Summer is one of the best times to visit Portugal.
With long sunny days, warm evenings and landscapes that change completely from north to south, Portugal offers far more than beaches and seaside holidays. Of course, summer here means sun, ocean and coastal escapes, but it can also mean hidden waterfalls in the mountains, natural pools with crystal-clear water, scenic road trips through the countryside, vineyard experiences in the Douro Valley or walking the famous levadas of Madeira.
At We Love Small Hotels, we believe the best trips happen beyond the usual itinerary. Portugal has so much more to discover than Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, and Summer is the perfect season to experience it differently.
There’s a different way to travel through Portugal, one that doesn’t follow the fastest route, the most obvious stops or the typical itinerary. It’s a journey that invites you to slow down, take detours and discover places that rarely make it into guidebooks.
Stretching from Chaves in the north to Faro in the Algarve, the EN2 crosses the very heart of the country, connecting landscapes, traditions and regions in a way no highway ever could. Along the way, the scenery constantly changes, from the green mountains of the north to the vineyards of the Douro Valley, through historic villages, hidden viewpoints and the warm landscapes of southern Portugal.
Our The Portuguese Route 66 – Rota Nacional 2 Tour was created for exactly this kind of journey, combining unique stays, local gastronomy and unforgettable landscapes.
The Douro Valley remains one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets. While many visitors focus only on Lisbon and Porto, they often miss one of the most beautiful and authentic regions in the country.
The Douro offers much more than vineyards and wine tastings. It is a place of peaceful landscapes, incredible gastronomy, historic villages and roads that feel made for slow travel. Exploring the region by bike allows you to experience it in a much more immersive way, connecting with the scenery instead of simply passing through it.
Our Historical Villages & Douro Valley Bike Tour offers exactly this kind of experience for travelers looking for something more memorable.
If you love mountains, waterfalls and nature, Gerês should be on your summer list. Peneda-Gerês National Park is one of the most beautiful natural areas in Portugal and one of the best destinations for summer holidays away from the crowds.
Here, you’ll find crystal-clear lagoons, hidden waterfalls, natural pools and some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country. It’s the perfect destination for travelers looking for adventure and real contact with nature.
Summer in Gerês means swimming in river pools, canyoning, biking, river trekking, hiking and even stand-up paddle surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. It feels wild, peaceful and unforgettable at the same time, and for many travelers it becomes the highlight of their trip to Portugal.
Our Peneda-Gerês National Park Adventure Tour was designed for those who want to experience exactly that.
Many people associate Serra da Estrela only with Winter and snow, but Summer is when this region reveals one of its most beautiful sides. Trust us, Serra da Estrela in Summer is a true hidden paradise. River beaches, crystal-clear natural pools, forest trails and peaceful villages surrounded by nature make this one of the best summer destinations in Portugal. At night, the sky becomes one of the best places in the country for stargazing.
Hidden across this region, you’ll also find the famous Schist Villages, small stone villages full of history, authenticity and local traditions. Visiting these villages is one of the best ways to discover a quieter and more genuine side of central Portugal.
Our The 7 Schist Villages Walking Tour helps travelers explore this unique region in a slower and more meaningful way.
Madeira is a destination that can be visited all year round, but Summer brings a special kind of magic. With longer days, warmer temperatures and perfect conditions for outdoor activities, it becomes one of the best places to visit in Portugal during Summer.
No trip to Madeira feels complete without exploring its famous levadas. These historic irrigation channels were originally built to transport water from the rainy north of the island to the sunnier south, but today they have become some of the most spectacular walking trails in Portugal. Walking through Madeira’s levadas means discovering lush forests, waterfalls, mountains, cliffs and landscapes that feel almost unreal. It is one of the best destinations for travelers who love hiking, nature and authentic outdoor experiences.
Our Nature & Food Lovers Madeira Tour combines the best of the island, from breathtaking nature and levada walks to local gastronomy and unique stays, creating the perfect Summer escape.
