Discover the Portugal Between the Highlights. Slow Down & Discover Portugal
Slow travel, local traditions and scenic journeys invite travellers to see Portugal from a new perspective
Slow travel, local traditions and scenic journeys invite travellers to see Portugal from a new perspective
There is more than one way to experience Portugal. Beyond the iconic cities, beautiful beaches and well-known landmarks, Portugal invites travellers to slow down, take the scenic route and discover the places, flavours and traditions that make each region unique.
From mountain villages and historic towns to winding country roads and local tables, some of Portugal’s most memorable experiences come from simply taking the time to explore. Wander through a centuries-old village, discover a regional recipe, meet a local artisan or stop along the way to enjoy the landscape. These moments offer a deeper connection to Portugal and a chance to experience the country at a more relaxed pace.
For travel advisors, these experiences offer opportunities to build more immersive itineraries, encourage longer stays and introduce clients to destinations and experiences beyond the traditional Portugal highlights. In this edition, discover a few ways to help your clients slow down, explore further and experience Portugal from a different perspective.
Photo Credits: Visit Portugal
Portugal, An Unwritten Recipe
Portugal is extending an invitation to the world: come and discover what makes our gastronomy unique. The dishes and ingredients are important, of course, but so too is the overall experience, one that is meant to be genuine and which combines freshness, authenticity, creativity, sustainability and generosity in a single recipe. Portuguese cuisine is a true reflection of the country’s culture, where each meal tells a story and reveals a soul that lives and breathes the flavours of the land and the sea.
Portugal invites travellers to slow down, wander a little further and discover the places and experiences that can be missed when travelling from one highlight to the next. From charming villages and historic towns to scenic trails, local markets and long lunches, slow travel offers the chance to connect more deeply with Portugal’s landscapes, culture and communities. Explore the Schist Villages of Central Portugal, follow the Rota Vicentina along the Alentejo coast, discover the countryside at your own pace or simply take the time to savour Portugal’s gastronomy and traditions. Whether travelling by foot, bike or road, there is plenty of Portugal to discover beyond the well-known routes.
Photo Credits: Yves Callewaert
THE ART OF SLOW TRAVEL
Portugal’s smaller towns and villages offer a chance to step away from busy city itineraries and experience a slower rhythm. Visit Portugal highlights places such as Monsaraz, Marvão and Évoramonte in the Alentejo, the villages of Peneda-Gerês, and Sistelo in the north. These are places to hike, swim, canoe, read a book, enjoy the landscape or simply spend time taking in the local atmosphere. Coastal communities add another dimension, with fishing traditions, ocean views and fresh Atlantic cuisine.
Hidden among the mountains of Central Portugal, the 27 Schist Villages are a wonderful example of slow travel in action. Built largely from local schist stone, these picturesque villages combine traditional architecture and crafts with hiking trails, river beaches, waterfalls and regional gastronomy. Travellers can explore on foot or by bike, meet local artisans, discover traditional recipes and enjoy the surrounding landscapes at a relaxed pace, offering a glimpse into a quieter and more authentic side of Portugal.
For travellers who love history and culture, Portugal’s Historical Villages offer a different kind of slow journey. The villages of Central Portugal, including Piódão, Linhares da Beira, Marialva, Almeida, Castelo Rodrigo, Belmonte and Monsanto, preserve centuries of history, medieval castles, stone architecture and local traditions. Visitors can wander through narrow streets, explore historic landmarks, and discover the stories, and traditions that have shaped these communities over generations.
Portugal’s National Road 2 (EN2) offers a memorable way to discover the country from north to south, travelling through landscapes, villages and communities that are often missed on a traditional itinerary. Stretching 739 km from Chaves to Faro, the route crosses 11 districts and 35 municipalities, passing through river beaches, historic towns, cork country and the wide-open landscapes of the Alentejo. Travellers can take their time, stop along the way and experience Portugal’s interior at their own pace.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
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