HIDDEN GEMS IN PORTUGAL

Portugal is a country that has a lot to offer but we share these hidden gems in Portugal for tourists who are looking for unique experiences.

No wonder why some of the tourists flocking to the country end up investing in Portugal for citizenship. Portugal is one of the most popular destinations in Europe right now. That is why it is crowded with areas that are thought to be worth visiting almost all year round. Portugal is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. That is why it is crowded with areas that are thought to be worth visiting almost all year round. 

Have you ever tried to relax while you are surrounded by noisy tourists? Or maybe you have wasted half of your vacation standing in line with visitors like you? Portugal has a lot to offer, from exciting things to do in Madeira to stunning beaches around the country, but today, we share the lesser-known hidden gems in Portugal.

Portugal’s Hidden Gems

Explore The Deserted Beaches

These ten beaches I have found are hidden from the masses of tourists. To enjoy the desert coast, find among the list the one closest to where you are going to stay in Portugal:

• Praia Forte do Paço (Viana do Castelo) 
• Dunas de San Jacinto (Aveiro)
• Praia do Baleal (Pênis), Praia da Adraga (Sintra Cascais Natural Park), 
• Praia da Amalia (Brejaù) 
• Praia da Santa (Salema) 
• The sea cave Benagil (West Algarve) 
• Praia da Senhora da Rocha (West Algarve)
• Praia do Barril (Illa da Tavira) 
• Caneiros and Ponta da Ferraria (San Miguel)

San Miguel Island

This island of the Azores Archipelago was only open to visitors from 2015. It means that not so many tourists know about this magnificent destination, which is the land of rocks, hot springs, and lakes. Along with all its beauty, you will also get the seclusion you want.

Lisbon Cable Car

Take in the city of Lisbon from above by taking the Telecabine (cable car). Finished in 1998, the cable car travels a total distance of 1.2km and costs €4 one way or €6 both ways. You can reach the cable car by catching the metro to Oriente State and then walking through the Vasco da Gama shopping mall. There are plenty of hidden gems in Lisbon to discover, so plan to spend at least 3 nights in the city.

The Bussaco National Park

The Bussaco National Park offers stunning views with total peace of mind. Take a book and a tent and plan to get lost for a while in untouched nature.

There is one rule of how to avoid crowded tourist places – you just need to find the courage to go off the commonly explored routes. 

Try cocktails at Topo

This café is located so that while enjoying a drink, you can see Lisbon from a height. It is a magnificent landscape. Locals love it as much as tourists. It is just one of the “famous” sites among the Portuguese. Alternatively, experience a Porto Wine tour to try some of the best wines in the country. Topo Martim Moniz can be found inside Centro Comercial Martim Moniz.

Make Your Own Pasteis de Nata

An authentic “local” experience can be found at Café Pastelaria Batalha in Largo Camões, where a master class in making a national dessert is available. 

From there, you can bring home your memories and a new recipe.

Listen To Fado In A Small Restaurant

Fado is a melancholy Portuguese musical style known all over the world. The mistake tourists make is that they listen to ethnic music in significantly crowded places. Portuguese people prefer small hidden restaurants, like somewhere in Alfama o Bairro Alto. 

While in Lisbon, miss the famous Time Out Market and spend time at a market called Campo de Enrico.

However, it is smaller and less crowded with national dishes and Portuguese products that you may prefer. 

Feira da Ladra Antiques

Flea markets are believed to offer “real, local life.” Every Tuesday and Saturday, you can visit the Feira da Ladra, where locals buy and sell antiques, handmade products, and used items.

Visit At Least One Of The Many Famous Castles

At best, take a tour to learn more about the history of your chosen castle. Each castle has its legendary history. 

See the castle closer to your destination: 

• Tower of Belem 
• Castle of the Moors 
• Castle of Guimaraes 
• Castle of Almourol 
• Castle of Tomar
• Castle of Obidos 
• Bell Tower
• Castle of Evoremonte
• Castle of Viana do Alentejo

Visit Lisbon

This city has much to offer. From a romantic couple in love to a historical enthusiast, it is essential to make an informed decision about where to stay in Lisbon so that you can be closer to the places you want to see and fully enjoy the atmosphere of the area.

Free things to do in Portugal

Searching For The Best Free Landscapes

To see the entire city from a height, you can pay and climb to the top of a tower. However, the views in Portugal are stunning and can be free for everyone. 

For example, in Lisbon, you can go to Miradouro de Nossa Senhora do Monte. Amazingly, this place is not well known to tourists, yet it is considered the highest point in Lisbon.

Watch The Pasta de Nata Cook For Free

You can pay for the workshop. However, if you don’t want to spend the money, go to Manteigaria in Lisbon. There you can watch the masters make a national dessert for free at the counter. 

Take A Bike And Explore

The Portuguese love to ride bikes, and they have their reasons. There are many individual safe roads in beautiful places to ride bikes. To plan your bike ride, take a look at Portugal’s top 20 bicycle routes. Usually, renting a bicycle is not expensive.

When planning a trip to Portugal, it would be a good idea to expand the typical foliage with at least one or two unusual things to try out and places to see.

Portugal has so much to offer that your trip can be efficiently planned in a short time. You may not have time for everything that locals or experienced tourists recommend, however, consider the ideas that they share to see the country at a glance. 

And, who knows, maybe these places will become your “hidden gems” and make your trip unique and unforgettable.