Portugal is a country full of charm, history, culture and gastronomy. But in addition to the best-known destinations, such as Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve and Madeira, there are many other places, activities and curiosities that deserve to be discovered by the most curious and adventurous travellers.

Discover the 10 best travel secrets in Portugal that will surprise you.

Berlengas: A paradise archipelago

The Berlengas Islands are a group of islands and rocks located about 10 km off the coast of Peniche, in the centre of Portugal. They are a natural paradise, with crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, caves and a rich marine biodiversity. Berlengas is also a historical and cultural heritage site, with a 17th century fort, a 16th century chapel and a 19th century lighthouse.

To visit the Berlengas, you need to take a boat from Peniche and book in advance, as the number of visitors is limited. You can go on boat trips, diving, snorkelling, hiking or simply relax on the beach. A secret ready to be explored!

Combine the useful with the pleasant and enjoy the opportunity to visit Portugal's islands.

Monsanto: Portugal's most Portuguese village

Monsanto is a historic village in the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova, in the district of Castelo Branco. It is known as the most Portuguese village in Portugal, as it preserves its traditions, customs and typical architecture.

Monsanto is a village that adapts to the landscape, with houses built between and under huge granite stones. The village has a medieval castle, a Romanesque church, a museum and several viewpoints with spectacular views. Monsanto is an ideal place for those looking for tranquillity, nature and history. What are you waiting for?

Sleeping in a wine barrel

If you like wine, how about sleeping in a giant barrel? That's what you can do at Quinta da Pacheca, a wine estate in the Douro that has transformed some of its old wine barrels into hotel rooms.

Each kite is around 30 square metres and is equipped with a bed, bathroom, air conditioning and Wi-Fi. As well as sleeping in a kite, you can also taste the estate's wines, have a picnic in the vineyards or relax in the spa. An out-of-the-box activity not to be missed!

Discover the best estates to visit in the Douro.

Seeing time in reverse at Casa do Penedo

Casa do Penedo is a unique house that was built between four huge rocks in the Serra da Fafe in 1974. The house has two floors, a fireplace, a swimming pool and a spectacular view over the countryside.

But what makes this house even more special is that inside there is a museum displaying a collection of inverted clocks, which show the time upside down. According to the owner, the idea is to make people reflect on time and life. A different proposition for the curious!

Culatra Island: mystery, legends and enigmas

Did you know that there is an island called Ilha da Culatra that is considered one of the most mysterious islands in Portugal? The island lies off the coast of the Algarve and has a history full of legends and enigmas. According to legend, the island was inhabited by a giant king called Culatra, who had magical powers and could control the sea.

According to the riddle, the island has a treasure hidden somewhere off its coast. Culatra Island is a perfect destination for those looking for tranquillity, rich natural scenery and typical gastronomy. A curiosity is that the island's lighthouse marks the southernmost point of mainland Portugal. Are you ready to unravel the secrets of this island?

Vila Nova de São Bento: beauty, culture and tradition

A secret of Portugal is a village called Vila Nova de São Bento, which is known as one of the most beautiful villages in the world. The village has a stunning setting, with white houses, narrow streets, flower gardens and a panoramic view over the valley, and is therefore known for its natural beauty and rural culture.

The village is located in a privileged area of the Alentejo, with breathtaking views of the River Guadiana and the Spanish border. The village also offers various outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, observing fauna and flora, and sport fishing. The village is also a place of culture and tradition, with popular festivals, handicrafts and typical gastronomy.

Cabo da Roca: westernmost point of continental Europe

Cabo da Roca is a cape that forms the westernmost point of mainland Portugal and continental Europe. It is located in the municipality of Sintra, near Azóia, in the south-west of the Lisbon district.

Cabo da Roca is a tourist attraction in Sintra, where you can see the Serra de Sintra and the coast from a panoramic view. There is a lighthouse and a monument with a tombstone marking this geographical feature. Cabo da Roca is part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and is one of the attractions on the walking routes along the coast.

Wild beaches

Did you know that Portugal is one of the countries with the most wild beaches in Europe? There are around 200 wild beaches on the Portuguese coastline, which are preserved by nature and the local community. Wild beaches are ideal for those seeking tranquillity and contact with nature.

Some of the most famous wild beaches are Praia da Marinha Grande and Praia da Rocha in the Algarve, Praia da Arrifana in the Alentejo and Praia da Pedra Furada in Madeira. A well-kept secret that deserves to be discovered!

Did you know that the longest beach in Europe is 45 kilometres long and is in Portugal? Between the Atlantic Ocean and the Alentejo plains, from the tip of the Troia Peninsula to Melides beach, the coast of the municipality of Grândola is the longest stretch of beach in the country and the third longest in the world.

Wine production and export

What about Portugal, which is one of the countries that produces and exports the most wine in the world? Vinho do Porto is one of the most famous and appreciated wines in the world and has a history of over 300 years. Vinho do Porto is made from red grapes grown in the Douro and Minho regions and is aged in oak barrels.

Port can be drunk neat, on the rocks, with saffron or with spices such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. But Portugal has many other qualities of wine, such as mature wine, red wine and vinho verde. A great curiosity for foodies!

Explore 7 curiosities about Vinho do Porto and discover the difference between Green Wine and Mature Wine.

Oldest borders in continental Europe

One of Portugal's most striking features is its long and stable border with Spain, which is considered to be the oldest in continental Europe. This border has Roman origins, but was officially defined in 1297 with the Treaty of Alcanizes. This treaty established Portugal's borders between the rivers Minho, Douro, Águeda, Erges, Tejo, Sever and Guadiana.

These borders still belong to the country today and are respected by both neighbouring countries. A secret worth sharing!

Portugal is a country full of surprises that deserve to be discovered. If you're looking for a different, original and unforgettable trip, these travel secrets will make you discover special places, out-of-the-box activities and interesting curiosities.

Get ready to fall in love with Portugal and discover some of its hidden treasures!

Take the opportunity to explore a travel guide to Portugal: visit from north to south.

Visit Living Tours for more travel experiences in Portugal and Spain. And explore more travel ideas on the Living Magazine Blog.