Beautiful islands, ancient castles, untouched beaches, picturesque villages, Roman ruins: whether you are returning to Portugal to discover more advanced sites or want to include less-known gems on your first visit, here are some recommended places where you won’t be crowded with tourists.
While most visitors start their trip in Lisbon (with trips to nearby towns), head north to Porto and the Douro Valley, and sometimes visit the sunny beaches of the Algarve in southern Portugal, there are many more wonderful hidden gems.
Here are some suggestions for Portugal’s hidden gems:
Island: São Miguel
One of the largest and most beautiful islands, and the easiest to reach, is São Miguel.
One of the most beautiful and photographed sites is Lagoa das Sete Cidades, a volcanic crater with one blue lake and one green lake, creating one of the most mesmerizing views on the island. Another lake is Lagoa das Furnas. Its landscapes are less dramatic, but the nearby hot springs and mud pools provide a worthy compensation.
Beach: Comporta
While many tourists flock to the beaches near Lisbon, few reach the village of Comporta, about an hour away. Visitors here are often well-known personalities. What can you find here? A 13 km stretch of golden sand, dunes, dense forests, rice fields, stilted fishing huts, dolphins in the water, seafood restaurants, and a peaceful, authentic atmosphere without nightclubs or tourist crowds.
Village 1: Piodão
Less than 200 residents live in houses densely arranged on green terraces in a shape resembling an amphitheater. Stone houses create a large brown patch, broken by the vivid blue of some doors and windows. Narrow cobbled streets wind between the homes, surrounded by mountains, springs, and pastures.
Village 2: Monsanto
Monsanto is one of Portugal’s most unique and picturesque villages, perched atop a hill in eastern Portugal near the border with Spain. Giant boulders are scattered throughout the village, and granite houses are nestled naturally among them. Some houses have been converted into guesthouses and restaurants. At the highest point is Lucano Tower with bells and a clock overlooking the village. The best views are from the Miradouro de Monsanto, revealing breathtaking scenery of the green valley.
Archaeological Site: Conimbriga
The Conimbriga archaeological site, located in the countryside southwest of Coimbra, is one of Europe’s most impressive Roman ruins, though few have heard of it. The walled site contains several noble houses with beautifully preserved mosaics over two thousand years old. Don’t miss the House of the Fountains, with mosaics of birds, animals, and people surrounding a pool with water fountains. Other highlights include the Roman forum, baths, and beautiful gardens. A small museum near the entrance displays finds from the site, including coins, jewelry, and household items.
National Park: Peneda-Gerês
Portugal’s only national park, Peneda-Gerês in the northeast, features forested valleys, granite peaks, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Mountain slopes are covered in all shades of green, with many endemic species. With some luck, you might see deer and small wild horses, symbols of the park. The natural beauty invites adventure activities like trekking, canoeing, rafting, and rock climbing.
Castle: Palmela Castle
About 40 km southeast, the small town of Palmela sits atop a hill dominated by a fortified castle from the 12th century. The castle was first captured by the Moors and later became a Portuguese military stronghold, then a monastery. Today, part of the castle is open to visitors, and part has been converted into a luxury hotel. From the well-preserved castle, you can see the forested hills, vineyards, the Tagus and Sado rivers, and on clear days, Lisbon in the distance.