Portugal, with its blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, offers a wide range of experiences for every traveler. From wild national parks to hidden beaches and hilltop villages, here are some of the lesser-known yet unforgettable travel tips shared by seasoned explorers.
Seaside Retreat in Northern Portugal
Each September, Chus, a Galician bar owner, closes his local spot and heads just 10 miles away to the seaside town of Moledo in northern Portugal. Following his recommendation, travelers can catch a quick ferry across the estuary and reach Moledo in 20 minutes. With a beach sheltered by a fortress island and the Monte de Santa Trega, the town has become a favorite, especially for Spaniards seeking better prices and a longer kitesurfing season. Chus’s top hotel pick, Hotel Porta do Sol (doubles from €110), is praised for being both stylish and relaxed—much like his own bar back home.
Crystal Waters in Alentejo
In the Vicentine Coast natural park, near Aljezur, Praia da Amoreira sits where a crystal-clear river meets Atlantic waves. This scenic collision creates a natural water slide perfect for swimmers and families, with plenty of shallow areas for kids. Aljezur itself offers riverside vegan cafes and a laid-back vibe for post-swim refreshments.
Rest Stop for Camino Walkers
On the coastal Camino de Santiago, Albergue Casa do Sardão in the village of Carreço provides a unique stay in a converted 18th-century monastery. Dorm beds start from £15, and private rooms from £45. Walkers can enjoy the pool, local vinho verde, and sweeping coastal sunsets from the communal courtyard. Its proximity to the Carreço train station and the Spanish border makes it an ideal rest point.
How Sustainable is Portugal’s Largest Data Centre?
The largest data centre ever built and operated in Portugal, Start Campus inaugurates SIN01, a 26MW data centre facility, that...
Read more
Mountain Bites in the Algarve
High atop 902-metre Mount Fóia, just outside Monchique, a small food truck named Alecrim serves up fresh pão recheado—bread filled with melted cheese, garlic, tomato, and onion. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views with a cold beer in hand, lounging on deckchairs and soaking in the peaceful Algarve heights.
Ancient Lisbon Beneath the Surface
Behind an unassuming door in Lisbon’s Baixa district lies the Núcleo Arqueológico da Rua dos Correeiros—an underground archaeological site covering 2,500 years of the city’s history. From Roman to medieval to 18th-century Pombaline architecture, this hidden gem (owned by Millennium bcp bank) was unearthed during a renovation and now offers free guided tours six days a week.
Lisbon’s Warmest Welcome
The Lisboa Bar, tucked behind Rossio station, might be easy to overlook, but inside it boasts well-priced drinks, great music, and one of the friendliest atmospheres in the capital. On any given night, the bar buzzes with locals and tourists alike—fado singers, students, and newcomers chatting like old friends on the rooftop terrace.
A Medieval Wonder in Tomar
The Convento do Cristo in Tomar (entry €15), originally home to the Knights Templar, is an architectural marvel. Its round chapel was designed so knights could attend services on horseback. Visitors often rave about the echoing refectory with its marble tables and vaulted ceilings—a place where even a simple song can sound like a cathedral choir.
Nature’s Paradise in Alto Minho
The verdant Alto Minho region in Portugal’s northwest is often overlooked but offers tranquil walks through forests, vineyards, and hill trails. Viana do Castelo, the main town, is filled with medieval mansions and quiet squares. The region’s signature vinho verde—a lightly sparkling, fruity wine—makes a perfect companion on summer days spent exploring shady woodland paths or chatting with friendly locals at village tavernas.
Serenity in Peneda-Gerês National Park
Nestled deep within Peneda–Gerês national park, Poco Azul Gerês is a breathtaking wild swimming spot surrounded by rugged mountain beauty. Hikers who reach the shimmering blue pool are rewarded with a cool, serene place to relax and refuel amid the sounds of nature.
A Peaceful Escape Near Marvão
Springtime at Camping Asseiceira in the Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede offers a peaceful base for families and nature lovers alike. With flower-lined trails, safe cycling routes, and views of distant hilltop castles, this quiet site is ideal for those seeking tranquillity. Just a short drive away lies the stunning hilltop village of Marvão, a timeless Portuguese treasure perched above the clouds.
