7 of Portugal's hidden gems: The soft travel guide
Remarkable destinations that will inspire you
After my quiet luxury guide to Belgium, today I'm sharing another favourite: Portugal.
Having explored this incredible country several times, I’ve selected seven of its most charming places through the lens of this year's soft travel trend.
Forget the tourist crowds of Lisbon and Porto. There's a calm joy in discovering Portugal through 'soft travel'—letting curiosity guide your journey instead of checklists.
When I embarked on a road trip through Portugal a few years ago, I stumbled upon wonderful locations I'd never heard of before. Despite its growing popularity, I’ve discovered fascinating medieval towns, dramatic coastlines and areas where daily life unfolds at a gentler pace.
What is soft travel?
Soft travel means following your intuition to truly connect with a place. In Portugal, this approach feels especially natural. Its unique concept of saudade - a bittersweet longing - and its emotional fado songs encourage contemplation to enrich your journey.
As you meander through Portugal’s flower-lined streets or along the wild Atlantic coastline, you'll engage all your senses. Nothing compares to the cool touch of the blue azulejo tiles and the creamy, buttery taste of pastéis de nata.
This mindful approach changes how you experience each destination. The following seven Portuguese treasures are perfect for soft travel.
7 lesser-known wonders of Portugal
1. Tomar – where Knights Templar secrets live on
Entering the Convento de Cristo in Tomar feels like stepping through a portal into medieval Portugal. This 12th century fortress-monastery is where Knights Templar once plotted crusades and gathered in secret chambers. Ancient stone walls and sunlit cloisters create an atmosphere of timeless serenity.
Soft travel moment: After your visit, head to Taverna Antiqua in the city centre for a truly immersive medieval lunch experience. Here you can tuck into juicy baked ham and sip sweet mead at a candlelit table. One of my favourite ever meal experiences. Check out my TikTok video here.
2. Nazaré – for the largest surfable waves on earth
With its record-breaking 30-metre waves, Nazaré attracts elite surfers from across the globe. Yet beyond this adrenaline-fuelled fame, it preserves its character as a traditional Portuguese fishing community.
Soft travel moment: Ascend the funicular to the Miradouro do Suberco. Situated 110 metres above sea level, it gives you panoramic views. Then head to the beach to explore the natural beauty of the Forno de Orca Cave facing the famous waves.
3. Tavira – the authentic Algarve before mass tourism
Tavira is a part of the Algarve that has maintained its elegant Portuguese soul. Wandering through its streets reveals distinctive Moorish architecture and whitewashed buildings decorated with blue and white azulejos tiles. Its graceful arched Roman bridge (which isn’t actually Roman) spanning the Gilão River has been the heart of town life for centuries.
Soft travel moment: I adored taking a boat trip to Ilha de Tavira, where pristine beaches stretch for miles. For dinner, I recommend the hidden Restaurante Jorge e Lia, tucked away in a secret garden - not even all the locals know about this one.
4. Batalha – for majestic Gothic splendour
The pinnacle of Portuguese Gothic architecture has to be the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória in Batalha. Despite its UNESCO status, it receives a fraction of the visitors that flock to other Gothic monuments in Europe. The monastery contains Portugal's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with an eternal flame commemorating the 100,000 Portuguese who died in World War I.
Soft travel moment: After exploring the monastery, grab a table at Restaurante Vintage with its stunning view of the magnificent Gothic façade. The perfect way to linger and absorb the building's grandeur with a cool glass of Portuguese vinho verde.
5. Peniche – fortress walls and fishing nets
This atmospheric peninsula town has a refreshing authenticity. Its imposing 16th-century fortress once served as a political prison during Portugal's dictatorship, while the working harbour continues to serve as the lifeblood of the community.
Soft travel moment: Wander along Peniche's dramatic coastal paths and watch local fishermen mending their nets as they've done for generations.
6. Óbidos – medieval magic within ancient walls
This perfectly preserved town is a labyrinth of cobbled lanes surrounded by ancient fortifications and dominated by a castle. Inside the historic walls, you’ll find doorways framed by cascading purple bougainvillea and artisan workshops.
Soft travel moment: I stopped at a tiny local bar to try ginjinha, the sweet cherry liqueur served in delicious edible chocolate cups by local families who have made it for generations.
7. Cabo da Roca – standing at the edge of Europe
In Portugal you can stand at the westernmost point of mainland Europe and look out at the Atlantic ocean. This dramatic clifftop has inspired Portuguese poets for centuries. The wild beauty of crashing Atlantic waves against rugged cliffs creates a landscape that feels both timeless and ever-changing.
Soft travel moment: Find a spot to connect with the elements – feeling the wind, hearing the waves and being fully present at the true edge of a continent.
The quiet poetry of Portugal
These seven destinations speak in whispers, not shouts. They exist in a Portugal where time moves differently—measured in tides, the slow ripening of olives and the rhythm of wine being poured among friends.
Spring and autumn bring fewer crowds and perfect weather for exploration. Even in the peak summer months of July and August, these corners of Portugal remain relatively peaceful compared to its more famous attractions.
I've found that this country rewards those who slow down. Allow time to linger over a meal, follow an unmarked coastal path or chat with a shopkeeper. The most meaningful memories often come from these unplanned moments.
These are simply starting points - Portugal has countless hidden gems waiting for you to discover them in your own way, as slowly and softly as you desire.
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Have you been to Portugal or would you like to go? Where is your favourite hidden gem there? I'd love to hear about your own soft travel experiences.
Next week, it's the latest chapter of my solo travel memoir - join me in Chile as I discover new perspectives in the world’s driest desert.
These truly are gems! Excellent ideas outside of Porto or Lisbon. Thanks for sharing, Claire!
It's really neat you did a deeper dive into the beauties of the country. So nice to get a more well rounded view of what the country holds. Great post, with some nice spots I'll have to visit some day.