Discover 4 summer getaways favored by locals in Portugal

Charming, picturesque, and steeped in history, Portugal attracts visitors from all over the world with its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, fascinating heritage, and temperate climate. However, this popularity can lead to crowds at well-known attractions. To help you find peace, we've consulted four of our writers based in Portugal for their favorite hidden retreats – spots you may not know about.

Dodge the busy tourist spots and explore these lesser-known locations in Portugal, as recommended by our local guides.

1. Serra da Lousã

Daniel James Clarke once spent many holidays in the Algarve, but one day he chose to settle on the southern coast.

What Makes Serra da Lousã Special?

As summer crowds flock to the coast, I find myself irresistibly drawn to the quieter interiors of Portugal. The Serra da Lousã, nestled in the heart of the historic Beiras region, is a hidden gem featuring almost-forgotten aldeias do xisto (schist villages), serene hiking trails, and unique rural retreats.

Located just 30 minutes from Coimbra, the town of Lousã serves as the gateway to the mountain range. My affordable favorite is the modern private rooms at HI Hostel Lousã. For a true escape, consider staying in a restored stone house in one of the once-abandoned villages, like the 17th-century Talasnal or Candal.

Essential Activities

At night, the Milky Way shines brilliantly, particularly in the Dark Sky Reserve of Pampilhosa da Serra, which is located a bit further inland.

Be sure to book a table at O Burgo or Villa Lausana to savor traditional hearty meals like chanfana (a lamb stew cooked in clay pots), perfectly complemented by the region’s mineral-rich red wines made from the local baga grape.

In the fall, the serra transforms into a magical place with its copper-hued foliage, while winter brings occasional snow, ideal for cozy nights by the fire. No matter the season, you’ll discover a part of Portugal that feels timeless.

Tips for Visiting Serra da Lousã

The meticulously restored village of Cerdeira has transformed into the Cerdeira Home for Creativity, serving as an artist retreat that offers workshops and spaces designed to spark creativity inspired by nature. It’s an ideal place to unplug, with a backdrop of birdsong and the inviting river beaches at Cabril do Ceira gorge or Praia Fluvial Senhora da Piedade, both framed by the historic Lousã Castle, an 11th-century landmark perfect for daytime adventures.

2. Corvo

Sandra Henriques was born in the Azores and has lived in Lisbon for over 20 years.

What Makes Corvo Special? As one of the nine islands in the Azores, an archipelago located about 1100 miles off Portugal's coast, this 6.8 sq mile land with fewer than 400 residents remains a hidden gem. While many of the Azores islands have gained popularity in recent years, stepping off the plane in Corvo instantly envelops you in the tranquility of this village-like island (you'll hardly notice any jet lag).

Vila do Corvo, the island's sole municipality, consists of a tiny cluster of houses and narrow streets perched on cliffs overlooking the ocean, with everything easily accessible on foot. Its primary natural attraction – Caldeirão, the lagoon nestled in the volcano's crater that created the island – can be reached via a two-hour, 6km/3.7-mile hike uphill. For a glimpse into local history and culture, visit the Casa do Tempo museum and the historic animal-powered grain mill, Atafona do Lourenço.

Essential Activities

This is my go-to place to unwind, recharge, and embrace the outdoors alongside small-town charm. Forget meticulous planning or a busy itinerary: instead, expect leisurely days spent socializing with locals and balancing morning hikes with afternoons at the beach. Whatever your plans, being adaptable when the weather doesn’t cooperate is key.

Tips for Visiting Corvo

While short-term rentals are available on the island, I highly recommend the family-run Hotel Comodoro. This cozy two-star guesthouse provides the warmth of a family atmosphere, complete with a complimentary homemade breakfast. The island’s only restaurant, Restaurante Caldeirão, is conveniently located next to the airport and is your go-to for lunch or dinner with a scenic view. For drinks, casual bites, and relaxed conversations with locals, check out BBC – Caffé & Lounge.

3. Trás-os-Montes

Austin Bush is a writer and photographer living in Lisbon.

What Makes Trás-os-Montes Special?

I typically prefer mountains to beaches, and in Portugal, my top choice for the former is Trás-os-Montes. This northernmost region, meaning “Behind the Mountains,” shouldn’t be expected to boast towering peaks or ski resorts (though it can receive snow in winter). Instead, anticipate a serene, rugged landscape filled with quaint villages and preserved natural spaces.

Essential Activities

Trás-os-Montes is a culinary treasure. When I visit, I rely on Tabernas do Alto Tâmega, a collection of 15 eateries throughout the region. Look forward to generous, hearty meals prepared over wood-burning fires, alongside smoked meats and warm, homey hospitality. My personal favorite among them is Casa de Souto Velho, a superb restaurant in the eastern region where nearly all ingredients are sourced from their own farm.

You can also experience this feeling of time travel in Pitões das Junias, another ancient granite village located on the edge of the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, a protected area that extends across both Portugal and Spain.

A short stroll from the village reveals a stunning landscape featuring an abandoned 12th-century church, rugged granite formations, ancient oak forests, bubbling streams, and a picturesque waterfall.

Tips for Exploring Trás-os-Montes

The best way to experience the region is by renting a car from Porto, just a two-hour drive away. One of Trás-os-Montes’ highlights is its granite villages, where you’ll feel as if you’re not just navigating geography but also stepping back in time. For instance, Vilarinho Seco in Boticas is one of Portugal’s most well-preserved granite villages, evoking a sense that time stood still around the year 1500. Here, locals continue to raise long-horned Barrosã cattle, which rest in ground-floor pens beneath the traditional two-story stone houses.

4. Vila Nova de Milfontes

Joana Taborda was raised in Lisbon and now divides her time between the capital and Madeira.

What Makes Vila Nova de Milfontes Special?

The southern coast has long been a beloved vacation destination for Portuguese families. While many flock to the Algarve, a growing number are discovering the tranquil shores of the Alentejo.

During my youth, I spent summers camping near the beaches of Vila Nova de Milfontes in southern Portugal, and I frequently return. This charming coastal town is part of the Alentejo, known for its wild beaches and stunning hikes like the Fishermen’s Trail. This renowned walking path traverses a natural park (free from high-rise hotels) and guides you along dramatic cliffs with breathtaking ocean views throughout.

Essential Activities

I used to camp just above Praia do Malhão, making my way to the beach each morning for a day filled with swimming and the occasional surf lesson. Nowadays, I tend to stay closer to town, enjoying its 16th-century castle. I love picking up a breakfast croissant from Mabi and watching the sunset from the dunes behind Praia do Farol, wrapping up the evening with a cocktail.

Tips for Vila Nova de Milfontes

Any time is a great time to visit. Late spring and early September offer beautiful, tranquil weather, but even during the peak of summer, Vila Nova de Milfontes provides a serene seaside escape away from the hustle and bustle.