers southeast of Lisbon. The drive takes about an hour each way, so you'll spend roughly two hours in transit for the full day trip.

What is the Almendres Cromlech and how old is it?

The Almendres Cromlech is a Neolithic stone circle made up of roughly 95 menhirs (standing stones) arranged in patterns aligned with the Summer Solstice. It is said to be the largest existing group of structured menhirs in the Iberian Peninsula and dates back thousands of years to the Neolithic period, when the stones were likely used for sacred rituals and astronomical observations.

Can I choose between a shared tour and a private tour?

Yes, you can book either the shared Golden Plains tour with other travelers or a private tour for your group. Both options include the same stops and guide, hotel pickup and minivan transport; the private option means you travel only with people you choose.

What should I wear and how much walking is involved?

A moderate amount of walking is involved, so comfortable shoes are essential. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and you'll walk through Évora's cobblestoned streets, climb to the roof of the Cathedral, and wander around the Almendres stone circle.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included, but you'll have free time in Évora to eat at one of the local restaurants in the town center. Bottled water is provided during the minivan journey.