Serra da Estrela natural park holds one of Portugal‘s hidden gems – tea fields that you can explore while learning how to make tea! Don’t miss this chance to learn and appreciate a hidden gem! And there is so much more to experience.
Behind its elegant white facade lies an intriguing church featuring the Capel dos Ossos (Bone Chapel). Don’t miss visiting!
Costa Nova do Prado
Just south of Portugal’s capital lies one of its colorful Portugal hidden gems – this small seaside town. Its narrow streets are lined with 16th-century buildings, ornate churches, and outdoor cafes; plus home to the Gil Eanes Hospital Ship museum which was an integral part of Portugal’s cod fishing campaigns during World War II – definitely make time to visit if interested in Portugal’s rich history!
Aveiro is just an hour’s drive from Porto and 2.5 hours from Lisbon, making it ideal for weekend trips and day trips alike. Aveiro’s unique network of canals makes it the Venice of Portugal; instead of taking gondola rides you can hop aboard traditional boats called moliceiros instead! Aveiro is also famed for its delicious sweets such as tripa (a type of crepe).
Costa Nova Beach in Aveiro is another breathtaking hidden gem, boasting gorgeous ocean views while stretching along its coastline for miles. A popular spot for surfing and sunbathing alike, with golden-hued sand providing ideal conditions. Nearby restaurants serve fresh seafood specialties.
Are you seeking an enjoyable yet relaxing experience? Look no further than Ria de Aveiro – a shallow coastal lagoon known for its calm waters ideal for sailing and windsurfing. Additionally, this natural habitat serves as a refuge for various bird species like purple herons and white storks that call this home.
Make the trip northwest to Sete Cidades’ twin crater lakes or hike to stunning lookouts; don’t miss a delicious cup of purple tea at Chalet da Tia Merces or traditional Cozida das Furnas stew, created using heat from volcanic cooking holes.
Nestled into Madeira Island’s northeast corner lies this gorgeous natural treasure. Created by rising tides, its black lava pools offer safe swimming conditions. Take a guided tour from Funchal to experience this fascinating natural environment – make sure you pack both swimwear and waterproof footwear!
Ponta Delgada
Ponta Delgada, is Portugal’s largest city on Sao Miguel island and is known as its capital city and one of Portugal’s hidden gems. Ponta Delgada stands out with its three iconic, three-arched city gates and convent-and-chapel that houses a revered image of Christ. Ponta Delgada serves as a gateway to Sete Cidades Crater Lakes as well as housing Carlos Machado Museum with Azorean artifacts on display.
As most sights are within walking distance, if you want to experience more, a tourist train, bus, or taxi may be your best way to explore this vibrant city.
When traveling on Sundays, keep in mind that many shops and restaurants will likely be closed. If possible, plan your visit during a weekday for maximum vibrancy in the city.
For an engaging city overview, stroll Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, the town’s harbor-front promenade. Head toward its western end for stunning views of Forte de Sao Bras. At its conclusion you will discover three iconic city gates which have been photographed endlessly; these lead into Praca 5 de Outubro where visitors can visit Convento e Capela de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca Convent and Carlos Machado Museum nearby.
Take a walk through the city’s botanical garden for an immersive and peaceful experience of its beauty and serenity. This expansive space boasts manicured lawns, a pond, towering trees, greenhouses and walking paths; with the highlight being Palacio de Sant’Ana; its bright red Neoclassical Palace serves as the president’s residence but welcomes public visitors who want to appreciate its gorgeous gardens and grounds.
The Templar Castle of Tomar is one of Portugal’s hidden treasures and one of its most impressive monasteries, boasting breathtaking architecture and rich history that are sure to amaze. Constructed by Templar Knights as a way of honoring their king for bestowing them land titles and wealth from his kingdom; later occupied by Portuguese Kings before finally being restored back to its former splendor.
Sistelo Village in the northwestern region of the island has become widely known as “Little Portuguese Tibet.” Like Douro Valley, Sistelo features green terraced mountains where locals grow corn on terraced green terraces to harvest for their granaries before having it ground into flour in riverside mills.
Berlengas
Portugal is blessed with many breathtaking castles and palaces that seem straight out of a fairy tale, drawing visitors, celebrities, and crowned heads from all around the globe to visit them as some of Portugal’s hidden gems. Some of these opulent properties can be found in Sintra, Lisbon, and Alcobaca; others stand out near Peniche and in Berlengas Archipelago.
Visitors looking to explore more uncharted regions in Portugal must make time to visit this small archipelago near Peniche. Comprised of several rocky islands adorned with seagull colonies and diverse marine life, Berlenga Grande hosts the 17th-century Fort of Sao Joo Baptista which originally served as a monastery before becoming a military base in later years.
From the fort, you can take in breathtaking views of crystalline waters and mysterious lava pools that appear during high tide. Some are very deep while others feature unique shapes due to how they were formed. You may also witness some historic buildings located on this island.
The Berlengas Islands are part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, one of Portugal hidden gems in themselves. Visitors to these beautiful islands can admire pristine landscapes and explore hidden caves while looking out for exotic bird species and other wild animals on them.
Visiting this remarkable location? For maximum efficiency, book a tour that encompasses both the fort and natural reserve, saving both time and money in doing so. A half-day excursion may suit families looking for adventure while full days may provide more thrills during the summer months.
Peneda-Geres National Park in Portugal is unlike anywhere else; here you’ll discover an idyllic world where nature and human activity coexist in harmony, ancient values are preserved through community villages, and ancient values are kept alive through traditional crafts. If you want to experience these hidden gems of Portugal then make sure you book flights, accommodation, and tours through a reputable travel agency today – it will definitely pay off!
Piodao
If you haven’t visited Portugal and Piodao yet, make it part of your itinerary for next time! It is a breathtaking historic village with narrow cobbled streets and houses made of schist. Piodao is also one of the most stunning spots to see in the Geres Mountains; plan to spend several hours strolling its alleys while admiring all its charming doors and windows!
Piodao’s schist doors are famously painted bright blue for a unique historical reason; when villagers needed to paint their houses, this shade of blue was the only paint available from shops; with time, this became part of their tradition in Piodao.
There is a charming church located at the heart of this village that you can visit, constructed between the 18th and 19th centuries and renovated significantly in recent years. Also, take note of Misarela Bridge – an impressive medieval bridge made out of schist and stone built over time.
After exploring the village, take a break and enjoy the panoramic view of the valley below. If you get hungry there’s also a restaurant where you can have an affordable meal, or grab quick snack. There is even a small cafe where quick treats await!
For anyone curious about the history of Piodao Village, there is a museum that houses various objects and information pertaining to Piodao’s past as well as an area dedicated to Pedro and Ines’ love story.
Make your trip more exciting by joining one of many hiking tours that depart from Piodao and allow you to discover even more of Portugal. Explore stunning regions such as Sao Miguel’s tea plantation where you’ll learn how they craft this beloved beverage!