The beauty of Portugal does not stop at its capital city. Although the paved streets, the famous trams, and the beautiful viewpoints in Lisbon make the city fascinating to the tourists, the small and less known towns of Portugal are the real heart of the Portuguese country. Within a short distance out of the capital, you have a whole world of charming cobblestone towns, rolling vineyards, medieval castles, and beach resorts, the ideal place to be out of the city in a hurry. These off the record towns around Lisbon are where you would find a closer part of the Portuguese culture where people have continued their ways without haste and people would treat you with true warmth.
When people decide to have a weekend trip there is always a good reason to visit some of the hidden towns in Lisbon and see the true beauty of Portugal.With incomparable charm between the seaside, mountain calmness, and historical elegance, these towns offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience that outshines the bustle of the city.Your Portugal visit visa should be ready before you venture out on your trip most particularly when you are outside the country. To the residents of the UAE, a visa into Portugal at Abu Dhabi via the trusted travelling partners such as Go Kite Travel is a hassle free process.
1. SINTRA A Fairy Tale Getaway Within Minutes.
Sintra is one of the most enchanted secret towns around Lisbon that resembles a storybook.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site lies in the forested hills of Serra de Sintra and features romantic palaces, lush gardens, and an air of mysticism.Colorful Pena Palace which sits on the hill is also able to provide a panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes. You should not pass on Moorish Castle, Quinta da Regaleira and secret initiation wells, the dream of an explorer.
Sintra is a famous place but even some of its corners are not crowded by people. Go to less frequented villages such as Sao Pedro de Penaferrim, where one can find clean cafes; or Monserrate, where one can find a beautiful and serene botanical walk. Sintra is a magical place, which will have you at heart in a moment, whether you are a history lover or a lover of nature.
2. Azenhas do Mar A Cliffside Wonder.
Azenhas do Mar is a secret place situated dramatically on the cliff above the sea only 40 minutes away by road out of Lisbon. This town has postcard-perfect views of whitewashed houses that fall on the Atlantic Ocean and few tourists are aware of them. The saltwater pool sculpted to the rocks beneath is a popular attraction to the locals in summer.
Being one of the best secret towns in the Lisbon area, Azenhas do Mar beckons tourists to come and have their time here and unwind, and enjoy the Portuguese coastline. Savor locally caught seafood in a restaurant with a cliff view or go on a picturesque stroll on the coastal paths that lead to Praia das Maquas.
In case you are coming in UAE, make sure that your Portugal tourist visa is in place. The GoKite Travel team will help you plan your trip hassle-free by helping with your Portugal visa in Abu Dhabi.
3. Mafra Royal Grandeur and Rustic Peace.
Mafra is a mixture of royal splendour and countryside idleness, 40 kilometers south-east of Lisbon. The Mafra National Palace is the jewel of the town and one of the most exquisite buildings in Portugal of the Baroque style. Thousands of antique books in its huge library, the great basilica are awe-inspiring.
Yet Mafra is not merely about big buildings but it is also surrounded by some beautiful scenery. A nearby Tapada Nacional de Mafra, which was a royal hunting ground, has since become a nature reserve where you find deer and wild boars when you hike or do a bike ride.
Mafra is one of the secret towns around Lisbon capable of providing the city and relaxations. It is a great weekend-outing destination to people who like to spend time exploring and at the same time, unwinding.
4. Óbidos – A Medieval jewel in the stasis of time.
And in case you are a medieval town lover, then the town of Obidos must be on the top of your list of white towns in the vicinity of Lisbon.
This beautiful town surrounds well-kept castles, narrow lanes, charming houses, and blooming bougainvillea.Stroll along the cobblestone pavements, explore the stunning Óbidos Castle, and do not leave without trying the most popular product of the city Ginja de Óbidos, a cherry liqueur that is usually offered in chocolate cups that can be eaten. The town has a number of events that are hosted throughout the year, including chocolate fairs, medieval reenactments, among others, providing a distinctive cultural experience.
Obidos is an ideal tourist place that can suit both couples and families. It represents the experience of old-world Portugal and is only a short drive away in Lisbon making it one of the most rewarding and easy to do getaways in the area.
