Portugal is known for its vibrant cities like Lisbon and Porto, as well as its beautiful coastal regions like the Algarve. However, the country has many lesser-known destinations that offer unique experiences and showcase the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of Portugal.
These underrated destinations in Portugal offer a more intimate and authentic experience, showcasing the country’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply relaxing in a beautiful setting, these places provide a unique glimpse into the heart of Portugal.
Here are some of the most underrated places to visit in Portugal.
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Quick Easy Tips
Rent a car to explore off-the-beaten-path inland towns and remote coastal villages that public transport doesn’t easily reach.
Visit in shoulder seasons (April–June or September–October) to avoid crowds and enjoy ideal weather.
Ask locals where to eat—you’ll often find the best food and warmest hospitality in places with no English menus.
Stay in a guesthouse or rural inn to fully immerse yourself in Portuguese culture.
Pack for variety—Portugal’s lesser-known spots include everything from beaches to mountains to historic villages.
Portugal’s tourism boom has been both a blessing and a curse. While Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve rake in international praise, the lesser-known regions get overlooked—even though they offer deeper authenticity and far fewer crowds. In fact, many Portuguese believe tourists are missing the “real” Portugal by sticking to the same three destinations.
There’s also rising tension between preserving local identity and accommodating mass tourism. Locals in cities like Lisbon increasingly express frustration with overtourism, skyrocketing rents, and the transformation of neighborhoods into tourist-only zones. Meanwhile, villages in the Alentejo or central regions are quietly decaying from neglect—despite being rich in culture and beauty.
The paradox? The very experiences tourists seek—authentic food, culture, and connection—are often more accessible in these underrated places. But global tourism trends keep pushing travelers toward already-saturated areas, further widening the gap between visibility and value.
Underrated Places to Visit in Portugal
1. Évora, Alentejo
Highlights: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Évora is a beautifully preserved medieval town with a rich history dating back to Roman times. It’s known for its whitewashed houses, cobbled streets, and the stunning Roman Temple of Évora.
Experience: Visit the Roman Temple and the eerie Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos), explore the Évora Cathedral, and enjoy the local Alentejo wine and cuisine.
2. Óbidos, Centro Region
Highlights: A picturesque medieval village surrounded by well-preserved walls, Óbidos is often called the “wedding present town” because it was a gift from King Dinis to Queen Isabel in the 13th century.
Experience: Wander through the narrow cobbled streets, visit the Óbidos Castle, and try the local cherry liqueur, Ginja, served in a chocolate cup.
3. Guimarães, Norte Region
Highlights: Known as the “birthplace of Portugal,” Guimarães is where the country’s first king, Afonso I, was born. The town’s well-preserved medieval architecture earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
Experience: Explore the historic Guimarães Castle, visit the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, and stroll through the charming Largo da Oliveira square.
4. Monsanto, Centro Region
Highlights: Known as the “most Portuguese village in Portugal,” Monsanto is unique for its houses built around and under giant granite boulders. The village’s distinct architecture and dramatic landscape make it a must-see.
Experience: Hike up to the ancient castle ruins for panoramic views, explore the narrow, winding streets, and visit the nearby Idanha-a-Velha, a small village with Roman roots.
5. Arouca, Norte Region
Highlights: Arouca is a hidden gem for nature lovers, offering stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and the famous Paiva Walkways (Passadiços do Paiva).
Experience: Walk along the Paiva Walkways, a scenic wooden trail that follows the Paiva River, visit the Arouca Geopark with its unique geological formations, and explore the Arouca Monastery.
6. Tomar, Centro Region
Highlights: Tomar is home to the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former headquarters of the Knights Templar. The town is steeped in history and offers a fascinating blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture.
Experience: Visit the Convent of Christ, explore the old town with its charming streets and squares, and enjoy the Festa dos Tabuleiros, a unique festival held every four years.
7. Viana do Castelo, Norte Region
Highlights: Located on the Atlantic coast, Viana do Castelo is known for its beautiful beaches, historical architecture, and vibrant festivals. The town offers stunning views from the Santa Luzia hilltop.
Experience: Visit the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia, explore the old town with its Manueline-style buildings, and relax on the nearby beaches like Praia do Cabedelo.
8. Coimbra, Centro Region
Highlights: Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is rich in history, with a lively student population that keeps its cultural scene vibrant.
Experience: Explore the University of Coimbra, especially the stunning Joanina Library, stroll through the historic streets, and enjoy a traditional Fado performance.
9. Serra da Estrela, Centro Region
Highlights: Serra da Estrela is Portugal’s highest mountain range, offering breathtaking landscapes, outdoor activities, and traditional mountain villages.
Experience: Go hiking or skiing depending on the season, taste the famous Serra da Estrela cheese, and explore the picturesque village of Manteigas.
10. Peneda-Gerês National Park, Norte Region
Highlights: Portugal’s only national park, Peneda-Gerês is a paradise for nature lovers, with rugged mountains, deep valleys, and ancient stone villages.
Experience: Hike through the park’s many trails, visit the village of Soajo with its famous granite granaries, and take a dip in the natural pools of the park’s rivers.
11. Aveiro, Centro Region
Highlights: Often called the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is known for its canals, colorful moliceiro boats, and Art Nouveau architecture.
Experience: Take a boat tour through the canals, visit the Aveiro Museum, and try the local sweet delicacy, ovos moles.
12. Tavira, Algarve
Highlights: Tavira is a charming town in the less touristy eastern Algarve, known for its Moorish architecture, peaceful ambiance, and beautiful beaches.
Experience: Explore the old town with its Roman bridge and churches, visit the Tavira Castle, and relax on the pristine beaches of Ilha de Tavira.
Final Thoughts
Portugal is more than pastéis de nata, tiled streets, and coastal cities. Its lesser-known towns and regions offer a glimpse into traditional life, slower rhythms, and genuine hospitality that can’t be mass-marketed. These places don’t need filters or influencer hype—they speak for themselves.
If you want your travels to be meaningful, choose places that haven’t been overrun. Supporting smaller communities brings your money directly to locals and helps preserve cultural heritage rather than dilute it.
So skip the packed tram in Lisbon or the overcrowded cliffs of Lagos. Instead, head to Monsaraz, Marvão, or Tavira—and discover the Portugal that locals know, love, and wish more travelers truly understood.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.