Portugal is a popular holiday destination for British tourists and travellers from all around the world.

Fantastic cities like Lisbon, Faro, and Porto are regularly frequented by international visitors thanks to their laidback atmospheres, regular sunshine and affordable prices.

Then there’s beautiful Madeira, dubbed the ‘Hawaii of Europe’, which is emerging as one of the hottest travel destinations in 2024.

But where do Portuguese travellers go in their own country to escape the tourist crowds?

Évora, a beautiful inland city with a population of just over 50,000, is a place where domestic Portuguese tourists head to relax and explore.

The main attraction in Évora is the macabre Capela dos Ossos, or the Chapel of Bones – a small chapel located next to the entrance of the Church of St Francis, where the interior walls are decorated with, you guessed it, human bones.

Whilst the thought of human remains covering the walls might send shivers down your spine, the Capela dos Ossos is one of Évora’s landmarks.

Tripadvisor user JoãoRodrigues is from the Portuguese city of Beja, and they said that Capela dos Ossos was an “unmissable tourist spot in Évora”.

Before adding that “the Bone Chapel has an incredible history and is one of the unmissable places to visit in Évora”.

A fellow Portuguese visitor from Ovar with the username Maria Moreira said: “Impressive. Wonderful and careful work on the arrangement of the bones, showing respect and art. The museum is very good.

“Extraordinary nativity scene exhibition, with true and unique works of art. Definitely worth a visit.”

Whilst a third Tripadvisor user from Portugal, PedroBeirao, said: “Without a doubt, an experience not to be missed during your visit to Évora.”

The small Portuguese city is also famous for its well-preserved Old Town, Centro Histórico de Évora, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to monuments spanning vast historical periods.

Pedro Marques, a Tripadvisor user from Lisbon, commented: “Évora is the best example of a city from the height of Portuguese history, which stands out for its architecture, spaces, atmosphere, flavours and colours. You won’t regret it!”

Whilst another user, NunoML from Sintra, said about the historical centre: “Very beautiful to walk around. Clean and well-kept streets. Several spaces for rest. Excellent spots to take fantastic photos.”

There are a number of other interesting things to see and do in this fascinating city, including the impressive Templo Romano de Évora (Templo de Diana), a Roman temple situated in the historical centre of Évora. It is believed to have been built in the first century AD in honour of the first Emperor of Rome, Augustus.

Like other cities in Portugal, the food and drink on offer in the city is both delicious and affordable. If you’re a particularly big fan of wine, take a trip to the amazing Fitapreta winery.