The Azores are made up of nine islands, and each one has its own unique beauty and personality. To truly explore them all, you would need at least two weeks just for the Azores, which is why we always suggest starting with the main island, São Miguel. During Summer, São Miguel reaches its full beauty. The roads and landscapes are covered with blooming hydrangeas, creating some of the most unforgettable views in Portugal. It’s the perfect season to experience the island at its best.
Here, you’ll find volcanic black sand beaches, natural thermal pools, lush green landscapes, incredible hiking trails and one of the most unique gastronomic scenes in the country. It’s a destination where nature feels raw, peaceful and unforgettable at the same time. For travelers looking for slow travel and real connection with nature, the Azores are one of the best Summer destinations in Portugal.
Our Azores Walk Tour was created to help you discover the island in a more authentic and meaningful way.
Alentejo is one of the most beautiful and peaceful regions in Portugal. If what you’re looking for is rest, quiet landscapes and slow travel, this is the perfect Summer destination.
Just one hour from Lisbon, Alentejo offers a completely different rhythm, endless plains, whitewashed villages, vineyards, olive trees and some of the best gastronomy in the country. It’s a place where luxury feels simple and authentic. Long lunches, local wines, warm sunsets and boutique stays surrounded by nature make Alentejo one of the best regions for a relaxing Summer escape.
This exclusive getaway combines tradition, nature and comfort, offering the perfect balance between authenticity and sophistication.
Our Cork Workshop & Wine Short Break in Alentejo is designed exactly for travelers looking for that experience.
The Algarve is famous for its beaches, but there is another side of southern Portugal that many travelers never get to see.
Costa Vicentina offers a wilder, more authentic Algarve, far from the crowded tourist hotspots and mass tourism that have transformed much of the traditional coast. Here, you’ll discover dramatic cliffs, endless golden beaches, fishing villages, rural landscapes and old communities where life still moves at a slower pace. It’s a place where every walk feels like a hidden discovery.
This journey takes you through miles of untouched coastline, authentic local life and some of the best seafood in Portugal. It’s a very different way to experience the Algarve, one that feels much more personal and unforgettable.
Our Costa Vicentina Algarve Walk Tour helps you explore exactly this side of the region.
Sintra is one of the most magical places in Portugal and one of the easiest day trips from Lisbon, but there is much more to discover here than palaces and castles.
Beyond its famous landmarks, Sintra hides a beautiful wine region filled with charming family estates, vineyards and local traditions that many visitors never experience.
This day tour invites you to step away from the city and discover the wine culture of this fairytale village. It’s a chance to combine nature, heritage and gastronomy in one of the most beautiful settings in Portugal. For travelers who want to experience Sintra beyond the usual tourist route, this is one of the most memorable ways to do it.
Our Sintra Fairy Tale Day Tour offers exactly that kind of experience.
If you love surfing, Portugal will not disappoint you this Summer.
The Portuguese coast is one of the best places in Europe for surf, and in the north, Matosinhos stands out as one of the best spots to learn and improve. Located just a few minutes from Porto, Matosinhos combines great waves, a long sandy beach and the perfect conditions for beginners and experienced surfers alike. It’s also a great excuse to combine your beach days with time exploring Porto.
We Love Small Hotels takes you to experience the famous waves of Matosinhos Beach, where the ocean demands respect but also offers incredible moments. With professional guidance and all the necessary equipment included, it becomes the perfect introduction to surfing in Portugal. Our Surfing Days in Matosinhos experience is ideal for travelers looking to combine adventure, ocean and city life during Summer.
It depends on the type of trip you want. For beaches, Algarve and Madeira are excellent choices. For nature and hiking, Gerês and Serra da Estrela are perfect. For wine, gastronomy and authentic landscapes, the Douro Valley is one of the best options.
Summer temperatures can be high, especially in July and August, but coastal areas, islands and mountain regions offer excellent alternatives with more comfortable weather.
Absolutely. Summer is one of the best times to visit the Douro Valley, especially for boat trips, wine experiences, vineyard stays and outdoor activities like cycling.
For a full experience, we recommend at least 14 to 18 days. Portugal offers very different regions, and slower travel always creates a better experience.
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