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Portugal, a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, offers a ton of unusual and authentically Portuguese experiences that go way beyond the typical tourist trail.

From harvesting olives to eating ‘dinosaur feet’, there are countless ways to immerse yourself in the local culture that will make your Insta followers message to ask you what on Earth you’re doing.

Get away from the Algarvian beaches and the Lisbon ‘Miradouros’ and get under the skin of the real Portugal. Whether you are visiting on holiday or planning on moving to Portugal, join us to explore our 11 best unconventional ways to experience Portugal like a local.

Eat with a Local, in their Home

For a truly authentic culinary experience, eat Portuguese food with a Portuguese local, in their home. Think Airbnb, but for dinner. There is no better way to immerse yourself in Portuguese life and culture than through food. More information can be found at Eatwith.

Experience the Tranquility of Olive Harvesting

Nothing says ‘Southern Europe’ more than the unique experience of olive harvesting which typically takes place between October and December each year. You can join local farmers, learn about the process, and taste the freshly pressed olive oil. Check out stunning Acushla in Trás-os-montes or Monterosa in the Algarve to learn more.

Attend a Quirky Local Village Festival or 'Festa'

Portugal is known for its vibrant local festivals. Here are three you should not miss:

Sweet Potato Festival in Aljezur: This festival takes place in November in Aljezur, Algarve. It celebrates the region's sweet potato production with food stalls, cooking demonstrations, and even a sweet potato contest. Drink some sweet potato beer, eat some sweet potato candies and have a fantastic day dancing and eating. Can’t be missed. Even if you don’t like sweet potatoes (although you might go hungry).
Percebes Festival in Vila do Bispo: This festival celebrates ‘percebes’, a type of barnacle that is a delicacy in Portugal and is starting to find fame across the world that gets served up for obscene money in the Michelin-starred restaurants of London and Paris, gets piled up high on plastic plates for just a few Euros in August in Vila do Bispo, Algarve. They are the weirdest looking things (often called ‘dinosaur feet’!), but if you like seafood the taste is exquisite. Yes, they are percebes in the main photo of this blog post…
Festas de São João in Porto: This is one of the biggest and most popular festivals in Portugal, taking place in June in Porto. It involves street concerts, dance parties, and the tradition of hitting each other's heads with soft plastic hammers.

Try Your Hand at Traditional Portuguese Tile Painting

Azulejos, or Portuguese tiles, are a significant part of the country's heritage. In Porto, you can join a tile painting workshop at the "Gazette" workshop. Workshops are available throughout the year in Bonfim in Porto. More information can be found at the Gazette website.

Experience the Grape Harvest in Douro Valley

The Douro Valley, one of the world's oldest wine regions, offers the unique experience of participating in the grape harvest. This usually takes place from September to October. You can join the locals in picking and stomping the grapes, followed by a wine tasting session. More information can be found on the Quinta do Vallado website.

Spend a Day Foraging for Wild Mushrooms Close to Lisbon

In Loures (20 minutes from Lisbon), you can join a mushroom foraging tour. The best time for this is in the winter, from November to January. You'll learn about different types of mushrooms and how to identify them. More information can be found on the Portugal Farm Experiences website.

Wanna know more about Portugal and the Portuguese life? Thinking of moving to Portugal? Questions on visas? Healthcare? Expat life? Where you should live? Download our “Portugal Beckons - Book”, read by over 700 expats.

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Hike the Old Fisherman Trails in the Wild West of the Algarve

It’s barely believable that one of Europe’s most undiscovered coastlines is in the Algarve. Famous for its high-rise hotels and beaches packed with tourists. But they don’t head west. The west coast between Sagres and Aljezur is rugged, wild, and completely off the beaten tourist trail. Hike it with our buddy TJ at West Coast Adventures. Highly recommended.

Experience the Serenity of Dawn Mass in a Historic Monastery

For a spiritual experience, attend a dawn mass at the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon. The mass, held daily, offers a serene start to the day. More information can be found on the Jerónimos Monastery website.

Take a Road Trip Along the Lesser-Known Wine Routes

Portugal has several lesser-known wine routes that are worth exploring. One such route is the Alentejo Wine Route, which takes you through beautiful vineyards and historic wineries. The best time for this is in the spring or fall. More information can be found on the Wines of Alentejo website.

Join a Cork Harvesting Experience in Algarve

Portugal is the world's leading producer of cork. In the Alentejo region, you can join a cork safari experience and learn about this sustainable industry. The cork harvest takes place every nine years, and trees are only mature for cork production after 27. More information can be found on the cork safari tours here.

Spend a Night in a Traditional Portuguese Windmill

For a unique accommodation experience, spend a night in a traditional Portuguese windmill. One such windmill is at Ha Mar ao Lua in Setúbal, which offers stunning views of the Arrábida Natural Park.

Summary

Portugal offers a rich tapestry of experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in its culture, traditions, and way of life. From joining a Fado jam session to experiencing the magic of Festas de Sao Joao in Porto, these unconventional ways to experience Portugal will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation of this beautiful country. Whether you're a food lover, a nature enthusiast, or a culture vulture, there's something for everyone in Portugal. So why wait? Start planning your unique Portuguese adventure today!

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11 Best Authentic Portuguese Experiences