Elvas, known as the “city of plums,” is a historic town in Portugal that is characterized by its narrow, cobblestone streets and crenellated fortifications. The town was held by the Moors until 1226, and it was frequently attacked and besieged by Spanish troops in later years. In the 1801 War of the Oranges, Elvas finally fell but remained part of Portugal, while its neighboring town, Olivença, became Spanish.

The fortifications of Elvas are an exceptional example of 17th-century military architecture. They include gates, curtain walls, moats, bastions, and sloping banks. The town is also known for its tightly packed, gold- and oyster-colored cottages with tile roofs that line the steep, hilly streets. Many of the houses have doors that are just 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall, and the tiny windows are filled with canary cages and flowering geraniums.

One of the most impressive landmarks in Elvas is the four-tier Aqueduto da Amoreira. Built between 1498 and 1622, the aqueduct transports water from a source located about 8 kilometers (5 miles) southwest of the town. Visitors can admire the aqueduct’s arches and impressive engineering as it stretches across the landscape. In some places, it towers up to 30 meters (98 feet) high. Overall, Elvas is a charming and historic town that offers visitors a glimpse into Portugal’s rich cultural heritage.

Visiting Elvas for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Elvas on the first visit. Top help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Elvas not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Elvas and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Museu Militar de Elvas

The Museu Militar de Elvas (Military Museum of Elvas) is a museum located in the town of Elvas in Portugal. It is housed in the former quarters of the artillery regiment, which is located within the historic walls of the town. The museum was founded in 1929 and its collection includes a wide variety of […]

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Location: Museu Militar de Elvas, Avenida de São Domingos, Elvas, Portugal | Hours: 09:00 - 17:00 Mon - Sun | Price: €3 | Distance: 0.40km

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Visiting Museu Militar de Elvas

Castelo de Elvas

Castelo de Elvas is a medieval fortress located in the city of Elvas, Portugal. It was built in the 13th century during the reign of King Sancho II and served as a key defensive structure on the border between Portugal and Spain. The castle is surrounded by a moat and has several towers and ramparts, […]

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Location: Castelo de Elvas, Rua da Parada do Castelo, Elvas, Portugal | Hours: 9:30 until 13:00 and from 14:30 until 17:30 | Price: €1.50 | Distance: 0.40km

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Visiting Castelo de Elvas

Walls of Elvas

The Walls of Elvas are a set of fortifications that surround the town of Elvas, which is located in the Alentejo region of Portugal. The walls were built during the 17th century to protect the town from Spanish invasion during the Portuguese Restoration War (1640-1668). The Walls of Elvas are considered to be one of […]

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Visiting Walls of Elvas

Amoreira Aqueduct

The Amoreira Aqueduct is a historical aqueduct located in the city of Elvas, in the Alentejo region of Portugal. The aqueduct was built in the 16th century, during the reign of King Dom Manuel I, to supply water to the city and its fortifications. The aqueduct is made up of a series of arches, which […]

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Location: Amoreira Aqueduct, Elvas, Portugal | Distance: 0.80km

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Visiting Amoreira Aqueduct

Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça

The Fort of Nossa Senhora da Graça, also known as Fort Conde de Lippe, is a historic fort located in the parish of Caia, São Pedro and Alcáçova, approximately one kilometer north of Elvas, Portugal. The fort was built on the Monte da Graça and played a vital role in defending the Stronghold of Elvas […]

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Location: Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça, Elvas, Portugal | Distance: 1.60km

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Visiting Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça