Best-Kept Secrets: Top 5 Underrated Destinations in Portugal

Escape the tourist crowds and explore the underrated destination of Portugal. From charming villages to breathtaking landscapes.

Explore hidden gems in Lisbon and Porto’s Douro Valley, beyond the bustling streets and vineyard-dotted landscapes. Portugal, with its rich history, stunning coastlines, and picturesque towns, has much more to offer than its popular tourist attractions.

Explore Portugal’s underrated places, where magnificent castles whisper stories of the past, picturesque villages exude old-world charm, and off-the-beaten-path beaches.

Discover Portugal’s lesser-known side through an immersive journey of one-of-a-kind and charming treasures that frequently go overlooked by tourists.

1. Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo, a beautiful and underrated city in northern Portugal, lies close to the border with Spain’s Galicia area.

Although many tourists visit Porto, few trek much further north. This old city, located less than an hour north of Porto by vehicle, is well worth a visit.

Explore the enchantment of northern Portugal’s historic old town, its beautiful beaches, and the stunning Santa Luzia Basilica.

2. Sagres

Although legally part of the renowned Algarve region of southern Portugal, Sagres feels a world away from the congested resorts further east.

This laid-back and mountainous hamlet on the westernmost point of the Algarve is ideal for adventure seekers.

Unleash the power of the waves and challenge your surfing skills, while also enjoying the tranquility of gentle, protected beaches for swimming or sunbathing. Away from the tourists, Sagres is also ideal for trekking and cycling.

3. Coimbra

Coimbra is a historic riverbank city in central Portugal, almost halfway between Porto and Lisbon, that is an underrated destination to visit.

This city is well-known for its intact medieval old town and for housing the University of Coimbra. This university, founded in 1209, is one of the world’s oldest, and it inspired author J.K. Rowling portrays Hogwarts in the Harry Potter books.

If you want to get away from the crowds in Portugal, this is a terrific area to visit.

4. Viseu

Look no further than Viseu if you’re seeking for an enchanting town in Portugal that’s not on the tourist trail. This city in central Portugal is often overlooked by travelers.

Viseu has no train station, therefore you’ll need to drive there. However, the effort is worthwhile because you will be rewarded with a historic city with well-preserved medieval streets and buildings.

Viseu is well-known for its art and culture, particularly from the Renaissance era. It’s a great place to go if you want to get off the beaten route in Portugal.

5. The Azores

The Azores are an archipelago of islands in the Mid-Atlantic, not part of mainland Portugal. This Portuguese autonomous territory is obviously off the usual road, yet it is well worth a visit.

A nonstop travel from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada takes around 2.5 hours. It is the largest city in the Azores and a gateway to the rest of the islands. It is located on the island of So Miguel.

The Azores, which are made up of nine volcanic islands, are renowned for their stunning and dramatic landscape as well as excellent hiking trails. This is an excellent location for getting away from it all.

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