6 Lesser-Known Cool Places in Portugal You Must Visit
Portugal is basically as far west as continental Europe goes. And it’s a splendid place indeed, with many forts and canned food stores! But what if you wanted to visit something less popular with the tourist hordes? Well, Skycop hopes this list will help.
by Skycop team
- 2019-06-12
- 5:38 AM GMT
6. Faro
Algarve is one of the most popular – if not the most popular – tourist regions in Portugal. Faro, its capital, is less so, as people only visit in transit to its airport. So how about staying in the city? It has one of the most amazing natural parks in Portugal, an awesome marina, a great old town and many more attractions besides!
5. West Algarve
While you’re in Algarve, visit the West portion of it. It’s less tourist-saturated than the rest of the region, but it features a landscape that is no less impressive, as well as many picturesque small towns. Do you want to see the beaches? They’re all here: you should really see Odeceixe, Amoreria, Arrifana, and/or Praia do Amado.
4. Setúbal
Setúbal is a fishing city that entered that’s only gaining renown among tourists – that’s your chance to get in before everyone else does. They can offer a variety of historical things to see like the Manueline monastery, while the district outside the city offers the amazing coastline, sandy beaches and the opportunity to visit the beautiful National Park of Arrábida.
3. São Miguel Island
The Azores just recently became a tourist hot spot, you might still find some places relatively untouched and undisturbed (even more so if the 2018 trend of having one in three flights in Portugal disrupted continues). The island of São Miguel offers many things, like the beautiful vistas of Lagoa, do Fogo and Sete Cidades are not to be missed. Be sure to check out the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias!
2. Peneda – Gerês National Park
Portugal has many beautiful natural locations to offer. But Peneda-Gerês National Park is the only true national park in Portugal, and it’s amazing. This giant spot in the far north-east of the country (don’t feed the stray Spaniards) offers a variety of harsh mountainous landscapes and well as lush vegetation. You should also visit the ancient granite granaries in the village of Soajo!
1. The Berlengas
The Berlengas islands are 10 kilometers off the shores of Portugal, and it takes about half an hour to reach them via boat. Once you get there, you will see the islands that were a constant stop-over point for ancient explorers as well as many natural caves and grottoes. Fort of the Berlengas is a decidedly unnatural development, but this fort, originally built from the rocks from a demolished monastery, has been transformed into a guest house for the people visiting the island to rest. And don’t forget the lighthouse!
Another thing you shouldn’t forget? Skycop. If your travels to/in Portugal are ever disrupted by flight delays, cancelled flights or overbooking, let us help you fight for your rights! Flight compensations can reach up to €600 – a hefty boost to any tourist’s budget!
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