Brought to you by a local…
Portugal is my home country, the place where I was born and lived the majority of my life. Words like sun, surf and food will probably resonate to you when you think about Portugal. But there’s more…
Although it’s a relatively small country, with 561 km north-south and 218 km east-west, Portugal is a very diverse country, with sandy beaches spreading along the country’s coast, but also natural parks and historic villages. Ah, and there’s the Islands too, Madeira and The Azores!
Despite having lived 10 years abroad, I am still fascinated with the hidden gems in Portugal I encounter every time I venture within my country, even when it’s close to where I live – Coimbra, Central Portugal.
Get off the beaten path and find my favourite 6 secret spots in Portugal.
Table of Contents
1. Murtinheira’s Beach – Figueira da Foz (Hidden Gems in Portugal)
Of all the beautiful beaches in Portugal, this is my favourite beach, an hidden gem in Figueira da Foz, Central Portugal. Why? Because perfectly melts sea and mountain, offering a wonderful landscape of an almost virgin place with its large sandy area and the beauty of the ocean contrasting with the cliffs of Cabo Mondego Cape.
What’s more? Given the characteristics of the sea, surfing and bodyboarding are also popular in Murtinheira. One side of the beach is unguarded, making the delights of those that want to bring their doggos and do nudism.
Quick Guide:
How To Get There: Book your flights to Porto and then drive or take a train to Coimbra. Visit Coimbra and from there is 65 km approx drive.
Where To Stay: If you’re looking for a place to stay and/or have surf classes I’d recommend We Surf House. It has a 9.7 booking score and it’s right in front of Murtinheira’s beach.
Where To Drink/Eat: There’s a really nice place for food and cocktails called Sand Beach Bar, strategically placed to watch a “refreshing” sunset (you can see the views on my Insta reel).
2. Aveiro Lagoon – Flamingos
A few weeks ago, I was a testimony of a pink dream on the banks of the Ria de Aveiro, in Murtosa. The region’s unique ecosystem is home to an impressive diversity of water birds and plant species, including Flamingos. To watch them closely, we brought a stand up paddle with us. It was a fantastic experience, although we got stuck in the low waters a few times. After getting lost and stuck, eventually we managed to went back to the pier, and have a story to tell.
In the Ria de Aveiro, you can see an abundance of water birds in their natural habitat such as herons, waders and flamingos.
Turismo Centro de Portugal
Flamingos aside, we also visited Murtosa, the flattest municipality in Portugal situated on the edges of the Aveiro Lagoon (Ria) and Torreira beach, which is on the other side of the Ria, facing the sea.
If you don’t have a paddle-boarding, you can book a local tour or book one of the experiences below. The Murtosa region is also home to the traditional Moliceiro boat. You can stroll peacefully in one of this, guided by people who know the lagoon.
Quick Guide:
How To Get There: Book your flights to Porto and then drive or take a train to Aveiro, where you can visit the city and the surroundings such as Murtosa and Torreira beach.
Where To Stay: I’ve stayed at Refugio Dourado in Torreira, which is like a boutique hotel with fancy rooms and amazing breakfast. The owners, a beautiful couple of ex-emigrants brought to life this once very old house! Curiosity: the house has a chapel attached to it, which is part of the complex. ? You can even host a ceremony there.
3. Praia do Paraíso – Lagoa, Algarve
Praia do Paraíso (Paradise Beach) is a very small beach located in the municipality of Lagoa, about 400 metres west of the popular Praia do Carvoeiro. Even though Carvoeiro can be very crowded in summer, Praia do Paraíso is usually quite empty. This is because the beach is relatively hidden and unknown.
This beach has a white staircase that leads to the beach. There you can take a nice Instagram picture (as you can see off this article’s featured image).
Quick Guide:
How To Get There: Take your flight to Faro. Then, the best way to get to this hidden treasure in Lagoa is by car.
Where To Stay: Stay nearby in Praia do Carvoeiro. There you’ll find a wide range of options. My top favourites are Tivoli Carvoeiro 5* and Vale d’Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa.
Fancy doing luxury Glamping? Try Casa Tuia Resort.
4. Mourão
Mourão is a small town in Alentejo, Portugal just 7 km from the Spanish border. It is located on the left bank of the Guadiana River, which has become a lake, dammed by the Alqueva Dam.
I visited this town by coincidence when I was coming back from my road trip in Spain. The highlight of the city is the Castle of Mourão, from 1343. However, for me the true gem ? of Mourão is the restaurant Adega Velha. The old tavern cheers the men of the village (you’ll listen to them singing “cânticos alentejanos”) keeps old telephones and paints evocative of the region, and above all, the great traditional food.
Among the main dishes, there is sopa de cação, the chickpea stew and the pot soup, whose meats and sausages are flavoured with mint. To finish off the meal, three sweets made with eggs and sugar, as tradition dictates: rançoso, real manjar and encharcada.
Quick Guide:
How To Get There: By car, if you’re travelling from or to Spain or if you’re near Alentejo, Portugal.
Where To Stay: Herdade dos Delgados
5. Serra da Lousã – Aldeias do Xisto (Schist Villages)
Back to my roots, near Coimbra there’s a mountain range called Serra da Lousã. There you’ll find many lovely examples of schist villages that are memories of the previous rural mountain life. There are 27 schist villages the most famous being Talasnal. Check them all here.
Visiting these villages is a very special experience as it will take you through the mountains on set trails that go to and through these very special places. What can be observed are the old building techniques using schist stone and wood all in what seems a comforting mini surrounding. Tiny streets, little sheds and water fountains, community places and former commercial buildings. This very unique human built environment is contrasted by the landscape, breathtaking mountain views and clear, clean air.
Quick Guide:
How To Get There: By car, from Coimbra is just 30 Km.
Where To Stay: If you want to stay in the schist villages, you can Book in Xisto platform. There you will find a variety of houses & bed & breakfast options. Or, if you prefer to stay in Lousã town, I suggest Octant Lousã.
6. Praia Ribeiro do Cavalo, Sesimbra
A true hidden gem. Why? Because it will take some effort to get there!
Probably one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, Praia Ribeiro do Cavalo is just 40km away from Lisbon, on the outskirts of Sesimbra village and in the heart ?? of Arrábida Natural Park. Its crystal-clear waters and natural landscape are certainly impressive. The beach is only reachable by sea or through a pedestrian path. Because it’s a wild beach, there’s no lifeguards or cafes as expected.
How To Get There: To access Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo, you can go by boat (access by sea through Sesimbra) or through a small yet winding pedestrian path (I have done the latter – it’s about 1 km).
Another popular way to get there is by Kayak! You can book a Kayak Tour to Ribeiro do Cavalo here:
Quick Guide:
Where To Stay: Senhora do Cabo Meco. Feel at home in this modern guest house situated 7 km from Sesimbra’s centre and within the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park.
Where To Drink/Eat: Because it’s a wild beach, there’s no bars or restaurants. You need to bring your own food and drinks.
Leave a Reply