Slow Travel in Portugal

I am #NaturallyCurious

Portugal is a perfect destination all year round, but to truly experience the country’s soul, it is essential to slow down and take time to explore its hidden gems and lesser-known regions.

Just let yourself go and savor all the things we have to offer: different landscapes, the aromas and flavors of their gastronomy, the unique cultural traditions, and the sounds of nature. Explore the interior of Portugal along National Road 2 as it crosses the country from one end to the other and get involved with the local communities, all at your own pace and with the freedom to choose what to see and what to do.

In Portugal, slow travel is particularly rewarding. The country is home to an abundance of small villages and historic towns, such as the Schist villages and the Historical villages in the Center of Portugal, where time passes more slowly, and the hospitable locals always have the time to welcome visitors and share their traditions.

Also, the Natural Parks and Reserves, Geoparks, and Biosphere Reserves recognized by UNESCO have ensured that Portugal is also a destination appreciated for enjoying outdoor activities, whether they are more contemplative, such as bird watching or stargazing, or more active, like canyoning, rafting or just following nature trails on foot or by bike. You can take it at your own pace, sensing the aromas and sounds that might otherwise pass unnoticed. Whether you choose to have the sea at your side, as in the Rota Vicentina that goes along the Alentejo and the Vicentina Coast, or to go up and down mountains in the Azores or Madeira archipelagos, the options for trails are endless. It’s a good choice if you like to combine physical exercise and contact with the locals.

For many slow travelers, the Alentejo region is the must-visit destination. The region’s unhurried pace encourages you to move more slowly and appreciate the simple things in life, like warm sunshine on your skin, the rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves, long lunches with friends, and of course, Évora, the historic capital of the Alentejo, and to be the European Capital of Culture 2027, with a concept based on Vagar, the philosophy of enjoying life with a slow living approach.

During your visit, take time to savor our Mediterranean diet, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO and part of the identity of Portuguese gastronomy. Based on fresh, natural, and mostly locally produced products, the use of olive oil, the constant presence of fresh fish, and the limited consumption of red meat, the role of fruit, pulses, and green vegetables, everything in this diet is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. It is more sustainable by consuming foods as much as possible in season and supports local economies by purchasing goods at local shops and markets.

Remember, these experiences shouldn’t be rushed, so take your time to dive deeply into everything Portugal has to offer, and you will be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime.