This pine forest by the sea has tourism for a very important economical pillar. Over the last few years, the popularity of Portugal as a safe, relaxed and sunny holiday destination has only been growing, with or without the pandemic. The Portuguese have also taken the opportunity to fall in love again with their country, sparking up a revival of the nearly-empty interior as opposed to the populated coastline.

Now, with the restrictions and limitations brought by the present sanitary crisis, the silver lining is the rediscovery of the forgotten secrets of Portugal:

1. Chaves and its archeology

Chaves is a region that hold many archeological hubs, cave paintings, medieval castles and Roman architecture, which brings us the famous Trajano Bridge and the larges Roman medicinal springs of the Iberian Peninsula. There is so much to see and do here, as there is to taste and savor.

2. Condeixa-a-Nova and its caves

Located in the district of Coimbra, in Condeixa-a-Nova there is peace and quite, and natural landscapes of grey rock and green grass. Here there are very distinct and interesting geological formations, called the Buracas de Casmilo. In massive scarps of limestone, hikers are able to visit great circular holes in the rock, which were originated by a massive cave in the interior of the mountain which has collapsed. Today, you can hike the trails of Buracas do Casmilo and even go into some.

3. Proença-a-Nova and its river beach

Here, in the district of Castelo Branco, hides a beautiful river beach, the River Beach of Malhadal, which is very well equipped with playing platforms and get-together spaces.

This place is perfect to relax and breathe in some fresh air, in full touch with nature. There are many initiatives and activities to take part in, namely adventure sports.

4. Amarante and its bridge

Know as the “princess of Tâmega”, this picturesque town in the district of Porto offers green landscapes around the River Tâmega, framed by the mountain ranges of Marão and Aboboreira, where there is a wide variety of hiking trails for trekking enthusiasts. There really is much History to be found. According to the official website  amarantetourism.com, “(…) the emblematic Bridge of St. Gonçalo was the passage that, in a medieval context, allowed crossing the Tâmega river to travelers – many of which would be on the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela(…)”.

5. Mirandela and its sausages/alheiras

The typical Portuguese sausages, alheiras, from Mirandela really are no secret. They have a specific taste of olive oil, garlic and rosemary, and it’s a trip worth taking just to visit the local restaurants and awaken to the strong flavors of the North.

Take this time to relax by the Douro river, visit the Ponte Velha (Old Bridge), built in the 16th century, Arco Medieval (Medieval Archway) and the Palace of the Távoras, built in the 17th century and which is now home to the town hall.

6. Bom Jesus and its funicular

In Braga, it is worth visiting the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte. High up in the hills, there is a landscape-architectural set with a church, a stairway of prayer and a lovely wood area. To get there, you can catch on the Portugal’s (or even Europe’s) last water-powered funicular trains, with a counter-weight system and thus no need for an engine.

What other secrets of Portugal do you know? Come on expedition across Portugal with Start Adventure and try our  Rota das Serras. Do follow us on social media so as not to miss any upcoming dates of news.