The summer months are a time when, traditionally, everywhere is crowded, filled with visitors looking for the most famous and most beautiful places in Portugal where they can take the perfect Instagram picture. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, you might want to escape the hustle and bustle and look for some alternative destinations in Portugal this summer, perfect destinations for a socially distanced holiday a little off the beaten track.
Leave Sintra and head to Viana do Castelo
Sintra is renowned around the world for its romantic castles and unique palaces. Being one of the country’s jewels, classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO and located just 27 kilometres (17 miles) from Lisbon, the summer months are the busiest season in Sintra.
But what you might not know is that in the north of Portugal you can find another city that is arguably just as beautiful: Viana do Castelo. This city is filled with stunning architectural treasures and isn’t as crowded as Sintra. The most impressive building is the 20th-century Byzantine Santuário de Santa Luzia, looming over Viana do Castelo from its hilltop perch, with panoramic views of the city and coast. Visitors can climb the steps to the church or take a cable car for a scenic round trip where the best of the views can be enjoyed. If you are looking for the perfect souvenir, make sure to check out the unique gold jewellerywhich is created in the area.
Visit Lisbon and Porto, but don’t leave Coimbra behind
Lisbon and Porto are absolute mandatory stops on your tour to get to know Portugal, but if you want to experience a truly authentic Portuguese town, then you must also head to the city of Coimbra.
Did you know that Coimbra was once the capital of Portugal? With its charming cobbled medieval streets and historic treasures like the burial site of the country’s first two kings, King Alfonso I and King Sancho I in the Monastery of Santa Cruz, Coimbra is also the home of the oldest university in Portugal (and one of the oldest in the world), a landmark famous for its history, unique traditions, and beautiful Baroque library (the Biblioteca Joanina).
Fado is just one of the many other surprises awaiting you in Coimbra. Although this famous Portuguese musical style originated in the streets of Alfama and Mouraria in Lisbon, Coimbra has its own style known as fado de Coimbra, developed by students at the city’s university.
Discover Praia da Luz or Sagres
If you just can’t help it and must head to the Algarve, then there are some alternatives to the busiest beaches. A good idea could be moving away from the major tourist and expat areas like Albufeira and Lagos and trying somewhere new.
Sagres, for example, and its neighbouring villages, such as Praia da Luz, in the Vila do Bispo area offer some popular local surfing schools, lots of rugged coast, rolling waves and natural forest scenery, perfect for more outdoor activities.
Swap the cities for the countryside
When you think of Portugal, people automatically think of the country’s cities and beaches, but not much is said about the countryside in Portugal. If you want to head off the beaten track and escape regular tourist activities, try getting lost in the countryside, hiking through the mountains and tasting local dishes in traditional restaurants.
If you love wine, then you must visit the many vineyard areas that Portugal has to offer. Visit the Douro Valley to taste locally-produced sweet port (the country’s famous dessert wine), head to Minho for a sip of crisp vinho verde wine, or pay a visit to the Alentejo, full of rustic vineyards surrounded by cork trees (where a variety of red and white wines are produced).
Portugal also has many other hidden gems to offer in its vast countryside. UNESCO has recognised many villages for their role in protecting the country from invasions, and the fortifications are standing memorials that double as unforgettable landmarks. Monsanto, Almeida, and Castelo Novo are just a few of the historic villages in Portugal that we recommend visiting.
Tour the Convent of Christ instead of the Jerónimos Monastery
Sure, the Jerónimos Monastery is an amazing landmark and a beautiful architectural masterpiece that took 100 years to build, but the Convent of Christ is equally spectacular and has the added wonderment as the once headquarters of the Knights Templar in Portugal. Walk through the castle, church, and gardens where this mysterious group once lived, organized, and changed their identity to the ‘Order of Christ’.
Opt for Figueira da Foz or Ericeira over Nazaré
Nazaré is a beautiful fishing village in central Portugal that has built a reputation for surfing as massive as its waves. Unfortunately, due to the size and power of said waves, only the bravest surfers seek a challenge in this part of Portugal.
The beaches in Figueira da Foz are just as extensive but the waves, though powerful in their own right, are less intimidating. Surfing tours and championships are held there yearly, it has a long boardwalk perfect for running and cycling, and the seaside restaurants are popular among Portuguese residents for their delicious seafood – Figueira (as it’s known for short) may actually be one of Portugal’s best-kept beach secrets. Ericeira is another popular surfing spot and closer to Lisbon (about an hour away by car).
Shop at the Mercado do Livramento instead of the Mercado da Ribeira
Traditional markets are a feast for the senses – the Mercado da Ribeira is Lisbon’s famous food market (and has been since 1892), but since Time Out Magazine converted part of it into a food court and remote-working offices opened on the upper level, it has become inundated with visitors.
Time Out Market offers a unique experience with so many Portuguese flavors in one place (a number of stalls belong to Michelin chefs), but it’s easy to get distracted and spend a lot of extra money here, especially if all you really want do is head out for a traditional food shopping experience. Luckily, the Mercado do Livramento in Setúbal is about 50km (31 miles) away and well worth the drive.
Considered one of the best markets in the country, the long rows of fresh fish and produce are two main magnets that attract residents from different parts of the region, while the myriad cheeses, sausages, olive oil, and other staples sweeten the deal. It’s also a beautiful building – the bright orange-red facade is hard to miss, and the azulejo mosaics inside are picture-perfect.
Swap Sintra for Viana do Castelo
Fairy tale Sintra, renowned for its neighbourhoods filled with romantic castles and unique palaces, is without a doubt one of Portugal’s jewel destinations. Located close to 27 kilometres (17 miles) from Lisbon, it’s also convenient to visit. Unfortunately, that means that it’s usually crowded, especially during the summer.
UNESCO-classified Sintra is truly breathtaking but equally stunning is Viana do Castelo in the north of Portugal. Brimming with architectural gems, it’s considered one of Portugal’s more beautiful northern cities, and other than local Portuguese families visiting on the weekends, it lacks the extreme crowds.
The most impressive building is perhaps the 20th-century Byzantine Santuário de Santa Luzia, looming over Viana do Castelo from its hilltop perch – the panoramic views from the church take in the city and coast.
