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Dreaming of a Portuguese adventure but want to avoid the hordes of tourists? Keep reading.
Here we reveal eight hidden gems far from the madding crowd that will surprise, hypnotize and fascinate.
Courtesy of travel experts HomeToGo, ash journeys and The family cruise companionThese places are Portugal at its best.
Scroll down and you’ll discover a glowing volcanic island, a town where houses seem to rise from rocks, and a “perfect” village perched on top of strikingly steep cliffs.
This portfolio of Portuguese temptations also includes a national park with majestic waterfalls, the country’s oldest city and a riverside settlement that seems almost “unreal.”
What place would you most like to visit?
PORTO SANTO ISLAND: The holiday platform experts HomeToGo told MailOnline Travel: ‘The island of Porto Santo, off the coast of Madeira, is famous for its 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) stretch of soft, golden, mineral-rich sand and warm turquoise waters. Inland, volcanic peaks create a striking landscape around which trails reveal unique rock formations and ancient windmills.
PORTO COVO, SOUTHERN ALENTEJO COAST: HomeToGo calls it a “perfect town,” adding: “Steep cliffs give way to quiet sandy beaches and a welcoming atmosphere.” Its streets, lined with whitewashed buildings, lead to picturesque coves and impressive trails such as the Fisherman’s Trail.
VILA NOVA DES MILFONTES, ALENTEJO COAST: ‘Vila Nova des Milfontes is an uncrowded gem,’ says HomeToGo, ‘combining river and seascapes with uncrowded beaches. The Mira River meets the Atlantic here and offers calm waters ideal for kayaking and swimming.
PENADA-GERES NATIONAL PARK, NEAR THE SPANISH BORDER: ‘Penada-Geres National Park shows the wild side of Portugal,’ says HomeToGo, ‘with landscapes marked by granite mountains, rich forests and ancient villages. Adventurers can visit majestic waterfalls and expect to spot wild Garrano horses.
PONTE DE LIMA, NORTHERN PORTUGAL: Ponte de Lima is a great place for tourists looking for a historical getaway. The HomeToGo team reveals: ‘Ponte de Lima, Portugal’s oldest city, is a fairytale setting characterized by its Roman and medieval bridge, riverside paths and nearby green vineyards. Also known for its lively celebrations and festivals, this destination balances historical intrigue with vibrant local culture.
FOZ D’EGUA, EASTERN PORTUGAL: Foz d’Egua is situated in a “lush, green environment,” explains Cindy Scott, travel expert at ash journeys. He continues: “It is a quiet town with river ponds that seem almost unreal. The water is clear and calm, perfect for swimming or just sitting on the shore and enjoying the sound of the streams.
MONSARAZ, EASTERN PORTUGAL: This town “seems off the radar,” explains Cindy. She says: ‘It is a medieval village located on top of a hill in the Alentejo region, surrounded by open countryside and Lake Alqueva. The castle transports you back in time and the views stretch forever. Around the lake there are quiet trails for walking or biking, and if you like kayaking or boating, the water is perfect.
MONSANTO, EASTERN PORTUGAL: In this mountaintop town, residents have built their homes in and around huge rocks. Elaine Warren, travel expert The family cruise companionsays: ‘The first time we visited, my children were completely fascinated by the houses in the village, which seemed to emerge from giant rocks. It’s the kind of place where kids can climb, explore, and let their imaginations run wild while learning the history behind how people adapted to such a unique environment.