Portugal is one of the best tourist destination countries in the world today. From its warm weather, friendly locals, breathtaking Atlantic beaches, good affordable food this country has a lot to offer its visitors and citizens as well.
There is a huge list of places that you can visit while in Portugal and get to enjoy its colorful culture as well as its History. However, we are going to look at some of the top 5 off beaten track places that you will definitely fall in love with.
1. Nazare’
Located around the midpoint of the country’s Atlantic coast, it is the greatest traditional fishing village. It is home to the women with 7 skirts with is part of the colorful traditions Portugal. If you love surfing then you will enjoy the wild and huge waves as well as the beach. Seafood lovers are not left behind because their seafood is one of the best. This is an outstanding holiday destination for you or your family
2. Comporta
Also known as the best beach destination, this off the radar village is located just an hour away from Lisbon. Celebrities and some members of the Monaco royal family are rumored to have properties in Comporta, and they also sneak in out of this destination from time to time. You never know who you will run into here. The beach is 13km long and is backed by rice fields and a dense forest making it perfect for that holiday gateway.
3. São Miguel Island
This is the largest island in the Azores archipelago. It is a volcanic island located in mid-North Atlantic Ocean. It is perfect for nature lovers because you will get to exploit its cliffs, lakes, and hot springs. While here you can also enjoy the scenery of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo.
4. Peneda-Gerês National Park
The park is located in the northeastern part of the county. It has 70,000 metric acres of waterfalls, wild vegetation, and fast flowing rivers. It is the ideal place for outdoor sports like rock-climbing, zip-lining, canyoning, rafting, and a silent nature walk.
5. Obidos
Obidos is one of Portugal’s old villages. It is a maze of cobbled old stone medieval streets, bakeries, and handicrafts shops. Walking around its narrow streets you will have different viewpoints because of the walls. The best time to visit this place during the low season or very early in the morning before the streets get crowded. The high season is in July and August. While here, do not forget to try out one of the local snacks known as ginja which is made from ginger in edible chocolate cups.
Even though it is inevitable that many tourists have invaded Portugal, there are many authentic places that you can still visit and experience what the Portuguese have to offer first hand. Make the decision to explore off the beaten track places in Portugal sooner rather than later because you never know what tomorrow has in store.