CEO's Favorites: Offering unique insights into the best of Portugal

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Traveling to Portugal is a delightful adventure, blending stunning landscapes, rich history, and a vibrant culture. The country is highly diverse when speaking on what to do and see either you are looking for something more classic or are more into a deep immersion on our culture. To open your appetite I am sharing some authentic, lesser-known tips to help make your experience unforgettable.

1. Explore Lesser-Known Regions

For a truly authentic experience, venture beyond the popular tourist spots like Lisbon and Porto and set off to explore Portugal’s hidden gems. 

The Azores, a stunning archipelago in the Atlantic, is a haven for nature lovers with volcanic landscapes, crater lakes, and lush greenery. São Miguel, the largest island, offers breathtaking sights like Sete Cidades and Furnas, famous for natural hot springs. For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, head to Pico Island, home to Portugal’s highest mountain and world-class whale watching. 

On the mainland, Trás-os-Montes in the northeast offers rugged landscapes, ancient villages, and unique local cuisine like posta mirandesa (grilled beef). Visit Bragança, a medieval town with a well-preserved castle, or explore the Montesinho Natural Park. The Beira Interior region, bordering Spain, features charming small towns like Belmonte, Idanha-A-Velha, or Castelo Rodrigo, a walled village with stunning views. Lastly, deep in Alentejo’s interior, visit Marvão, a mountaintop fortress village, or Monsaraz, a small village perched on a hill, offers breathtaking views and ancient charm. For nature lovers, the Serra da Estrela mountains are a hidden gem, with snowy peaks in winter and hiking trails in summer.

2. Try Unique Local Dishes

Portugal’s cuisine is much more than just bacalhau (codfish) and, if you have a sweet tooth, explore beyond the pastel de nata. 

In Alentejo, try migas, a traditional dish made with leftover bread, garlic, and olive oil, often served with pork. Another local favorite is açorda, a hearty bread soup flavored with coriander, garlic, and poached eggs. 

In Trás-os-Montes, don’t miss the alheira, a type of sausage made from a blend of meats, often served with a fried egg. It was historically a Jewish invention to pass as pork-eating Christians.

Discover posta mirandesa, a thick, juicy steak, and butelo with casulas, a unique dish made from pork and dried beans. 

The coastal region of the Algarve is known for its fresh seafood. You should try arroz de lingueirão (razor clam rice) and xerém, a corn-based dish similar to polenta. 

Over in the Minho region, sample caldo verde, a comforting kale and potato soup, or the papas de sarrabulho if you like heavy food… 

For a sweet finish, try sericaia from Alentejo, a soft, cinnamon-flavored dessert, or pão-de-ló de Ovar, a spongy cake from the Centro region. Each region has its own culinary specialties, giving you a true taste of Portugal’s diversity. 

3. Stay in a Pousada

For a unique accommodation experience, stay in a pousada, which are historical hotels housed in castles, palaces, and monasteries. These are sprinkled all over Portugal and offer a chance to sleep in places filled with history and character. One example is the Pousada do Crato, a medieval castle turned luxury hotel. 

4. Discover the Coastal Towns of Costa Vicentina

While the Algarve’s beaches are famous, Costa Vicentina on the western coast offers a more rugged, untouched coastal experience. With dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and fewer tourists, it’s perfect for those seeking a quieter retreat. Towns like Zambujeira do Mar and Aljezur are beautiful spots to relax, surf, or hike the Rota Vicentina, a scenic coastal trail offering stunning sea views and a connection to nature.

Home to Portugal’s highest peak, Pico Island is a dramatic landscape of black volcanic rock and lush vineyards. Climb the iconic Pico Mountain, explore the UNESCO-protected vineyards, and dive into the island’s rich whaling history. Pico is a haven for adventurers and wine enthusiasts alike.

 

5. Visit the Schist Villages

For a truly unique and peaceful experience, explore the Schist Villages (Aldeias do Xisto) nestled in central Portugal’s mountains. These traditional villages, made of schist stone, have remained largely untouched by modern tourism. Wander through charming, narrow streets in villages like Talasnal, where time seems to stand still. You can hike the surrounding forests, taste local honey, and stay in rustic accommodations for an authentic, tranquil retreat. This is the perfect place to experience rural Portugal at its most picturesque and serene. 

6. Explore Portugal’s Wine Regions

Portugal is home to an incredible variety of wine regions, each offering unique flavors and experiences. While Port from the Douro Valley is world-renowned, there’s much more to discover. In the Alentejo region, you'll find robust red wines with smooth tannins, perfect for pairing with the local cuisine. The Dão region produces elegant reds, often compared to Burgundy wines, with a balance of fruit and acidity. For something lighter, try Vinho Verde from the Minho region, a crisp, slightly effervescent white wine that pairs wonderfully with seafood. The Setúbal Peninsula is famous for its Moscatel, a sweet fortified wine. Finally, Madeira, the island off the mainland, offers its namesake fortified wine, ranging from dry to sweet, with a distinctive nutty flavor. Visiting wineries in these regions will give you a taste of Portugal’s incredible wine and heritage. 

Most important, independently on which region you choose to visit, make sure to HAVE FUN and travel according to your mood and rhythm, the rest will happen, I am sure Portugal will make you fell in Love ☺ 

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