Portugal is a breathtakingly beautiful nation with gorgeous coastline, vibrant towns, charming old towns and magnificent landscapes. While many people visit well-known destinations like Lisbon, Algarve ad Porto every year, many Portugal hidden gems provide a more genuine and off-the-beaten-path experience.
These undiscovered treasures provides a taste of the nation’s rich natural beauty, history and culture. Several different hidden locations including charming seaside towns, ancient villages and breathtaking natural sites have something to offer to everyone.
So, let’s look at top 9 Portugal hidden gems if you want to travel beyond regular the route that visitors usually skip.
Renowned for its world-class surfing, spectacular cliffs, and gorgeous beaches, Ericeira is a charming seaside town close to Lisbon. Even though many people are now aware of it, the Algarve still remains the most popular beach destination.
The town is located in the centre of breathtaking Parque Natural Sintra-Cascais, natural reserve with lots of hiking, biking and wildlife watching options. The most well-known surfing locations in the world including Coxos and Ribeira d’Ilhas are also available in Ericeira.
If you find yourself here with your Portugal Visa UK, the old town with its narrow streets lining traditional homes, historical landmarks and churches are a must-see.
Many people do not know about this Peneda-Gerês National Park in northern Portugal. Featuring rough mountains, deep valleys and woods, the park spans more than 700 square kilometres and is home to some of the most breathtaking natural scenes in the nation.
It is a well-liked location for hikers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts, as it houses a wide variety of flora and fauna, like wild boars, wolves & golden eagles.
Anyone with Portugal Visitor Visa from UK seeking to enjoy the finest of its magnificent outdoors, Peneda-Gerês National Park is a must-visit location with its unspoiled natural beauty and rich cultural legacy.
One of the few spots in Portugal where you can enjoy snowfall during winter is the stunning Serra da Estrela mountain range. At 1,993 meters, this is the tallest mountain range on Portugal’s mainland, and is a beautiful natural setting.
Rich in cultural history, Serra da Estrela is home to several historic churches, old towns, and regional specialties like the well-known Queijo da Serra, a delectable cheese produced from the milk of sheep.
Over 100,000 hectares of Serra da Estrela Natural Park are available for skiing and snowboarding in the winter. You will find a number of lovely lakes in the park including the well-known Lagoa Comprida. It is a popular spot for boating and swimming in the summer.
The Serra da Estrela Natural Park which spans over 100,000 hectares offers skiing and snowboarding during winter. Along with that the park has a number of lovely lakes including the famous Lagoa Comprida which is a popular summertime destination for boating and swimming. Remember you must submit a Portugal Schengen visa application at least two weeks before your planned travel dates. So, if this off-beaten holiday is running in your mind, plan accordingly.
This picturesque seaside village is situated in Portugal’s Alentejo region in south. Vila Nova de Mil Fontes, famous for its stunning beaches and unspoiled landscape, is a must-see spot that is often overlooked.
The breathtaking Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina encircles the town offering a breathtaking setting. This is perfect for outdoor activities like cycling, surfing and hiking. You will also find a number of lovely beaches with golden sands and crystal blue seas to relax on such as Praia do Malhão, Praia da Franquia and Praia das Furnas.
Once you obtain your VFS Portuguese Visa and enter Portugal with it, you are free to explore the historic town centre which houses numerous forts, monuments and ancient churches. The town also organizes a number of annual festivities including the renowned Festa de São João that involves traditional dance, music and scrumptious local delicacies.
Monsanto is a historic town in central Portugal which is popular for its rare medieval granite homes that is made of the surrounding boulders. If you want to explore Portugal hidden gems this is the best place to go.
Perched on a sheer hill, the town provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Hike to the top of the hill for an even more breathtaking view. You may also explore the narrow streets and alleyways and see the ancient castle ruins.
Taste of traditional Portuguese food is also available in this region. There are a number of restaurants that serve regional specialties like roasted lamb, chorizo and goat cheese.
Óbidos is a picturesque medieval town located in the western part of Portugal. It is popular for its old walls, cobblestone lanes and traditional architecture. The town’s spectacular 14th-century walls enclose the historic centre which offers tourists a winding labyrinth of cobblestone streets, traditional homes and old churches to explore with VFS Portugal UK visa.
It also hosts a number of annual cultural events like the popular Óbidos Medieval Fair which attracts tourists from across the globe. You may also try the traditional delicious cuisine like the renowned Ginjinha, a chocolate-covered cherry liqueur. Also enjoy some local sweets like lip-smacking Pão de Ló cake.
Go to Tomar which is in the centre of Portugal, if you want to enjoy an authentic cultural experience.
There are several ancient monuments in Tomar one of which is well-known Convent of Christ. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with magnificent Gothic and Renaissance architecture, lovely gardens and breath-taking town views.
The nine islands that make up the Azores is renowned for its outdoor activities, diverse landscapes and spectacular natural beauty. Every island has its own natural attractions including mountains, beaches, crater lakes, hot springs and geysers.
You may enjoy the marine life of archipelago by diving, swimming with dolphins and whale watching as well as hiking, cycling or kayaking among the islands. Apply Portugal visa from UK, if you are already enticed by the allure of these off-beaten destinations.
This rural countryside comprises 27 villages that are distinguished by the schist stone houses. These are native to the area and mix well with the surrounding scenery. Each of these incredibly distinctive villages are dispersed throughout the country’s north and centre. Every town has something to offer to you including natural attractions, family-run restaurants serving local food and traditional artwork and handicrafts.
Read More: How to Apply Poland Schengen Visa For UK Residents
Embrace the warmth of undiscovered beaches, explore abundant natural beauty and discover the authentic villages with this guide to Portugal Hidden Gems. Portugal’s tourism industry is still expanding annually and apart from Porto, Lisbon and Algarve, most of the country is still undiscovered and ready to be discovered by you, once you get your online Portugal visa.
Remember in order to get your visa, you have to book a Portugal visa Appointment with VFS visa centre. Before booking an appointment make sure you have all the necessary documents as you will have to submit them during appointment. Once you submit all your supporting documents and biometric information, the visa is processed within 8-10 working days.
You are then able to explore the hidden gems as well as other natural wonders. These include neo-Gothic architecture, pagan monuments and lot more in Portugal.
Q. What is Portugal visa processing time?
A. The Portugal visa processing time varies depending on your nationality and visa type. For instance if you are applying for long stay or short stay visa. Generally Short stay visa processes within 7-8 working days and long stay visa takes around 8-15 working days. Some nationalities could even require up to fifteen days. To learn more about it, please contact us.
Q. How do I get a visa for Portugal from UK?
A. The easy steps we take to assist you in obtaining a Portugal visa promptly are as follows:
Q. What is the validity of Portugal visa?
A. Validity is dependent upon a number of criteria such as whether this is your first application or whether you have previously applied for and been granted several Schengen visas. Portugal often grants visas for three months to two years or even more. However, the longest stay permitted in a single visit is ninety days.
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