6 different cities to go to in Portugal, past Lisbon and Porto

Beyond the overwhelmed path lie Portugal’s best-kept secrets and techniques, the place sizzling springs nonetheless steam, historical towers guard cork forests and rugged trails wind via volcanic craters. From the reviving spas of Chaves to the road artwork of Viseu, these lesser-known locations provide really memorable stays.

Comporta

Best for: Bohemian seashore days
Tucked between pine groves and rice paddies an hour south of Lisbon, secluded Comporta has a laid-back rhythm beloved by celebrities and royals. Slow days are spent biking boardwalks to empty seashores, sipping white port cocktails beneath cork oaks, and looking ateliers in Casa da Cultura for linen vogue and hand-thrown ceramics. Dine on garlic clams at Sal or conventional Alentejo bread stew with rock lobster at Jncquoi Beach Club, then watch flamingos sweep throughout the Sado estuary. Nature dictates the tempo right here — and that’s its appeal.

Where to remain: AlmaLusa Comporta provides heat, understated luxurious in calming impartial tones, with a rooftop bar overlooking the encircling emerald rice fields. From €170 (£147), B&B.

Viseu

Best for:Creative & culinary aptitude
Viseu is a soulful highland metropolis the place cobbled lanes, Renaissance facades and bursts of up to date road artwork appeal at each flip. Nearly 60 large-scale murals brighten the centre, suburbs and surrounding vineyards because of a competition from 2015 to 2019 that invited artists from Portugal and past. Visit the Grão Vasco Museum for Sixteenth-century altarpieces, then store native handicrafts at AndaVer. Local Dão wines and seasonal tasting menus are the speciality at Michelin-starred Mesa de Lemos, or attempt the garden-inspired plates at Bib Gourmand awardee Flora. Finish with a craft beer at Carmo 81.

Where to remain: Pousada Viseu is a Nineteenth-century hospital turned resort with views throughout the outdated quarter. From €110 (£95).

Chaves

Best for: Getting in sizzling water
In the mountainous north, Chaves has been outlined by its geothermal waters for millennia. Roman legions revered the springs, leaving a grand bathhouse (now an archaeological museum) and a 12-arch stone bridge spanning the River Tâmega. Since then, a €4.5m (£3.9m) funding has reinvigorated town’s Nineteenth-century public spa complex, inviting a brand new era to soak in mineral-rich waters stated to appease arthritis, eczema and extra. Beyond the baths, uncover medieval ramparts, quaint lanes and smoked meats at Taberna Benito.

Where to remain: Vidago Palace is a grand spa resort with rooms from €210 (£181), B&B, or attempt Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park, which provides eco-cabins from €150 (£129), B&B.

Monsaraz

Best for: Timeless magnificence
Monsaraz rises above the Alentejo plains like a mirage — a whitewashed fortress city the place time slows. From its battlements, Alqueva Lake glimmers beneath, whereas eagles wheel overhead. Schist lanes result in panoramic wine bars like Xarez and artisans’ studios equivalent to Loja Fabricaal Monsaraz. Ceramics from close by São Pedro do Corval, the most important pottery centre in Portugal, are bought at outlets all through. Nearby, kayak mirrored waters with the tour operator Break! or discover Dark Sky Alqueva, Europe’s first stargazing reserve.

Where to remain: Horta da Moura is a newly renovated countryside resort with giant, rustic-chic rooms, olive groves and an infinity pool. From €110 (£95).

Ponta Delgada

Best for:Volcanic landscapes
This small metropolis pulses on the coronary heart of São Miguel, the most important island of the Azores. Along its winding lanes, you will discover black-and-white basalt facades, heritage cafes like Café Central and Mercado da Graça, the place travellers can pattern candy queijadas (cupcakes) and native inexperienced tea. Head to close by Furnas for cozido, a volcanic stew slow-cooked within the Earth’s warmth, finest loved at Tony’s or Terra Nostra Garden Hotel. From the harbour, e-book a whale-watching journey with operators equivalent to Futurismo or Terra Azul, or hike to Lagoa do Fogo.

Where to remain: Set in a former faculty, Hotel Do Colégio provides historic appeal within the outdated city. From €150 (£130), B&B.

Machico

Best for: Coastal walks
On Madeira’s east coast, Machico was the primary landfall for the Portuguese in 1419, and its maritime heritage nonetheless permeates the city. A curved bay, dotted with boats, spills out onto a stretch of golden sand; right here, eating places like Gala and O Casco are good for sampling bolo do caco (Madeiran flatbread with garlic butter) or black scabbardfish stew. Every June, the Mercado Quinhentista makes the city come alive with medieval pageantry. Adventurers can hike the close by Levada do Caniçal path for ocean views, discover the Furnas do Cavalum lava tubes or head out on horseback with guides from Quinta do Riacho.  

Where to remain: White Waters Hotel provides homely decor, a comfortable bar and a rooftop terrace. From €120 (£105).