6 Hidden Gems in Spain and Portugal for a Fall Escape

Post Published June 21, 2024

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6 Hidden Gems in Spain and Portugal for a Fall Escape - Miajadas - A Historic Gem in Spain's Extremadura Region





6 Hidden Gems in Spain and Portugal for a Fall Escape

"Miajadas, a historic gem in Spain's Extremadura region, offers a peaceful escape for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

With a population of around 8,860, this small town is known for its rich cultural heritage and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Miajadas is home to the oldest Roman bridge in the Iberian Peninsula, dating back to the 1st century AD.

This impressive structure, known as the "Puente Viejo," has stood the test of time and continues to be a popular attraction for visitors.

The town's annual carnival celebration is a vibrant cultural event that draws crowds from across the region.

The festivities feature traditional costumes, lively music, and theatrical performances that offer a glimpse into the town's rich heritage.

Miajadas is situated along the ancient Roman road known as the "Via de la Plata," which connected the northern and southern regions of the Iberian Peninsula.

This strategic location has played a significant role in the town's development and prosperity throughout history.

Interestingly, the town's name is believed to derive from the Arabic word "Majjada," meaning "place of refuge." This suggests that Miajadas may have served as a safe haven for travelers and settlers during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula.

What else is in this post?

  1. 6 Hidden Gems in Spain and Portugal for a Fall Escape - Miajadas - A Historic Gem in Spain's Extremadura Region
  2. 6 Hidden Gems in Spain and Portugal for a Fall Escape - Azenhas do Mar - Portugal's Cliffside Village Escape
  3. 6 Hidden Gems in Spain and Portugal for a Fall Escape - Comillas - Spain's Architectural Wonder by the Bay
  4. 6 Hidden Gems in Spain and Portugal for a Fall Escape - Óbidos - Portugal's Medieval Town Frozen in Time
  5. 6 Hidden Gems in Spain and Portugal for a Fall Escape - Cuenca - Spain's Hanging Houses and Rugged Charm
  6. 6 Hidden Gems in Spain and Portugal for a Fall Escape - Piódão - Portugal's Schist Village Hidden in the Mountains

6 Hidden Gems in Spain and Portugal for a Fall Escape - Azenhas do Mar - Portugal's Cliffside Village Escape





Azenhas do Mar, a charming coastal village in Portugal, offers a peaceful escape from the crowds of nearby Sintra and Lisbon.

Accessible by car or public transportation from the larger cities, Azenhas do Mar provides visitors with the opportunity to explore Portugal's rugged beauty and enjoy activities such as hiking, surfing, and simply wandering through the quaint village.

Azenhas do Mar's natural swimming pool is a rare geological formation, created by the erosion of the cliffs over centuries, providing a unique and refreshing experience for visitors.

The village's charming white houses with terracotta-tiled roofs are an excellent example of traditional Portuguese coastal architecture, reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage.

Interestingly, the name "Azenhas do Mar" translates to "Watermills of the Sea," a nod to the powerful stream that once powered watermills in the area as it flowed into the ocean.

The village's remote location and lack of large-scale development have allowed it to maintain a pristine, unspoiled environment, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Azenhas do Mar's strategic position along the ancient "Rota Vicentina" hiking trail provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

Interestingly, the village's isolation and limited accessibility have helped to preserve its authenticity, with many of the local businesses and services still run by multi-generational families, offering a genuine Portuguese experience for travelers.


6 Hidden Gems in Spain and Portugal for a Fall Escape - Comillas - Spain's Architectural Wonder by the Bay





6 Hidden Gems in Spain and Portugal for a Fall Escape

Beyond its historical significance, Comillas offers a plethora of natural wonders in its surrounding areas, including the Oyambre Nature Reserve, which provides opportunities for outdoor activities and birdwatching.

Its whimsical and unconventional design features intricate Gothic and Mudéjar architectural elements, making it a unique landmark in the town.

The Pontifical University of Comillas, established in 1890, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Spain.

Its neo-Gothic and Renaissance-style buildings are a striking contrast to the town's coastal setting.

Sobrellano Palace, constructed in the 19th century, is a stunning example of Spanish Neogothic architecture.

The town's coastal location provides a unique blend of architectural and natural wonders.

The nearby Oyambre Nature Reserve is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds documented in the area.

Visitors can explore the diverse ecosystems, including marshlands, dunes, and forests, through a network of hiking trails.

Comillas' architectural heritage is a testament to the town's rich history and the influence of various architectural styles, from traditional Spanish structures to avant-garde masterpieces.

This diversity of design has captivated visitors from around the world.

The town's Pantheon, built in the late 19th century, is a remarkable example of Neoclassical architecture.

The mausoleum's intricate carvings and imposing presence have made it a must-see attraction for visitors to Comillas.

Comillas' seaside location and mild climate have contributed to its popularity as a holiday destination, attracting visitors from across Spain and beyond.

The town's mix of architectural gems and natural beauty make it a truly unique destination in the northern Spanish region of Cantabria.


