Private Tour: Evora, Elvas and Badajoz (Spain) day trip from Lisbon

Visit Elvas is truly one of Portugal’s hidden gems, an historic and wonderfully preserved town situated on the arid plains of the Portuguese-Spanish border. Elvas is located in the far east of the country, and few tourists rarely consider visiting, but those who make the journey will be rewarded with a fascinating town rich in history and beauty.

Elvas so highly fortified - The rugged landscape of the Portuguese-Spanish border made the region surrounding Elvas the natural crossing point between the two countries. When King John declared Portugal independent from Spain in 1640, a massive defensive construction project was initiated to make Elvas the first line of defence against any Spanish invasion. The walls of the city were designed so that no side was left unprotected, resulting in the formation of a unique star arrangement comprising bastions, ravelins and hidden passages.

Francisco de Arruda was Portugal’s foremost at the start of the 16th century.

He worked on the Portuguese national treasure, the Torre de Belém and came to Elvas to help design the aqueduct and the Manueline rebuild of the city’s cathedral.

The Manueline decor survives on the lateral portal, which has a multifoil arch and vegetal carvings, and in the fastidiously sculpted pillars and vaults of the central nave.

There’s also decoration from the 18th century, when chancel’s altar, carved from Estremoz marble, and the Baroque gilded woodcarving on the organ case were installed.

A scenic and picturesque town, Elvas has barely been altered since the era of grandiose forts and destructive cannons. All of the town's defences have been lovingly restored and can be fully explored, including the two forts of Santa Luizia and Nossa Senhora da Graca. Inside the town you’ll find cobbled streets, ancient churches, white-washed roads, and small, family-run restaurants.

The lack of major tourist development means that hotels are small, personal and good value, while there’s a relaxed – if somewhat conservative – atmosphere about the town. Elvas’ rich and intriguing history has so much to offer the intrepid visitor, and is highly recommended as an inclusion on any tour of central Portugal.

Visit the highest point in the north of the town is the earliest part of Elvas’ defences.

The medieval castle is anchored in the 700s when the Moors fortified this hill.

Later, from 1166 to 1230, the stronghold was taken and lost by Christian forces until the Moors finally abandoned the territory.

Come to poke around for an hour or two, taking the exciting stone passageway and staircase up to the battlements where the landscapes will leave you lost for words.

You’ll realise just how close to Spain we are here when you spot the town of Badajoz to the west.

Visit Badajoz - Spain a land of castles, historic towns, and art and architecture. Great theatre classics that come back to life every summer under the light of the moon. Gastronomic delicacies with their very own Designation of Origin.

Badajoz, a fortress dedicated to art - The Arab Alcazaba, or fortress, presides the ancient defensive system of bastions and city walls. Many of these fortified spaces have been restored and are now places dedicated to culture. The MEIAC, the Archaeological Museum and the Carnival Museum are a few examples.

Mérida, the way it was in Roman Empire times - This is a World Heritage site, and it's definitely bound to make an impression. Just take a visit to the Roman theatre, the amphitheatre or the temple of Diana to experience the sensation. It is one of the foremost archaeological sites in Spain, and in July and August comes to life again during the International Classical Theatre Festival.

Visit Diana Temple the best preserved Roman structure on the Iberian Peninsula and the bone chapel is the most ghoulish sight of Portugal,