Portugal: a Destination Full of Hidden Gems

Madeira, Portugal. Photo by Adam Smigielski on Unsplash

Portugal is mostly known for three destinations: Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve Coast. Looking past the surface, however, Portugal is a fascinating country with tons to offer outside of its most popular destinations. Here are five hidden Portuguese gems that are worth checking out.

Coimbra

Situated on the banks of the Mondego River, this beautiful city is a living museum and the home of the University of Coimbra founded in 1290, the world’s oldest university in the Portuguese−Speaking world.

Madeira

The island of Madeira, located off of the coast of North Africa, is a contrast between beaches, geothermal pools, and massive mountain peaks that packs a lot of things to do into a small space.

Peniche

The western-most point in mainland Europe is located at Peniche, a small town on Portugal’s Atlantic coast on top of a rocky peninsula. It’s considered one of the premier surfing destinations in Europe.

Guimarães

This northern Portuguese city’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s easy to see why. It maintains a well-preserved medieval center, a 10th-century castle, and a 15th-century royal palace. It’s also said to be the be the place where Portugal was founded by royal decree.

Évora

This city in the Portuguese Alentejo, just 130 kilometers east of Lisbon, stands out due to its collection of exceptionally maintained Roman, Moorish, and Gothic architecture, all integrated seamlessly into a modern city.