Portugal may be relatively small when compared to other countries in Western Europe. However, this is a country that has seen tourist numbers grow year on year. These many people who come to visit Portugal do so for many reasons: the country has a beautiful coastline, excellent cuisine, it offers good value for your money, and its people are among the friendliest in Europe.
As with other countries on the tourist's radar, the so-called tourist hotspots are also a reality here and obviously; things will perhaps be slightly pricier and occasionally over-commercialised (although Portugal has done a great job to ensure this is not the norm). But what if I told you there's plenty more to be experienced beyond Lisbon, Porto or even the Algarve?
Bear in mind that you can mix and match and perhaps visit some more talked about destinations and still go off the beaten path if you have a week or two in Portugal. The country's roads are safe and will take you to the remotest of locations. I should mention that you can obviously walk, cycle or, if that's your thing, horseback ride, but ideally, you'll want to hire a car as the public transport options in Portugal exist but do not abound.
With this in mind, below I will suggest a list of places you shouldn't miss if you decide to go slightly off the beaten path when visiting this incredible country.
Parque Natural Serra de S. Mamede
If you've been to the Alentejo region before in Portugal, the Serra de São Mamede will come as a bit of a shock. Here you'll encounter an unexpected Alentejo where instead of rolling hills, there are high mountains, greenery, waterfalls and many incredible hiking routes. There's also plenty of other things to do in this area, such as exploring the beautiful mediaeval towns of Castelo de Vide, Alegrete and Marvão or the city of Portalegre, the regional capital.
Portas De Rodão
Portas de Rodao (not far from Parque Natural da Serra de S. Mamede) is a Natural Monument with high geological value. Other than the countless birds and flora that call this place home, you can also appreciate the steep quartz hills (170 m high), which give this place its name, Portas (doors), as they have the shape of doors. There are local guided boat tours, but you can also choose to visit this attraction on your own and hike along the river taking in the beautiful scenery.
Loriga
Want to unwind surrounded by lush green mountains while plunging into the crystal clear waters of a beautiful swimming hole? Then Loriga should not be missed. There are different walks you can embark on or you could also visit the nearby village of Loriga, but the real gem is the swimming hole where pristine crystal clear waters can be found. There are changing facilities and a small cafe in the vicinities. Try to come here during the week as the place gets busy over the weekend.
Piodão
The village of Piodao is not easy to get to but that's probably the reason why it's so well preserved. Due to its remoteness, Piodao is famous for being used as a safe haven for criminals many centuries ago, but those days are gone now and the most dangerous thing that may happen to you is falling in love with this gem. To get to Piodao you'll have to drive along a winding road that crisscrosses continental Portugal's highest mountain is the only way to reach the village. But the view and simplicity of this 'forgotten in time' place will reward upon getting there. One of Piodaos' distinctive features is that the streets and houses have been built with schist, a stone found in the region
Gerês
Geres is in itself enough to keep you entertained for a whole week. The National Park Peneda-Geres right on the border with Spain, covers the Gerês, Peneda, Amarela and Soajo mountains. The weather can be quite variable throughout most of the year but expect consistent warm and sunny days from July to September. Geres has got an abundance of magnificent landscapes, historic villages, beautiful waterfalls, wild animals such as wild horses and wolves and endless walking trails. If you are a vegetarian you may have a hard time in this region of the country but if not, you'll find yourself in paradise.