While Lisbon, Porto, Sintra or the Algarve remain top travel destinations, Portugal still hides quiet treasures for those willing to drive off the beaten path. If you’re looking for a peaceful summer trip, far from crowds and overbooked hotels, these five lesser-known routes are perfect for a road trip with full freedom and local flavour.
1. Douro Verde & Tâmega Valley: nature, wine and Romanesque heritage
Suggested route: Penafiel > Amarante > Baião > Cinfães
This scenic region, known as Douro Verde (Green Douro), offers a more rural and less touristy experience of the Douro Valley. Drive through lush vineyards, historical villages and along winding roads with views over the river. Highlights include the Romanesque Route, the Tâmega Eco-Track and the charming town of Amarante.
Perfect for: nature lovers, food and wine travellers, cultural explorers.
2. Beira Interior: historical villages and quiet landscapes
Suggested route: Belmonte > Sortelha > Sabugal > Penamacor > Monsanto
The Beira Interior hides some of the most picturesque Historical Villages in Portugal, surrounded by nature and silence. Each stop reveals medieval walls, granite houses and panoramic castles. Between villages, enjoy river beaches and hiking trails through untouched countryside.
Perfect for: heritage-focused travellers, hikers, and those seeking slow travel experiences.
3. Serra d’Ossa & Upper Alentejo: hills, cork forests and local flavours
Suggested route: Redondo > Serra d’Ossa > Estremoz > Arraiolos > Mora
This route introduces a greener side of the Alentejo. The Serra d’Ossa mountains offer cool trails and quiet villages, while Estremoz and Arraiolos are known for their wines, traditional carpets and regional cuisine. End in Mora, where the Fluviário (river aquarium) and river beaches provide a relaxing family-friendly option.
Perfect for: travellers looking for alternative Alentejo escapes with a local feel.
4. Secret Vicentine Coast: wild beaches and scenic detours
Suggested route: Zambujeira do Mar > Cavaleiro > Entrada da Barca > Odeceixe
Leave the main roads and follow the small coastal lanes between fishing villages, hidden coves and dramatic cliffs. This stretch of the Vicentine Coast is still unspoiled, offering pristine beaches like Praia do Carvalhal or Praia dos Machados, and walking paths part of the Rota Vicentina trail network.
Perfect for: beach lovers, photographers, nature walkers.
5. Deep Minho: northern highlands and untouched villages
Suggested route: Ponte da Barca > Lindoso > Castro Laboreiro > Melgaço
Explore the Peneda-Gerês National Park through lesser-known roads and discover stone villages, ancient granaries, waterfalls and wild valleys. Melgaço, known for its Alvarinho wine and thermal waters, is a great final stop to relax and enjoy the view over the Minho River.
Perfect for: adventurous travellers, road trip enthusiasts, lovers of traditional culture.
Travel differently this summer
Each of these routes offers a unique and peaceful way to discover Portugal — at your pace and away from the usual crowds.
Experience more freedom, less stress. Discover Portugal, off the map.