People may connect quietness to places like Alentejo, or even the North part of Portugal, but very close to Lisbon, there are little towns that will surprise whoever visits these particular hidden gems.

Meco

Located in the parish of Castelo, in Sesimbra municipality is located Meco, a village that in 2011, according to Censos2011, had only 339 inhabitants, spread throughout the 205 houses built in the area. 39 kilometres away from Lisbon, Meco has a very famous beach in Portugal, accessed for the first time during the 70s by a group of hippies. In the past, it was impossible to reach the beach, but this group of people managed to make it a place for the population to spend some time. At four kilometres long, there is a part of the beach that is reserved for naturists, who like to enjoy the beach in a more unusual way: naked.

Credits: Wikipedia; Author: Vitor Oliveira;

Penedo

Constructed in Serra de Sintra, and 42 kilometres away from Lisbon, Penedo is probably one of the oldest towns in Portugal, having registers of its existence dated by the 16th century. With a fountain and several chapels, Penedo has only 368 inhabitants and is the perfect place to relax in one of the traditional white houses built in the town. Walking on the steep streets, organised like a maze, visitors may stop at some points and, when there is no fog, it is possible to see the Atlantic Ocean and Praia das Maçãs.

It is the only place in Mainland Portugal where the Festas de Espírito Santo is celebrated, as this religious party is celebrated in the Azores as well.

Author: CM Sintra;

Azenhas do Mar

Still in the Sintra municipality, namely in Colares parish, Azenhas do Mar is located 39 kilometres away from Lisbon and is probably the most famous town of all those that were and will be mentioned.

Right next to the sea, Azenhas do Mar has a little beach, only 30 metres long, that may disappear during the high tides. Known for its rocks and big waves, Azenhas do Mar is the perfect town to sleep in while listening to the relaxing sound of the sea. The town has been very visited by tourists who want to taste the local products, such as wine and seafood.

The buildings are mainly constructed under the Português Suave architectonical style, in a city that mainly has houses for second residence. It is estimated that there are living in the town not more than 450 inhabitants, however, it is advisable to make a reservation in the nearest restaurants with proper advance, as they are usually full.

Credits: Wikipedia;

Aldeia da Mata Pequena

This town, as time went by, ended up being rebuilt mainly for tourism. Basically, Mata Pequena is a street located in the Special Protection zone of Penedo do Lexim, in Mafra municipality, 41 kilometres away from Lisbon.


Most of the houses are built with rock and usually covered with a lot of vegetation, that can be seen along the town. The majority of the houses are also used for tourism, as people tend to visit Mata Pequena to relax during the weekend.

Visitors must park their cars by the entrance of the town, as the streets were not made for driving cars, which also helps to preserve the architectural beauty of the town, that was the scenario for the Portuguese soap opera “A Serra”.

Credits: Wikipedia;

Aldeia Típica de José Franco

Also known as Aldeia Saloia, this town was constructed by José Franco, who was inspired by the Portuguese typical villages. It was constructed during the 60s, and now works as an open-air museum, that people may visit for free.

Here it is possible to taste the local wine and the most famous Pão com Chouriço of Portugal. With a swing, a mill and many other monuments, this town is definitely the perfect place to take children and learn a little bit more about Portuguese costumes during the 20th century.

Author

Deeply in love with music and with a guilty pleasure in criminal cases, Bruno G. Santos decided to study Journalism and Communication, hoping to combine both passions into writing. The journalist is also a passionate traveller who likes to write about other cultures and discover the various hidden gems from Portugal and the world. Press card: 8463. 

Bruno G. Santos