Portugal is one of the continent’s most popular historic, cultural and beach destinations. Endowed with pleasant climate, it is a paradise both during summer and winter. The real draw of the destination is its off-the-beaten-path locations: from granite highlands, rough coats carved by the turbulent Atlantic to desolate islands and seagull colonies.
Imagine yourself in one of Portugal’s off-the-beaten-path locales that are the country’s best-kept secrets. Let’s walk you through some of them:
Berlengas Islands, Leiria
The Berlengas’ Islands archipelago is made up of three unique islands: Berlenga, Estelas and Farilhes. Berlenga Island is the largest and most famous among the three. The island has been inhabited at a small scale since the Roman era, theremnants of which can be found even today. The historic fort of Sao Joao Baptista standing on a small rocky protrusion on the larger island of Berlenga Island and the beautiful caverns bordering the archipelago are worth a watch. Some of the other highlights of this island are the Duque de Bragança Lighthouse and the S. João Batista Fortress that bear the testimony of Portugal’s architectural heritage.
Nazaré
Located roughly in the middle of the Atlantic coast, Nazaré hails as Portugal’s most traditional fishing hamlet and is a top pick for adventure enthusiasts. The wild Atlantic waves, large communities of surf campers and vivid customs make Nazare an interesting off-the-beaten-path of the country and a great party spot.
One of the best daytrip spots is Stio, the outstanding 318 metre headland on the Portuguese coast. The most interesting feature of the place is it can only be reached on foot. Other popular attractions in Stio are The Shrine of Our Lady of Nazaré and the Dr. JoaquimMansoMuseum.,
Porto Moniz, Madeira
Porto is the Portuguese word for port. Due to the island’s unique topography, Porto Moniz was alienated from the rest of the island for a long time. Until the 1980s, it was a whaling town. The town now has a populace of approximately 1700 natives.
Tucked on the northern tip of Madeira Island, Porto Moniz is one of Portugal’s hidden gems. The impressive lava pools generated by the rising tide add to the beauty of the island’s landscape. Those seeking a different way of spending their vacation can take a refreshing swim in these basalt pools.
ParqueNacional da Peneda-Gerês
Serra da Peneda and Serra do Gerês are Portugal’s only protected areas that have earned the designation of national parks. Located in the extreme north-east of Portugal between the Alto Minho and Trás-os-Montes, one gets to see a different world amidst the two parks. The community villages of Pites das Jnias and Tourém uphold their ancient values and culture and stand as a testimony to the peaceful co-existence of nature and humans.
The 703 sq km extensive national park is an ideal off-grid hideout and is home to stunning flora and fauna. Granite mountains, stream-carved valleys and espigueiros sitting atop hillsides and overlooking terraced fields will certainly take away your breath away at the first glance. Photographers should not miss a chance to click the intriguing gestures of an Iberian wolf or a wild horse peeking.
São Miguel Island
Located in the middle of the North Atlantic, São Miguel Island is a wonderful jewel for nature lovers with abounding scope for adventurous activities. The seamless verdant terrain of the island gives it the nickname ‘Ilha Verde’ which refers to ‘green island’. The true reason to visit this natural paradise is its spectacular beach battered by the wild Atlantic Ocean.
The volcanic chain of islands is the largest in the Azores archipelago. With protruding outcrops, hot springs and lakes, Lagoa do Fogo and Sete Cidades form a picture-perfect seascape which is a must-watch in the São Miguel Island.
Comporta
Comportais made up of three villages: Comporta, Carvalhal and Pego in the northwest alcove of Alentejo’s rural area. Located just off the major roadway that runs along the Atlantic Ocean, there is a succession of white-washed towns that are mostly residential.
There are no complete resorts, strip malls, movie theatres, major beachfront hotels or discos in the rural setting of Comporta. The entire region exudes minimalism with a handful of modest, high-end boutique hotels and an abundance of individual residences for rent.
Tags: Portugal
