Portugal is not just about Lisbon and the popular Algarve resorts, but also dozens of authentic places where locals go to relax, avoiding the tourist rush. Learn about five little-known destinations in Portugal that locals love

Portugal has long been a favorite destination for travelers from all over the world, including citizens of the UK, Spain, Germany, France and the Netherlands. But while most tourists concentrate in Lisbon, Porto or the resort Algarve, locals prefer completely different locations - quiet, authentic and far from mass tourism.

Experts and authors of Lonely Planet guides, who live in Portugal, shared five destinations that remain out of the reach of most tourists, but truly fall in love with the country.

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Tras os Montes – wild nature and gastronomic discoveries

The northernmost region of Portugal – Tras os Montes – is the ideal choice for those who appreciate mountains, silence and a real rural atmosphere. There are no ski resorts or luxury hotels here, but there are rocky landscapes, protected areas and granite villages where it seems that time has stopped a few centuries ago.

The most convenient way to get here is by car from Porto – the road will take about two hours. In addition to nature, the region is famous for its cuisine: hearty dishes, meat from wood-fired ovens and restaurants that work exclusively with local products make Tras os Montes a real paradise for gourmets.

Serra da Louza – slate villages and starry skies

In the depths of the historical region of Beiras lies Serra da Louza – a place for those seeking solitude. Here, traditional slate villages (aldeias do xisto), quiet hiking trails and an almost complete absence of tourist crowds have been preserved.

The restored village of Serdeira deserves special attention, which has been transformed into a space for artists and creative residencies. And for maximum immersion in the atmosphere of the region, it is worth spending the night in ancient stone houses from the 17th century in the villages of Talasnal or Candal. At night, one of the brightest starry skies in the country awaits you.

Corvo is the smallest island of the Azores

Photo – visitportugal.com

Corvo is the smallest and least populated island of the Azores archipelago. Less than 400 people live here, and all the infrastructure is concentrated in a single settlement – ​​Vila do Corvo.

The main natural attraction of the island is the volcanic lagoon Caldeiran, located in the crater of an extinct volcano. But Corvo is not about active routes or excursions. It is a place for slow relaxation, communication with locals and a complete reboot without plans and schedules.

A detailed guide to traveling to Lisbon is here.

Figueira da Foz – surfing and space instead of crowds

The small coastal town of Figueira da Foz, located between Lisbon and Porto, has long been appreciated by Portuguese surfers. It has some of the widest beaches in the country, a mellow atmosphere and restaurants with an emphasis on local seafood.

Even if surfing is not on your agenda, the city offers plenty of alternatives: hiking trails in the Serra da Boa Viagem mountains, a historic 19th-century casino, the Sotto Maior Palace and traditional summer festivals with music and fireworks.

Vila Nova de Milfontes – the tranquil Alentejo by the ocean

Photo – wikimedia.org

While tourists flock to the Algarve, Portuguese families are increasingly choosing the Alentejo coast. Vila Nova de Milfontes is one of the most laid-back coastal towns in the region, with wild beaches and minimal development.

The town is one of the key points of the famous Fisherman’s Trail – a scenic route along the ocean cliffs within the natural park. The best time to visit is late spring and early autumn, when the weather is perfect and there are very few tourists.

If you want to see the real Portugal, you should go beyond the classic routes. These five destinations allow you to feel the authentic atmosphere of the country, enjoy nature and relax without crowds - just like the locals do.

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Reminder! Portugal is changing the rules for highly qualified professionals. We have already talked about the country's latest immigration reforms in 2026, restrictions on family reunification and the abolition of legalization due to expressed interest.

Photo - portugalbywine.com

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