EVERY year, millions of Brits head to Portugal but most holidaymakers stick to well-known spots like Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve.
But there are other lesser-known destinations that shouldn’t be overlooked, including Estremoz in Alentejo.
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Estremoz is instantly recognisable thanks to its cluster of white houses, which are spread across a hilltop.
The city has been dubbed the “white city” thanks to the colour of its houses and the deposits of white marble that it produces.
Estremoz Marble is famous throughout the world, with the city contributing to 90 per cent of the world’s total.
Before holidaymakers can explore the white marble buildings, they need to enter the town through the city walls.
There are four doors in the city’s walls, including Porta de Santo António, Porta de Santa Catarina, Porta dos Currais and Porta de Évora.
Built during the 13th century, Estremoz Castle is arguably the city’s main attraction.
From 1281, the Portuguese King Dinis lived in the castle with Isabel de Aragão, who later became Holy Queen Isabel.
After the queen died in 1336, a statue was built in her honour, and it still remains in the castle to this day.
Standing at 28m high, the Tower of the Three Crowns is made from marble and considered as one of the castle’s highlights.
Entry into the castle is free.
The Alentejo region is well-known for its wine production, with plenty of vineyards for holidaymakers to visit, including João Portugal Ramos Wines, which is located inside the town.
According to Hikers Bay, food and drink is cheap in the city too, with pints of beer costing €2 (£1.70).
Estremoz is a two-hour drive from Lisbon, with airlines like Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air operating direct flights from London, Bristol and Liverpool.
Sun Online Travel have found flights from the UK to Lisbon for just £22 for a one-way ticket.
Estremoz is a 50-minute drive away from Badajoz Airport in Spain – although there are no direct flights from the UK to the Spanish airport.
Accommodation in Estremoz is affordable too, with an overnight stay at Pateo dos Solares Charm Hotel starting from £40 per person, based on two people sharing a room.
There are plenty of other lesser-known and unusual places to visit throughout Portugal too.
Ericeira, Portugal
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has published its newest list of Best Tourism Villages for 2023.
Ericeira can be found along the western coast of Portugal, about 30 north of Lisbon.
It has become popular among surfers and received World Surfing Reserve recognition in 2011.
However, its beaches offer more than just big waves, including Praia do Sul, which Ericeira Family Adventures say is the best for families to enjoy a day out.
They said: “This beach has a wading pool at low tide which makes it a fab place to have an ice cream and watch the kids splash around and fish for crabs.”
Aveiro, Portugal
Set on the central coast of Portugal, Aveiro is known for its canals, colourful boats, nouveau architecture, and fishing industry.
Because of these similarities, the Portuguese port city has been compared to Venice for many years.
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While the canals and boats are rather similar, the prices at bars, restaurants, and hotels are significantly better value – making a trip to Aveiro much cheaper.
Meanwhile, Comporta has been hailed as Portugal’s best beach – even attracting the likes of Madonna.
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