Family Adventure in Historic Évora

Day 9: A Fond Farewell to Évora: Reflecting on History and Hidden Gems

Discovering Évora's charm: From serene gardens and sacred art to panoramic views and local crafts on our final day.

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Adieu, Évora!

As our family adventure in Évora draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences we've shared over the past nine days. Today was all about soaking in the last moments of this historic city, discovering hidden gems, and savoring the unique charm that Évora has to offer. It’s amazing how a place can feel so familiar in such a short time, and I’m already anticipating the stories we’ll be sharing back home in Bonn.

Our final day began with a delightful breakfast at Alegrias e Vinho Tinto Botequim. The cozy, family-owned restaurant was the perfect spot to start our day, and the owners treated us like old friends. I enjoyed a strong coffee and a traditional pastry while Andreas and Sophie opted for heartier options. It was a wonderful way to fuel up before our day of exploration.

Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at Alegrias e Vinho Tinto Botequim in Évora - where every meal is a celebration of local flavors.
Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at Alegrias e Vinho Tinto Botequim in Évora - where every meal is a celebration of local flavors.

With our bellies full, we set off to the Jardim Público de Évora. The crisp December air was refreshing as we strolled through the garden, admiring the diverse vegetation and vibrant colors. Sophie was particularly enchanted by a whimsical sculpture, and we spent a good half-hour taking photos and simply enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings. I couldn't help but think how much I would love to recreate some of the landscaping in my own garden back in Bonn. Perhaps a small reminder of our time in Portugal! During December, the Jardim Público transforms into a Christmas wonderland. Although the official opening is still a few days away, we could already feel the festive spirit in the air. There were hints of the upcoming Jardim de Natal, with preparations underway for the artisan stalls and festive attractions.

Explore the serene beauty of Jardim Público de Évora, a historic park in the heart of Portugal's charming city, perfect for relaxation and cultural immersion.
Explore the serene beauty of Jardim Público de Évora, a historic park in the heart of Portugal's charming city, perfect for relaxation and cultural immersion.

“Traveling is not just seeing the sights, it is changing the way you look at life.”

Next on our itinerary was the Museu de Évora - Núcleo de Arte Sacra da Igreja das Mercês. As a lover of art history, I was particularly excited about this stop. The museum houses a fascinating collection of sacred art, and I was eager to explore the religious artifacts and intricate presépios. Sophie, surprisingly, was also captivated by the beauty and history behind each piece. It's moments like these that make traveling with family so rewarding – sharing our passions and discovering new ones together.

Explore the Museu de Évora, a treasure trove of sacred art in Portugal's historic Évora, showcasing centuries of religious craftsmanship and heritage.
Explore the Museu de Évora, a treasure trove of sacred art in Portugal's historic Évora, showcasing centuries of religious craftsmanship and heritage.

After immersing ourselves in sacred art, we made our way to the Miradouro do Museu. The panoramic views from this vantage point were simply breathtaking. We could see the entire city of Évora spread out before us, a tapestry of medieval architecture and lush greenery. I took dozens of photos, trying to capture the magic of the moment. Andreas pointed out various landmarks, sharing interesting facts and historical tidbits. It was the perfect spot to reflect on our journey and appreciate the beauty of Évora from above.

Experience breathtaking views and rich cultural heritage at the Miradouro do Museu in Évora, a perfect tourist attraction for all travelers.
Experience breathtaking views and rich cultural heritage at the Miradouro do Museu in Évora, a perfect tourist attraction for all travelers.

With the afternoon sun casting long shadows, we decided to indulge in a bit of shopping. Artesanato Beijinho was our destination, a charming little shop specializing in local crafts. I was on the hunt for a unique souvenir to remind us of our time in Évora. The shop was filled with an array of ceramics, cork products, and leather goods, all handcrafted in the Alentejo region. I finally settled on a beautiful hand-painted ceramic bowl, perfect for displaying flowers in my floral design studio. Sophie picked out a delicate cork bracelet, a stylish and eco-friendly reminder of our trip.

Explore Artesanato Beijinho in Évora for unique handcrafted gifts showcasing the rich culture and artistry of Portugal.
Explore Artesanato Beijinho in Évora for unique handcrafted gifts showcasing the rich culture and artistry of Portugal.

As the day wound down, we found ourselves at O Combinado for a late lunch. This restaurant came highly recommended for its traditional Portuguese cuisine, and it did not disappoint. We shared a variety of dishes, including migas, garlic shrimp, and crispy fries. The flavors were rich and authentic, a true taste of the Alentejo region. It was the perfect way to refuel after a day of exploring.

Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at O Combinado in Évora – where tradition meets flavor in every dish.
Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at O Combinado in Évora – where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

Our final dinner in Évora was at Restaurante O Moinho do Cu Torto. The restaurant is set in a charming old mill, creating a cozy and authentic atmosphere. We savored every bite of our meal, reminiscing about our favorite moments from the past nine days. The food was exceptional, and the service was top-notch. It was the perfect way to say goodbye to Évora, with a delicious meal and cherished memories.

Savor authentic Portuguese cuisine at Restaurante O Moinho do Cu Torto in Évora—where tradition meets flavor in every bite.
Savor authentic Portuguese cuisine at Restaurante O Moinho do Cu Torto in Évora—where tradition meets flavor in every bite.

Looking back on our time in Évora, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences we've shared as a family. We've explored ancient ruins, wandered through charming streets, and immersed ourselves in the local culture. Évora has a way of capturing your heart, and I know we will carry these memories with us for years to come.

As we prepare to leave tomorrow, I can't help but feel a tinge of sadness. But I also know that this is not goodbye, but rather au revoir. Évora, we will be back! The flight back to Bonn will give us time to reflect on all the wonderful things we have seen and done. I am already looking forward to sharing our stories and photos with friends and family. Perhaps we can even inspire them to visit this magical city!

What’s next for us? Well, it’s time to head back to Bonn and get back to our normal routines. Sophie has school, Andreas has work, and I have my floral design business to tend to. But I know that the memories of our family adventure in Évora will stay with us, brightening our days and inspiring us to seek out new experiences. And who knows, maybe our next adventure will be just around the corner!

Thank you, Évora, for the memories. Until next time!

Go to day 8 A Day of Royal Echoes: Exploring the Castles and Flavors of Évora
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Family Adventure in Historic Évora

Explore Évora's rich history and culture with the family, staying in luxury and comfort at M'AR De AR Aqueduto.

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Meet this Featured Explorer

Maria Bakker
  • Occupation icon Occupation: Floral Designer
  • Country icon Country: Germany
  • Age icon Age: 47

Hallo! I'm Maria Bakker, a floral designer from Bonn, Germany, with Dutch roots and a passion for exploring the world. I believe that travel is more than just ticking off landmarks; it's about immersing yourself in different cultures, connecting with locals, and creating lasting memories. Join me as I share my travel stories, practical tips, and inspiring photos, all while seeking authentic experiences and sustainable ways to explore our beautiful planet. I hope to inspire you to embark on your own adventures, discover hidden gems, and appreciate the beauty that our world has to offer!

Interests:
  • Gardening
  • Sustainable living
  • Art history
  • Local markets
  • European culture
More about Maria Bakker

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