Portugal Travel: 10 Incredible Hidden Gems To Visit

Portugal, a small country on the western edge of Europe, is renowned for its vibrant cities, stunning coastlines, and rich history. While popular tourist destinations like Lisbon and Porto attract millions of visitors each year, there are numerous hidden gems scattered across the country that offer unique and unforgettable experiences. If you're an adventurous traveler seeking to explore beyond the beaten path, here are ten incredible hidden gems in Portugal that should be on your travel itinerary.

These ten incredible hidden gems in Portugal offer a diverse range of experiences, from medieval villages and breathtaking natural landscapes to historical sites and cultural treasures. Venture off the beaten path and uncover the lesser-known wonders of Portugal for a truly unforgettable travel adventure.

10 Incredible Hidden Gems To Visit

1. Santana, North of Madeira

Santana is located in the north of Madeira. It is well-known for its special and characteristic triangular dwellings. Compared with the southern part of Madeira, Santana rains a little more than that. That's also the reason why there's only one house being inhabited, and others being converted into gift shops. Actually, it's not exactly representative of the island, but if you want to discover local handicrafts and snap pictures, it's a good choice.

2. Ferragudo, Lagoa – Algarve

Compared with the beaches of Carvoeiro and Portimao, there are fewer people choosing to visit here. So it won't be so crowded, and you can get a more comfortable experience enjoying the beautiful scenery here. You can take the N125 for free and go through Parchal to reach the settlement where you can enjoy a spectacular view over the city and the neighboring city-Portimao.

3. Costa Nova, Aveiro – Porto

Costa Nova is a small town, which is connected by a bridge to Aveiro. There are a lot of attractions in this town, including its fish market and lively houses. When it comes to the most famous one, it must be the houses along the main street, Avenida Jose Estevao. In the past, those houses were used to store fishing gear, but now, they have become vacation homes.

4. Odeceixe, Algarve

The southern bank of the Ribeira de Seixe, flowing through the municipality of Odeceixe, marks the border between the Algarve and Alentejo regions. Odeceixe is situated on the steeply sloping terrain that separates these two regions. At the mouth of the Ribera de Seixe, you'll find Praia do Odeceixe, one of the few official nudist beaches in Portugal.

5. Sistelo, Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gêres

Sistelo, known as "the little Portuguese Tibet," is one of Portugal's best-kept secrets. Located near the "Penada Geres" National Park, it is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Porto. This community of 300 people has been recognized as one of the seven wonders of Portugal.

6. Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, Sao Miguel – Azores

This picturesque island is the visible part of a remarkable underwater volcano, located just 0.6 miles off the coast. Within this paradisiacal destination, you'll discover a small beach with crystal-clear waters.

7. Azenhas do mar, Azenhas do mar

In just 50 minutes from Lisbon, you can experience a complete change of scenery. This tiny fishing community, perched on the cliff's edge, guarantees Instagram-worthy moments. Take a dip in the sparkling natural pool or relax on the sheltered beach. When hunger strikes, indulge in traditional Portuguese cuisine and seafood at the authentic restaurants in this village.

8. Berlengas Archipelago, Peniche

Many consider the small fishing village of Peniche a hidden treasure and a slice of paradise. However, Portugal has more to offer. The Berlengas archipelago is the cherry on top.

9. Ponta da Piedade, Lagos

Lagos, renowned for its captivating history and notable landmarks in the old town, is considered one of the most picturesque coastal cities in Portugal. Yet, the true gem of the region lies in La Ponta da Piedade. This enchanting area boasts cliffs, rock formations, sea arches, and hidden caves. Visitors can embark on a breathtaking experience by strolling along the cliffs, descending the stairs to the beach, or exploring the formations via organized boat tours.

10. Sete Cidades, Azores Islands

Nestled in the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores comprise a collection of nine enchanting islands, making it an ideal destination for eco-friendly trips. With only 5% of the area developed, these islands offer unspoiled natural beauty. One of the most famous sights is the impressive volcanic caldera on São Miguel Island, known as Sete Cidades.

When we travel, besides enjoying the beautiful scenery, we can't miss the delicious and classic foods as well.

