Been to Lisbon and Porto? Here’s where to go next

Beyond the beaten path lie Portugal’s best-kept secrets, where hot springs still steam, ancient towers guard cork forests and rugged trails wind through volcanic craters. From the reviving spas of Chaves to the street art of Viseu, these lesser-known destinations offer truly memorable stays.

Comporta

Best for: Bohemian beach 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 cycling boardwalks to empty beaches, sipping white port cocktails beneath cork oaks, and browsing ateliers in Casa da Cultura for linen fashion and hand-thrown ceramics. Dine on garlic clams at Sal or traditional Alentejo bread stew with rock lobster at Jncquoi Beach Club, then watch flamingos sweep across the Sado estuary. Nature dictates the pace here — and that’s its charm.

Where to stay: AlmaLusa Comporta offers warm, understated luxury in calming neutral tones, with a rooftop bar overlooking the surrounding emerald rice fields. From €170 (£147), B&B.

Viseu

Best for:Creative & culinary flair
Viseu is a soulful highland city where cobbled lanes, Renaissance facades and bursts of contemporary street art charm at every turn. Nearly 60 large-scale murals brighten the centre, suburbs and surrounding vineyards thanks to a festival from 2015 to 2019 that invited artists from Portugal and beyond. Visit the Grão Vasco Museum for 16th-century altarpieces, then shop local handicrafts at AndaVer. Local Dão wines and seasonal tasting menus are the speciality at Michelin-starred Mesa de Lemos, or try the garden-inspired plates at Bib Gourmand awardee Flora. Finish with a craft beer at Carmo 81.

Where to stay: Pousada Viseu is a 19th-century hospital turned hotel with views across the old quarter. From €110 (£95).

Chaves

Best for: Getting in hot water
In the mountainous north, Chaves has been defined 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) investment has reinvigorated the city’s 19th-century public spa complex, inviting a new generation to soak in mineral-rich waters said to soothe arthritis, eczema and more. Beyond the baths, discover medieval ramparts, quaint lanes and smoked meats at Taberna Benito.

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

Monsaraz

Best for: Timeless beauty
Monsaraz rises above the Alentejo plains like a mirage — a whitewashed fortress town where time slows. From its battlements, Alqueva Lake glimmers below, while eagles wheel overhead. Schist lanes lead to panoramic wine bars like Xarez and artisans’ studios such as Loja Fabricaal Monsaraz. Ceramics from nearby São Pedro do Corval, the largest pottery centre in Portugal, are sold at shops throughout. Nearby, kayak mirrored waters with the tour operator Break! or explore Dark Sky Alqueva, Europe’s first stargazing reserve.

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

Ponta Delgada

Best for:Volcanic landscapes
This small city pulses at the heart of São Miguel, the largest island of the Azores. Along its winding lanes, you'll find black-and-white basalt facades, heritage cafes like Café Central and Mercado da Graça, where travellers can sample sweet queijadas (cupcakes) and local green tea. Head to nearby Furnas for cozido, a volcanic stew slow-cooked in the Earth’s heat, best enjoyed at Tony’s or Terra Nostra Garden Hotel. From the harbour, book a whale-watching trip with operators such as Futurismo or Terra Azul, or hike to Lagoa do Fogo.

Where to stay: Set in a former school, Hotel Do Colégio offers historic charm in the old town. From €150 (£130), B&B.

Machico

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

Where to stay: White Waters Hotel offers homely decor, a cosy bar and a rooftop terrace. From €120 (£105).