Although it’s not a large country, the truth is that Portugal has a huge contrast of landscapes, hiding some ‘secret places’ (or almost), perfect for those who don’t want crowds.
From submerged villages to rare phenomena, not forgetting breathtaking scenery and natural pools, in this article we propose a different and surprising journey from North to South. Let’s go?
Table Of Contents
Village of Vilarinho das Furnas
This place is so ‘secret’ that it is literally underwater. In the municipality of Terras do Bouro, in the district of Braga, there is a village lost to time and the waters of the river Homem.
In the early 1970s, the 300 or so residents of Vilarinho das Furnas were forced to abandon their homes due to the construction of a dam.
Today, the testimonies of the past are ‘hidden’. However, occasionally, during periods of drought or when the dam is emptied for maintenance, it is possible to see traces of the ruins.
That’s why some people come here in the hope of seeing the village, but also simply to enjoy the absolute silence in an enchanting landscape.
Pego das Pias (Odemira)
The Alentejo is a very special region, with its own unique landscape of picturesque villages and medieval castles, such as Marvão. However, it is also an area with several ‘natural treasures’, such as Pego das Pias.
Located between the towns of São Luís and Odemira , Pego das Pias is a wild beach that attracts visitors because of its natural pools. The place may not be totally secret, but it almost is. It is isolated and surrounded by lush vegetation that invites you to relax.
Pedras Parideiras (Arouca)
For many locals, the name Pedras Par ideiras may sound strange. However, this is a rare geological phenomenon, ‘hidden’ in one of Portugal’s ‘secret’ places, in the village of Castanheira, in the Serra da Freita (Arouca).
Located in the UNESCO-protected Arouca Geopark, the Pedras Parideiras are a granite outcrop with biotite nodules that stand out due to erosion, creating the illusion of other stones ‘giving birth’.
In the past, they were associated with fertility rituals in local villages. Today, the Casa das Pedras Parideiras offers guided tours and information for anyone wishing to learn more about this phenomenon.
Buracas do Casmilo Valley
To end this ‘trip’ on a high note, how about a visit to another of the secret places off the main tourist routes? This time, we’re taking you to the Serra de Sicó, near Condeixa-a-Nova, to discover the Vale das Buracas do Casmilo.
As the name suggests, this place has a large concentration of sinkholes, the result of the collapse of the central part of an underground pipe. Of different sizes and shapes, some can reach 10 meters in diameter, culminating in a breathtaking scene.
Due to its peculiar characteristics, this place is ideal for climbing. However, it is also an option for those who enjoy nature trails, with amazing scenery and literally in the middle of nowhere.
Each of these places is an opportunity to breathe in tranquillity, broaden horizons and live memorable experiences. So how about including some of these destinations in your next adventure?