Elvas is an ancient town surrounded by star-shaped defensive walls. Centuries-old strongholds dot the hillsides and have earned Elvas UNESCO World Heritage status. The town is a gateway to the Alto Alentejo, an enchanting corner of Portugal dotted with fortified towns and clifftop castles.
Things to do in Elvas
Admire works by Portuguese artists like Francisco Vidal at Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Elvas. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored Baroque building and showcases works by established and emerging artists.
Wander along cobbled streets lined with stone houses and whitewashed villas in the town centre. Many of the streets spill onto sunny squares like Praça da República, which is dotted with cafes and bistros. Triangle-shaped Largo de Santa Clara is another of the town’s prettiest plazas.
Forte da Graça is one of several forts that dot the hillsides surrounding Elvas. Join a guided tour to go behind the scenes of the fort and explore secret tunnels and corridors. Entrance to the fort is via the elaborate Porta do Dragão door, which is guarded by a beautifully carved stone dragon.
Enjoy spectacular views from the battlements of Castelo. The castle has been rebuilt several times over the centuries and features exhibits on the unique history of the stronghold. Learn about how Elvas became one of the most fortified towns in Portugal after the country declared independence from Spain in the 1600s. The sun-drenched terrace café is one of the best spots in town to sip a coffee.
The Amoreira Aqueduct stretches for more than seven kilometres and features hundreds of enormous stone arches. It was once used to transport water to the town, though it is now a historic landmark.
Getting around Elvas
Elvas is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The town is in the Alto Alentejo region, a two-hour drive from Lisbon and three hours by bus. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Elvas and explore Alto Alentejo at your own pace. Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon is a two-hour drive away.