Hidden Portugal - special and forgotten places tourists don't know about (yet)

It is known Portugal is on everyone's wish list. World travel awards, high safety, Michelin stars and low cost of life makes it a wonderful travel destination. Now the film industry also has its eye in Portugal. According to this article, there are 5 hidden gems which may well be featuring in the next Hollywood productions.

The world’s oldest bookshop

Livraria Bertrand first opened its doors in 1732, in capital Lisbon. It was destroyed in the devastating earthquake of 1755 but it soon reopened in the heart of chic district Chiado. It remains in the same place until the present day. Its bookshelves are filled with old and new books. Its corridors are filled with city habitants and many many tourists, which like to visit the beautiful store.

Photo in bertrand.pt

Coimbra, students' city

This city sits between capital Lisbon and cosmo Oporto. Which makes it still somewhat out of the travel circuits and, therefore, very worthwile a visit. It has the second oldest university in Europe and many gothic buildings. The Santa Cruz Monestary holds the remains of the first two kings of Portugal and was built in 1131. Also, it is the only place in Portugal where you can listen to the university students singing a specific type of fado music.

Photo by Samuel Zeller on Unsplash

The largest zip line in Europe

Pena Adventure Park is located in the North of Portugal, between Serra do Alvão and Peneda-Gerês. Here you can travel at 130 km/h at 150 meters high. Just imagine the view from the top! You can also visit Vila Real, the nearest large city. If you manage to get tired of the air and the view on the mountains...

Photo in penaaventura.com.pt

The Algarve's Eye

The Algarve region is no hidden gem, since it was the first region to atract many tourists, on summer season, for its beaches. However, if you would like to escape the most crowded places, The Eye is one good (and breathtaking) place. It is a cave, located at the beach of Benagil and, well... the picture speaks for itself.

Photo in walkalgarve.com

Luxurious Troia

This peninsula is linked to mainland by a narrow band of land coming from the Alentejo region. It is a luxurious area, with many hotels, villas and even a casino. It is also possible to arrive by boat, from the city of Setúbal. You may even have luck and see one of the Sado dolphins, a protected species native to this area.

Photo in onetroia.com

If you look outside the obvious choices of Lisbon, Oporto and the Algarve, we are sure you won't be sorry. And these examples are just a few from everything Portugal has to offer.

Meet Viana's garranos!

Source: Pinterest

It is now inaugurated the Equestrian Course of Ribeira Lima, where you can walk a total of 16km, between Lanheses and the city of Viana! You can either horseride or walk along this trail! Prepared to be surprised by its sights and its biodiversity! This initiative is part of a valorization project called "Pónei da Serra", promoting equestrian tourism. You'll be able to meet "garranos", wich are our native short kind of horses!

It is intended that in 2018 two more rails will be inaugurated.

Source: Público

Testimunial: "Chuck and Diane Reers, Journey to Portugal, May 2013"

"PORTUGAL, a diamond in the rough. At least that was my last recollection from 8th grade geography & history classes. We quickly saw this beautiful country transformed into a highly polished gem, which resembled the Hope Diamond.
A last minute change of plans found us looking for a break after a med cruise out of Barcelona. We contacted Paula of Travel Tailors, and she instantly crafted a private tour that captured our interest and satisfied our travel budget.
Paula's custom tailor skills put together an interesting itinerary, covering the highlights of each place of interest. Professional guides, Marco Noivo and Susana Bras, blended in by contributed their expert historical knowledge and background. I can say, I never had such an interesting and exciting lecture in history! I remember Vasco da Gama, but I actually touched his tomb!
Sleeping and eating accommodations also exceeded my expectations. The local restaurants were cozy and provided the ambiance for a relaxing meal and light conversation..and the roasted suckling pig made each step of the way a memorable experience.
Paula, you and your expert staff are to be commended. Your team has made our trip to Portugal an interesting and memorable event that it will certainly bring us back in the future. I have already recommended friends to contact you, and will continue to do so in the future.
Please feel free to share our vacation success with whomever you wish, and should your travel plans bring you to Denver Colorado USA, please plan to spend some time together. Perhaps we can even plan for our next trip to Portugal.
Thanks again!"

Testimunial: "Laurie W. and Russel B., Journey to Portugal, April 2013"

" A number of people asked us - Why Portugal? and we said Why not?
 It is a beautiful country, great people, excellent food and the wine.. Oh the wine is just great! We loved Oporto and it was a great thing that the airline planned a strike for the first few days. The changes to our itinerary were just right since we got to see a bit more of this beautiful country.
Travel Tailors put together a great itinerary for us and went out of their way to make sure our vacation was perfect. They stayed in contact even when we were in Portugal, from meeting us at the airport and sending us off. Our vacation was effortless and we thank Paula and Travel Tailors for this!!!"

Testemunial: "António Ottani, Journey to Portugal and Paris, January 2013"

"All the trip planning was excellent, which made it pleasant. It was all very well prepared and divided, which made us enjoy traveling from city to city. The New Year's Eve, that we spent at the Hard Rock Café was excellent!
The participation of the guides was essential, with special mention to Carlos, who accompanied us in Oporto, by his historical knowledge and professionalism. Since we traveled as a family and all together, we didn't have any problem entering or exiting Europe. The required documentation was only the passports and the interview was quick and calm.
The journey exceeded our expectations and we just have to thank you for your commitment and participation in all the planning and all the details."

Medieval and Jewish Heritage in Portugal

TravelTailors offers you adiscovery of the legacies of the Middle Ages, religious orders and the Jewish people in Portugal. From the Beiras' mountains to the plains of Alentejo, you'll live ancient legends.

More information here

Bike ride along the Tagus River

Take a bicycle ride along the Tagus River, from the city of Lisbon to Belém, and enjoy the fresh breeze and the stunning views!

More information here