5. Ericeira -The Surf Capital with a Soul.
Ericeira is a fishing village and also a surfing destination all around the world- but it is not losing its traditional appeal known to be one of the secret towns in the area of Lisbon, has the right proportions of the energy of the modern world and the old world, presenting golden beaches, vibrant surf schools and relaxing seafood restaurants as they look over the sea.
Other than surfing, walk through the narrow streets of the old town, with its blue and white houses, or go to the local market to taste the authentic Portuguese tastes. The sunsets are also one of the most spectacular in the entire of Portugal.
6. Sesimbra The Town of Coast Fortress.
Sesimbra is another of the enticing hidden towns of the Lisbon area, situated between the hills of the Serra da Arrábida and the Atlantic Ocean. This fishing village offers the best of both worlds, combining beachside relaxation with cultural exploration highlighted by a historic fortress.
Hike to the Moorish castle to see the panoramic view or plunge in the serene waters of Praia da California. Kayaking and scuba diving along the Arraquista coast can also show the marine beauties of the region to adventure tourists.
7. Palmela – Vineyards and Views
Palmela is a picturesque hidden town around Lisbon, which is located on the hilltop overlooking immense vineyards. The Palmela Castle, which is iconic, rises on the top, with a panoramic view at the Setubal Peninsula.
Adjacent estates will be a treasure of wine lovers, where they will have an opportunity to taste the finest wines of the region which are Moscatel. The relaxed atmosphere of the town, along with the local food and the charm of old buildings, makes it one of the best choices of couples willing to have a romantic retreat.
You can discover the old pavements or you can visit the nature, nevertheless Palmela will be a memorable weekend in terms of taste and sightseeing.
8. Alcochete -Tradition along the River.
Alcochete is one of the undiscovered towns in the south of Lisbon capital, which perfectly reflects the Portuguese traditions. Well-known with its bull-running festivals and old churches, Alcochete is also a picturesque area with a lovely riverside prominade to walk during the evenings.
The close Freeport Lisboa Fashion Outlet introduces a new twist to this old-fashioned town, allowing one to offer a combination of shopping and sightseeing in a single trip. Its true Portuguese ambiance and serene environment make Alcochete an excellent weekend place to visit because travelling tourists want to experience the local life devoid of the press.
9. Torres Vedras History, Wine and Countryside.
Torres Vedras is a city located approximately 50 minutes of Lisbon, and the place that people forget about but have a lot to offer. The town took part in the Napoleonic Wars and features the Lines of Torres Vedras, a collection of fortifications built in the 19th century to protect Lisbon.
It is also known today to be home to great vineyards that produce the best wines in Lisbon. You may tour wineries around, hike across hilly terrain, or explore the old town to experience rural Portugal.
Being one of the more obscure of the hidden towns in the vicinity of Lisbon, Torres Vedras presents a history buff and a nature lover with an ideal blend of a culture and a relaxing atmosphere.
10. Setuba island – A window to Portugal nature.
Setubal is perhaps somewhat bigger than other secluded towns around Lisbon, but it is still so charmingly natural. Setubal is between the Sado Estuary and arrabida natural park and has it all mountain tracks as well as dolphin-watching trips.
Tour the vibrant Mercado do Livramento, one of Portugal’s best food markets, and dine at waterfront restaurants. As an extra delicacy, have a ferry ride to the Tróia Peninsula, where you will find white-sand beaches.
Conclusion
The beauty of Portugal is presented not only in well-known sights but also in the beauty of untold secrets. By taking a trip to these obscured towns around Lisbon, the travelers get an opportunity to touch the actual spirit of the country – medieval castles and small towns along the sea, to calm vineyards and tree-covered mountains. All the destinations have different experiences that intertwine history, culture and hospitality.
You need to make sure that you have your Portugal tourist visa before going out on a weekend getaway. When you are living in UAE, it may be better to apply to your visa to Portugal at Abu Dhabi with the help of trusted travelling agencies such as Go Kite Travel and every part of your trip will be complete and easy. Be it the fairytale hills of Sintra or the surf-kissing beaches of Ericeira, the secret cities of Lisbon will ensure you get a trip of the lifetime, one honeymoon with Portugal at a time.