Atypical Tourist: Top 7 Alternative Destinations in Portugal

Many of us associate Portugal with Lisbon, Porto or Sintra. This country is one of the top 5 most visited in Europe, so it is hardly possible to surprise experienced tourists with something new. But still the tourist map of Portugal can offer some amazing places that are lost between the popular attractions.

Alternative Portugal - are, first of all, small villages of 600-800 inhabitants. You can hardly even see them on a world map, but that's where all the local flavor lies. Secondly, they are indescribable natural wonders, where there are no crowds of tourists and where you can quietly enjoy the scenery. Thirdly, it is a chance to see "live" Portugal with all its pros and cons.

Such a trip is better to combine and mix with big tourist locations and thus explore the country region by region: north, northern border with Spain. The center, the south coast, the eastern border with Spain, etc. The best way to travel around these places is to rent a car, the prices for rent in Portugal are low (promotional offers - from €5 per day).

For the night you can stay in small hotels (prices from about €20 per night for two people), rent a room from locals or stay in albergues (shelters for pilgrims along the Camino de Santiago).

Santa Susanna

This town will be a discovery and a place where you will take dozens of selfies. It's all about the fact that the houses here have certain standards that are forbidden to change.

You can book a hotel in Santa Susanna with a discount of up to -65% on the website.

They are all white with doors, frames and windows in blue, yellow or green. And the town municipality always makes sure that the town maintains an authentic conservative look. Sometimes it will feel like you're stuck somewhere between Santorini and Chavin.

Piodão

The village of Piodão has similar terraced amphitheaters, only the rice is replaced by the stone houses of the locals.

Piodão is especially beautiful in the evening, when the lights are lit in every house. The village is mesmerizing with its marvelous scenery, spring water springs and green pastures, and the place itself is located in the Serra do Asor mountainous area.

Monsanto

Monsanto is often referred to as "the most Portuguese village of all Portuguese villages". This phrase was the grand prize of the national competition for the most authentic village in the country, and it was Monsanto that won the honorary title.

Book a hotel in Monsanto with a discount of up to -65% on the website.

The main feature here is the huge boulders that overhang the village, and the locals decided to build their houses between the large stones. As a result, the stones serve as roofs, walls or foundations. Only 800 people live in the village and there are no cars - why not take a walk?

Boca de Inferno

Not far from Lisbon there is an amazing place that is often left off the tourist itinerary. In the town of Cascais, on the very edge of the Eurasian continent where the land meets the ocean, there is a large hole in the rock massif that fills with water at high tide.

When a storm rages, large waves crash against the impregnable rocks and a fountain of water rises from the Devil's Throat. This place is best visited in bad weather to fully experience the power of the elements. And if you want to get acquainted with Lisbon, you will be helped by the excursion "Lisbon that will conquer your heart", after which you will fall in love with this city forever.

Monsaraz

This small town boasts an ancient history. The first mentions date back to the pre-Roman era, and in the XIV century Monsaraz became one of the main defense outposts.

In a small area there are several amazing structures: the wonderful 16th century Church of Mercy, the Parish Church, the Church of St. James, the Monastery of the Virgin Mary. And the local palace of Audiencia is home to the famous fresco "The Good Judge and the Bad Judge".

Bridge of Mizarela (Ponte da Mizarela)

The bridge is located on the Rabagão River, about a kilometer from its mouth in the Cávado River. It is truly special, and its architecture and appearance are different from other mediocre bridges over the river.

It was built in the Middle Ages and rebuilt in the early nineteenth century. When you stand on the bridge, you feel as if you are standing at the edge of the world, and the frothy mountain river is bubbling below. It is recommended to come here in spring, when the water level allows you to see the place in all its glory. Nearby is Peneda National Park, where there are many vantage points on the Cawadoo River.

Vilarinho de Negrões

In the north of the country, on a small peninsula sits one of the most picturesque villages in the region. Its houses form a symmetrical shape, as if someone had planned the development on purpose. There are beautiful fields of corn and rye nearby, so leisurely country walks are guaranteed. Many birds from the harsh north come to winter here, so bird watchers will be especially interested in visiting Vilarinha in winter.