Travelers planning a trip to Portugal usually select Lisbon, Porto or Faro as their destinations which has made these cities crowded and expensive.
However, if you want to discover the untouched areas then you should check out these ten incredible hidden gems of Portugal and add them to your itinerary right away. To visit these areas, you can book your stay in Lisbon, get a cheap car rental Albufeira, and explore them easily at your pace.
10 Hidden Gems of Portugal
1. Peniche
Famous for its beaches and islands, Peniche is about an hours drive from Lisbon. So, if you want to spend your day relaxing at the beach then jump into your rented car and drive straight to Peniche. It is a perfect place for surfing or sunbathing and the best time to visit is during summer in the months of May to October.
2. Santana
Located on the northern coast of Madeira, Santana is a mesmerizing village that is filled with lush green meadows, cobblestone streets and beautiful waterfalls. Once here, don’t forget to take a walk on its streets to view their famous triangle-shaped houses with wooden interiors. The friendly locals might even welcome you in for some chit-chat in their spacious homes.
3. Azenhas do Mar
Located about 40 kms from Lisbon, Azenhas do Mar is a beautiful coastal town in Sintra. It is famous for its innumerable clean beaches and monuments. Azenhas do Mar is considered to be one of the best places to watch the sunset and relax on the beach so you should add this pretty gem to your tour.
4. Almada
A 15 minute drive from Lisbon would take you to Almada, one of the best hidden gems of Portugal. March to November is the best time to visit as the weather is pleasant with little rainfall. To click some magnificent images of the Almada riverside, you should book a Boco do Vento elevator ride. If you want to relish authentic Portuguese cuisine then visit the Almada Forum shopping area.
5. Alges
Alges is a beautiful village by the river close to Lisbon, which is famous for historical buildings and greenery. To have a relaxing evening, you can visit the Alges beach for a swim or simply rent an umbrella. The beach even has a promenade to take a stroll. If you are planning to visit in July then ensure to buy tickets for NOS Alive music festival for an entertaining musical night.
6. Corroios
A not-so-famous hidden destination, Corroios should be included on your Lisbon itinerary. The unique culture and history will make you mesmerized with its beautiful town. To relish traditional dishes of Portugal, you should visit the Desassossego Vintage Caffe or the Johnny’s Martini Bar & Lounge. A day trip in your rented car would be the best way to explore this area.
7. Seixal
If you are traveling with kids then you should add Seixal to your Portugal itinerary. You can spend an entire day at Splash Seixal, which is an interesting water park with several rides and pools. If you are planning your trip in the month of September then ensure that you check out the Avante! Festival. Moreover, with over 140 shops and 18 restaurants, RiosSul Shopping is the best place to shop and enjoy with your loved ones.
8. Setubal
Beaches, restaurants, cafes, a natural reserve, authentic city life, and shopping markets make Setubal an incredible place to visit. About 50 km away from Lisbon, Setubal is famous for its traditional Portuguese ambiance and it does not have a touristy look. It is the best place to relish fresh seafood made in the Portuguese style and taste the globally acclaimed muscatel wine.
9. Monsanto
A 3-hour drive from Lisbon would take you to Monsanto, which received the title “The Most Beautiful Portuguese Village” in 1938. A few cathedrals that should not be missed are the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, which was constructed in the 17th century and the Church of the Holy Savior that was built in the 15th century. Also, you should add the artificial cave and Monsanto Castle to your to-do list.
10. Coimbra
If you are looking for a calm and peaceful place that is away from the crowds then you should visit Coimbra. Considered as the University City of Portugal, Coimbra has a large student population. Some of the attractions of this beautiful city are the Gothic-styled Igreja de Santa Cruz Church and the magnificent university complex, which was a former royal palace.
So, add these destinations to your bucket list right away and have a fun-filled holiday in Portugal!