Classic foods in Portugal

1. Pastel de nata (custard tart)

This is the most famous dessert in Portugal, and it is said to have originated in the Lisbon suburbs in 1837. But the original recipe is under lockdown. Pastel de nata is a tiny and decadent Portuguese egg tart, whose top is sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon. The secret to making a delicious Pastel de nata is the textural yin-and-yang between the creamy egg custard filling and the flaky pastry shell.

2. Polvo à Lagareiro (octopus with olive oil and potatoes)

Polvo à Lagareiro is one of the most common dishes across the country, and it's said to have originated in the central Portuguese region named Beiras. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity: a piece of roasted and meaty octopus is doused in olive and garlic, and served with slow-baked potatoes.

3. Porco preto (Iberian black pork)

The Iberian-native black pigs, also known as porco preto, trace their ancestry back to the pigs originally introduced to the peninsula by the Phoenicians. This unique breed is found exclusively in Portugal and Spain. The Portuguese people savor their meat in various delicious preparations, ranging from charcuterie such as presunto ibérico, to succulent grilled secretos (a rich, pork belly-like cut), and flavorful enchiladas (pork sausages).

4. Arroz de pato (duck rice)

In addition to pork, Portugal boasts another exceptional meat dish: duck rice. This culinary creation is a harmonious union of tender duck, boiled and shredded, combined with a bed of Carolino rice. The rice is infused with the flavors of duck stock, onions, and garlic, creating a delectable base. After a brief baking period, the dish is adorned with flavorful spicy chouriço sausage and accompanied by refreshing orange slices. This combination results in a truly delightful and satisfying culinary experience.

5. Sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines)

Coarsely salted sardines slapped on grills over hot coals, then eaten with a piece of broa (corn bread) or, in restaurants, served alongside traditional sides of bell pepper salad and boiled potatoes (though they’re always best eaten in the street beside a neighborhood grill).

Clothing, food, housing and transportation are four essential parts of daily life. After solving the problem of dieting, let's move on to the topic of housing.

5 steps to choose hotels in Portugal

1. Set your budget

The very first thing we should do before traveling is to make a budget for ourselves, and then set a baseline for housing. You can set a minimum and a maximum value for your budget, and then optimize the search according to these parameters and choose from the start a hotel that fits within your budget.

2. Search booking websites

The first thing is that you should load the city and the date when you want to stay, and then you will get a list of the hotels which are available. Because there are several hotel-booking websites online, you can compare the price of the hotel on one website with others, in order to book a cost-effective and comfortable hotel.

3. Know other clients' opinions

Before you decide to book the hotel which you like most, you should have a look at those reviews from people who have previously been there in order to get to know the true condition of the hotel. For example, on the TripAdvisor website, by directly searching the hotel's name, you can get to know the percentage of people who rated the hotel as excellent and view photos of the space.

4. Know the neighborhood

When you come to this step, it's likely that you already have your hotel chosen. And now, we advise you to check the address of the hotel on the map, to see if it's convenient for you to travel and get to know the places around the hotel. According to the map, you can plan your trip in advance to save time.

5. Book your chosen hotel

The last step is to book your chosen hotel. You can book it in two ways: directly book it on websites or call the hotel to see if there are extra discounts. No matter which way you choose, remember to read the booking conditions first.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Portugal is a country that never ceases to surprise and enchant travelers with its hidden gems. Beyond the well-known tourist destinations, there lies a treasure trove of captivating places waiting to be discovered. From the charming fishing villages perched on cliffs to the untouched natural beauty of the Azores islands, Portugal offers a diverse range of experiences for every kind of adventurer. Whether it's indulging in the unique flavors of porco preto, savoring the traditional duck rice, or relishing the grilled sardines by the street-side grills, the culinary delights of Portugal are sure to leave a lasting impression. With each hidden gem offering its own allure and charm, a journey through these lesser-known destinations promises unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to the country's rich culture and heritage. So, embark on a voyage of exploration and uncover the 10 incredible hidden gems that Portugal has to offer. Your travel experiences will be enriched, and you'll come away with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and diversity that this captivating country has to offer.