6 Hidden Gems in Spain and Portugal for a Fall Escape - Óbidos - Portugal's Medieval Town Frozen in Time





Óbidos, a well-preserved medieval town in Portugal, offers visitors a unique blend of historic charm and picturesque landscapes.

With its annual festivals, local liqueur, and abundance of historic landmarks, Óbidos is a must-visit hidden gem that transports travelers back in time.

Óbidos is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, with its original 14th-century fortified walls still intact and standing strong to this day.

The town's main street, Rua Direita, is paved with traditional Portuguese cobblestones, adding to the authentic medieval ambiance.

Interestingly, Óbidos was once a royal town, gifted as a wedding present to several Portuguese queens throughout history, giving it the nickname "The Wedding Present Town."

The town's iconic white houses with colorful trim are a result of a unique local building tradition, where residents would paint their homes in vibrant hues to reflect their personalities.

The town's Porta da Vila, a 14th-century double-arched gateway, features an impressive chapel and balcony that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

The town's Castle, dating back to the 12th century, was once a strategic military outpost and is now a popular tourist attraction, offering panoramic vistas from its well-preserved walls.

Óbidos hosts an annual "Chocolate Festival" every spring, where visitors can indulge in a wide variety of gourmet chocolate creations and experience the town's vibrant cultural heritage.


6 Hidden Gems in Spain and Portugal for a Fall Escape - Cuenca - Spain's Hanging Houses and Rugged Charm





6 Hidden Gems in Spain and Portugal for a Fall Escape

The Hanging Houses of Cuenca, a unique architectural complex precariously perched above the Hucar River gorge, offer a breathtaking and offbeat travel experience in Spain.

These traditional half-timbered buildings, which were once prevalent along the eastern border of the ancient city, have been designated as a World Heritage Site, providing visitors with a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture.

The Hanging Houses of Cuenca are built on the edge of a steep cliff, with some of the buildings extending out over the Hucar River gorge, providing breathtaking views of the rugged landscape.

The architectural style of the Hanging Houses is a unique blend of traditional Spanish and Moorish influences, featuring half-timbered construction and intricate ornamentation.

Interestingly, the Hanging Houses were originally built as defensive structures, with their precarious position on the cliff edge serving as a natural barrier against invaders.

Despite their seemingly precarious location, the Hanging Houses have withstood the test of time, with some structures dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

The Hanging Houses are constructed using a specialized technique known as "voladizo," which involves extending the upper floors out over the cliff edge, creating the iconic "hanging" appearance.

The Hucar River gorge, which runs alongside the Hanging Houses, is a geologically significant feature, formed by millions of years of erosion and tectonic activity.

Cuenca's Hanging Houses were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, recognizing their exceptional cultural and historical significance.

The Hanging Houses have been used in various film and television productions, with their unique architecture and dramatic setting serving as a picturesque backdrop for numerous productions.

The Casa Colgadas, the most famous of the Hanging Houses, has been the subject of extensive architectural study and preservation efforts to ensure its continued survival.

Interestingly, the Hanging Houses were once more numerous, but many were destroyed or fell into disrepair over the centuries, making the remaining structures all the more remarkable.


6 Hidden Gems in Spain and Portugal for a Fall Escape - Piódão - Portugal's Schist Village Hidden in the Mountains





Piódão is a charming and historic village in central Portugal, known for its unique schist stone buildings and black slate roofs that give it a fairytale-like appearance.

Located in the scenic Serra do Açor mountain range, the village's narrow, winding streets and terraced fields make for a picturesque adventure, with contrasting landscapes of lush greenery and barren mountains.

Piódão's unique schist stone buildings and black slate roofs were constructed using traditional masonry techniques that have been passed down for generations, creating a fairytale-like aesthetic.

The village's narrow, winding streets and terraced fields were intentionally designed to blend seamlessly with the rugged Serra do Açor mountain landscape, showcasing the ingenuity of its historical inhabitants.

Piódão's "Nativity Scene Village" or "The Most Typical Village In Portugal" nicknames stem from its distinctive architecture, which features blue-painted doors and windows that contrast with the gray schist stone.

The village's population of around 120 inhabitants has remained relatively stable over the decades, preserving its authentic small-town character and traditional way of life.

Piódão's schist buildings are considered a significant example of Portuguese vernacular architecture, with many structures dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

The village's lush, green surroundings and dramatic mountainous backdrop are the result of its unique location within the Serra do Açor range, a designated protected area.

Piódão's historic church, with its simple yet striking design, is a testament to the village's deep-rooted religious and cultural traditions.

The village's traditional schist buildings are constructed using a specialized technique that involves layering the stones in a precise pattern, ensuring the structures' stability and longevity.

Piódão's remote location and limited accessibility have helped to maintain its authenticity, with many local businesses and services still operated by multi-generational families.

The village's museum, housed in a traditional schist building, offers visitors a glimpse into the daily life and customs of Piódão's inhabitants throughout history.

Piódão's designation as a Property of Public Interest in Portugal underscores its cultural and historical significance, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

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