Five lesser-known places where the Portuguese always go on holiday… and where they avoid
Among European destinations, Portugal reigns supreme in the rankings of much-loved Brit holiday spots.
There’s sun, sea and much more for a more affordable price than other corners of the continent – as I know all too well.
I moved to the country from the UK in the summer of 2020, and soon realised that the places tourists go to visit are quite different from where the locals actually kick up their feet.
While you’ll, of course, find the Portuguese holidaying all over their own country – there are certainly some amazing locations they really do prefer.
Similarly, there are many spots they’ll try their best to avoid, and will leave them for those jetting in…
Albufeira: Tourists
The city in the Algarve is a popular place for Brits – and many other nationalities – to pay a visit.
It’s got beaches, a cute Old Town and a port from which boat tours can take you to see sights such as dolphins in the wild and the incredible Benagil Caves.
However, given the number of tourists here – especially Brits – you’ll tend to find very few Portuguese people on their own annual leave.
Given the abundance of us, you’ll find a number of British pubs and cuisine that will make you feel right at home – or, depending upon your personal preference, make you shudder.
Lisbon: Tourists
The Portuguese capital, where I live, may be top of the list for many Brits – with its pretty tiles and fresh pastéis de nata.
In contrast, come August, most locals – and now me – would try and avoid vacationing in the city, where possible, to escape the heat.
Indeed, when the temperatures soar to 30-something degrees in Lisbon, the preference of those here year-round is instead to be away in nature and knee-deep in the Atlantic Ocean.
As such, each summer, I’ve seen tourists make up the vast majority of those exploring its stunning cobbled streets.
Faro: Tourists
The city’s airport is often where Brits, and other foreign visitors, will fly into when they want to holiday in the Algarve.
Many tourists will often stay nearby, an easy transfer away, and it’s true that it is a great base from which to explore or relax.
There is plenty to enjoy, from Ria Formosa Natural Park to the upscale enclave of Vilamoura.
However, the Portuguese tend to leave the area to the international jet-setters, and will usually head elsewhere in the region by car.
Comporta: Tourists
This golden stretch of coastline, in the region of Alentejo – known for its food and wine – has long been a well-kept secret for well-heeled Portuguese locals.
It’s just over an hour’s drive from Lisbon, and due to construction limits still has much of its natural beauty preserved, and consequently is one of my favourite places in the country that I’ve travelled to.
However, in recent years, more foreign visitors have caught wind – with international appeal driven by celebrities such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who have reportedly bought a home in the region.
As such, many locals are forgoing the exclusive holiday spot in favour of somewhere they can escape the hustle and bustle once more.
Carvoeiro: Tourists
Further west along the Algarve’s coast is another spot where you’re more likely to find tourists than locals during summer – even during the pandemic, in 2021, when I first visited.
The former fishing village of Carvoeiro has a stunning beach flanked by restaurants, and is linked up to numerous beautiful cliff-side walks.
While it may feel slightly more authentically Portuguese than Albufeira, it’s still unusual to find that many locals vacationing here.
It’s the same in the nearby city of Portimão, where you’ll likely hear many rather familiar accents on the Praia da Rocha beach.
Tavira: Locals
It’s not that the Portuguese will avoid the Algarve entirely – they love it just as much as us – it’s that they’ll tell me they like to keep the best for themselves.
This includes the city of Tavira, with its Moorish architecture and stunning beaches, that make it feel more picturesque than other parts of the region.
In fact, you’ll tend to find more locals all the way along the stretch of the Algarve that lies east of Tavira towards Spain.
One of this area’s selling points is that the sea waters are less freezing up there, and famously near the coastal village of Cabanas.
Serra da Lousã: Locals
For the Portuguese who aren’t so fussed about the beach, this region in the centre of the country is incredible – and like nowhere else I’ve been to since I moved here.
The mountainous region is located not far from the historic city of Coimbra – definitely worth a visit – and is filled with old castles, abundant wildlife and amazing hiking trails.
What’s more, you can still put your swimwear on, for a dip in one of the numerous free natural pools dotted around the area – where you’ll find pretty much only locals.
However, one of its highlights is the selection of historic ‘schist’ stone villages – like Talasnal – which are still inhabited, with hardly an AirBnb in the vicinity.
Gerês: Locals
Right in the north of Portugal – past even Porto – is the locals often head to the Peneda-Gerês National Park, where you can really feel like you’re getting away from it all.
The mountainous area is famed for its waterfalls and stunning views, and you can hike through nature to your heart’s content.
I’ve found that summer is the best time to go to escape the heat, while also being clear of clouds so you can actually enjoy the scenes from the viewpoints.
If you have time, try to stop off at the hot springs of Caldas do Gerês, in a village so small it just has one street and two bridges.
Vila Nova de Milfontes: Locals
Further down the Alentejo coast, from the increasingly popular Comporta, is the charming beach town of Vila Nova de Milfontes.
During the summer, you’ll find many Portuguese enjoying delicious seafood and walks with a sea breeze.
Among the many beaches that are walking distance away, are those from which you can catch some world-class waves while surfing.
The town itself is home to white-washed villas with colourful detailing – many of which will have been booked up by locals well ahead of time.
Olhão: Locals
Back to the Algarve once more, the unassuming fishing town of Olhão is harbouring what I’ve found to be one of the best-kept Portuguese holiday secrets of all.
Off its coast are several small islands – inhabited by just a handful of people – which can be reached by only a small number of ferries throughout the year.
The result is that, when you get to Ilha do Farol, Ilha da Cultura, Ilha da Armona or Ilha Deserta, you’ll pretty much have paradise all to yourself.
No wonder the locals are reluctant to share…