12 Underrated Destinations in Portugal That Are Surprisingly Awesome

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There’s a good chance you already know what Portugal offers because it’s one of Europe’s most highly sought-after tourist destinations. However, beyond famous places like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro lies a wide range of fascinating places you’ve likely not heard about before. Today, we want to change that.

Portugal has many lesser-known, lesser-traveled, and quite frankly unheard-of places begging to be explored, but they’ll only be visited and appreciated once you know what they are. To help you find out about these hidden gems, here are 12 underrated destinations in Portugal that you need to add to your bucket list. These destinations offer rich history, beauty, and fewer crowds. Let’s get started.

Monsanto

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The first underrated Portuguese destination on our list is Monsanto, a small village in the country’s central Castelo Branco District. Dubbed ‘the most Portuguese village of Portugal,’ this tiny village is home to fewer than 1,000 people and is arguably the most unique village in Europe.

Incredibly and quite bizarrely, many of the houses in Monsanto are wedged between enormous boulders. These houses look like the boulders have crushed them, but they are, in fact, still lived in by the locals. As you can imagine, the sight of the rock houses in Monsanto is remarkable, so don’t miss out. During your visit, make sure you visit the remains of Monsanto’s Templar Castle, too.

Caminha

At the tip of northwest Portugal, you’ll find a beautiful beach town called Caminha. Separated from Spain by the Minho River, this underrated destination is a great place to visit if you’re searching for historic sights and pristine beaches. It may only be small, but it packs a punch.

You’ll likely spend most of your time in Caminha strolling along the beach and visiting the town center’s best attractions. You don’t want to miss the outer walls, the 15th-century Igreja Matriz de Caminha, the 17th-century Clock Tower, Chafariz de Caminha, or Igreja e Convento de Santo António. Meanwhile, you can enjoy soft white sand, emerald waters, and scenic coastal views at Camarido Beach.

Sintra

According to Sintra Tickets, approximately 2 million people visit Sintra yearly. While that may sound like a lot, more than double that visit Lisbon. Therefore, we’d argue Sintra is criminally underrated, especially considering it’s only a 30-minute drive from the capital. Sintra is a fairytale town in the pine-covered hills of Portugal’s Serra de Sintra Mountains.

Adored by history buffs, it’s best known for its impressive natural scenery, unique historic landmarks, and beautiful ancient castles. The highlight of a visit to the town is the vibrant National Palace of Pena. This Romanticist palace stands tall above the town, offering spectacular landscape vistas. Other sights you don’t want to miss include Sintra Old Town, the Moorish Castle, and Quinta da Regaleira.

Sagres

Sagres is technically part of Portugal’s famous Algarve region, but it feels world’s away from the congested resorts most tourists visit. Instead, this small village at the western tip of the Algarve is perfect for a laid-back beach getaway or outdoor adventure. If you’re a keen surfer, you might also be pleased to hear Sagres is a premier surf destination.

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It offers powerful, wide breaks that crash against the shores and tranquil beaches ideal for relaxing. Sagres’s remote location and barren, windswept surroundings also make it an excellent location for hiking and cycling, with the Praia do Beliche to Cape St. Vincent trail being one of the most scenic. Noteworthy attractions in Sagres include Praia da Mareta, Forte da Baleeira, Praia do Tonel, and Sagres Fortress.

Costa Nova

One of our favorite places to visit in Portugal is Costa Nova, a vibrant village and resort area loved for its magnificent coastline, lively promenade, and colorful beach houses. This charming destination is one hour from Porto, so you can easily visit on a day trip. However, we recommend staying in Costa Nova for the best experience.

You’ll find most of the action in Costa Nova along Avenida José Estêvão. The village’s iconic row of 19th-century striped beach houses is here. As you walk along the avenue, admire the properties and the epic coastal views. Afterward, soak up the sun on Praia da Barra and explore Mercado da Costa Nova.

Coimbra

The next underrated destination on this list is Coimbra, a postcard-perfect riverbank city almost halfway between Lisbon and Porto. Despite its prime location in Central Portugal, this beautiful city is surprisingly unheard of. Offering authentic Portuguese charm, a fascinating medieval Old Town, and fewer crowds, we can’t understand why.

