Portugal unusual places to visit

A solar eclipse is one of those rare sky shows Europe actually gets to enjoy properly this year. 2026 is extra special because a total solar eclipse in Portugal has not been visible since 1912.

UNESCO cities in Portugal may be few – there are five in total across the mainland and islands – but they tell a disproportionate amount of the country’s story. Each one has a historic centre recognised by UNESCO for its “outstanding universal value”.

A small northern Portuguese town has been picked as one of the world's best travel destinations for 2026.

A street in Porto has just been named the 3rd coolest street in the world for 2025 by Time Out.

When crowds head for Madeira and São Miguel, Portugal's lesser-known islands keep their easy rhythm.

Skyscanner’s fare trends put Madeira in Portugal firmly in the frame as one of the best-value destinations for 2026.

A quieter season suits Portugal’s smaller places: medieval walls without tour groups, fog lifting over terraced vineyards, and cosy taverns serving bowls of caldo verde.

Lisbon’s magic hides in its bairros; for secret places in Lisbon, it’s the backstreets and hilltops where everyday life hums. Stumble across pocket miradouros, shrine‑tucked alleys and family‑run tascas. The focus here is on non-touristy things to do in Lisbon.

Lisbon hides many of its loveliest corners in plain sight. The magic turns up in everyday rhythms: a counter-side coffee in a family-run tasca, a pocket-sized miradouro with seagulls over the River Tejo, a quick ginjinha on streets paved in black and white mosaics.

Lisbon’s iconic Glória Funicular, a historic transport link between Restauradores Square and Bairro Alto, is set to undergo a major safety redesign following a tragic accident that left 16 people dead and 22 injured on 3rd September 2025.

Floating in the Atlantic Ocean, closer to Africa than to mainland Portugal, Madeira is an island with a character all its own. It's often called the 'island of eternal spring', and for good reason, as the weather stays mild throughout the year.

Set along the Atlantic coast in the municipality of Sintra, the name Azenhas do Mar originates from old watermills that once harnessed the flow of a local stream to grind grain before it reached the ocean.

As June winds down, Porto shakes off its regular rhythm and transforms into a bustling city of light and laughter for Festa de São João, or St. John Festival.

Portugal is an incredible destination, but it can quickly feel overwhelming when tourist hotspots become overcrowded. From packed city centres to busy beaches, many visitors flock to the same famous landmarks. However, there's so much more to explore beyond the typical sights.

Portugal, with its diversity of landscapes and climate, offers a unique experience every month of the year. From the snowy peaks of Serra da Estrela in January to the vibrant summer festivities and the serene off-season beaches, each moment has its own particular charm.

The spookiest date of the year is coming up, and this year your plans could be much more interesting than just cupcakes and cookies.

Almost 20 centuries ago, what is now the municipality of Marvão, in Portalegre, was the Roman city of Ammaia. Archaeological work by the National Museum of Roman Artin Mérida and the University of Lisbon has revealed the existence of a forum and, more recently, about two years ago, an amphitheatre.

Imagine yourself on a historic wooden train with five rustic carriages - reminiscent of the Harry Potter films - that transports you to a world full of magic. You seize the opportunity and embark on the journey.

The Major Seminary of Coimbra now has, as of Wednesday 17th May 2023, 19 rooms with 40 beds, to accommodate seminarians, pilgrims or people who want to enjoy a spiritual retreat.

Where is the warmest beach water in Portugal? Summer may have drawn to a close, but this doesn't mean that trips to the beach have to end, as there is a beach in Portugal with a water temperature of 25 degrees - the ideal place to take a dip this autumn.

It's time to add some new destinations to your Portugal bucket list, two of Europe's 22 best hidden gems are in Portugal. One in the Algarve, Ilha do Farol, and another in the Setúbal region, the town of Sesimbra.

The New York Times’ annual list of 52 can’t-miss destinations is always a must read for keen travellers. However, 2022's ranking of best destinations looks a little different.

There are various palaces located in the charming streets and hills of Sintra. And there is one that will open to the public for the first time on 30th April 2022.

The year is not yet over, but many in Portugal are already thinking about their holidays in 2022. And there is nothing like taking advantage of the public holidays to create periods of rest and leisure.

Every once and a while, we like to open the doors of a truly amazing property and let you have a look around.