However, everyone else’s loss is your gain, so add Coimbra to your itinerary. Start your visit by meandering through the Old Town’s cobblestone streets. Keep your eyes peeled for Torre de Anto, Barbican Gate, and Praça do Comércio. Then, visit the University of Coimbra. Founded in 1209, this is one of the world’s oldest universities. After that, we recommend strolling along the river for the best views of the city’s vibrant architecture.

Tomar

Another underrated city in Central Portugal is Tomar, a breathtaking destination full of romantic charm, picturesque views, and enchanting history. Like Coimbra, you’ll spend most of your time in Tomar visiting the main attractions, strolling along the riverbank, and exploring the city’s rich history.

You can easily reach Tomar by train from Gare do Oriente Station in the capital. Once you arrive, head straight to Castillo de Tomar. This 12th-century castle allows travelers to step back in time, admire the city’s most fascinating architecture, and take in panoramic views of the town from above. Other must-see tourist attractions in Tomar include the Convent of Christ, Igreja de São João Baptista, and the Vieira Guimarães Building.

Sistelo

Located on the outskirts of the Peneda-Gerês National Park in Arcos de Valdevez, Sistelo is a mesmerizing village that sits atop a mountain surrounded by lush terraces. Often referred to as “Little Portuguese Tibet” because of its impressive Tibet-like landscape, this beautiful village is a must-see if you want to explore Portugal’s off-the-beaten-track destinations.

Admittedly, there isn’t much to do in Sistelo, but you’ll love exploring the mountainous terrain, photographing the landscape, and admiring the traditional granite houses. The village is small but still has exciting sights, including traditional mills, granaries, and Sistelo Castle. As you would expect, there are also many hiking trails around the village, such as the scenic Poço da Sebeirinha and Viana do Castelo trails.

Culatra Island

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a few days, look no further than Culatra Island. Accessible only by boat or catamaran from Olhao City, this quaint island offers travelers pristine beaches, clear-blue skies, long sunny days, and a peaceful escape. It’s free from cars, too, so you can expect a beautifully quiet stay.

There are a few historical landmarks to check out on Culatra Island, but you’ll likely want to spend most of your trip walking along the sandy beaches and swimming in the crystal clear sea. Notable points of interest on the island include Bunker Militar, Ponta do Farol, Praia da Culatra, and Culatra Harbor.

Viseu

Some of Portugal’s best wines come from the Dão region, where Viseu is one of the largest cities despite being relatively small. Home to just over 100,000 people, the city is best known for its historic cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and charming squares. Another plus is that Viseu is more affordable than other Portuguese cities like Lisbon and Porto.

When you’re not exploring the city’s best sights, kick back in a traditional restaurant with a glass of red wine. In Viseu’s historic center, you’ll find castles, lush gardens, Renaissance artwork, and grand houses. Key attractions you don’t want to miss include the Viseu Cathedral, Jardin des Mères, Museu Nacional Grão Vasco, and the City History Museum.

Piódão

The penultimate destination on our list is Piódão, a gorgeous Portuguese village nestled in the Serra do Açor Mountains in Central Portugal. This beautiful village reminds us of fairytale villages from the movies, so plan a visit if you love all things Disney. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a picturesque village that brilliantly blends into the natural landscape.

The traditional stone houses of Piódão and its narrow cobblestone streets offer scenic views, authentic vibes, and a peaceful place to unwind. Many local houses have been transformed into shops and cafes, so you’ll never be too far away from something tasty to eat, either. At night, the village also comes to life with bright lights. What’s not to like?

Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada is the final destination on our list. Located on São Miguel Island, approximately two and a half hours from Lisbon, this large city is the gateway to the Azores Archipelago, which comprises nine volcanic islands. A dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts, the Azores are renowned for their dramatic landscapes and stunning scenery.

As for Ponta Delgada, this striking city has many historic landmarks, a marina, and a gorgeous coastline dotted with beaches and hiking trails. Must-visit locations in the city include Praia das Milícias, Miradouro do Ilhéu de Rosto de Cão, Portas da Cidade, and the Church of St. Sebastian. From Ponta Delgada, consider visiting Miradouro da Boca do Inferno, Moinho do Pico Vermelho, and Praia de Lagoa do Fogo.