Portugal is one of Europe’s hidden gems. After seeing these best hidden beauties to explore in the country, it’ll be no wonder that the country is becoming a more popular vacation destination every year.

Sintra

Want some pretty castles? Take a look at this hidden beauty in Portugal. The Palace of Sintra, Castle of the Moors, Monserrate Palace, and Pena Palace are the brightly colored offerings that seem to blend into the atmosphere with ease.

Madeira

This little island is tucked between the Canary Islands and mainland Portugal. Amazingly, the unspoiled landscape is often overlooked, making it one of the best hidden beauties to explore in the country.

Amarante

Portugal is filled with history, and Amarante is oozing with plenty of its own. There is a gorgeous arched bridge that’s stood the test of time as well as a riverside stroll that’s perfect for when you’re deciding where to eat.

Monsanto

This is one of the best hidden beauties to explore in Portugal as Monsanto is a village that’s been built around a rock. There are fewer than 1,000 residents, and the streets are usually pretty quiet.

Sortelha

You need to have your walking shoes if you plan a trip to Sortelha in Portugal. Why? The castle is too impressive to ignore – and there is plenty of walking if you want to explore it all.

The Azores

If you want winding trails and breathtaking waterfalls, then it could be time to take a trip to the Azores. Portugal’s secret is filled with dramatic landscape that’s the perfect place for taking those jealousy-inducing vacation photos.

Taking in some of the hidden beauties to explore in Portugal is one way to see just how much the country has to offer. From a rich history to breathtaking views and everything in between, life doesn’t get much better than a vacation here.

Outdoor lovers with a penchant for white water rafting, rejoice! America’s Newest National park, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve makes one of the best choices for a fun-filled family vacation coupled with some adrenaline-boosting activities. Conveniently located in Southern West Virginia, New River Gorge is driving distance for a sizeable chunk of the U.S. population. Once there, it’s a great idea to a resort (like Adventures on the Gorge) to your base camp and chooses a good outfitter to guide you through your adventure itinerary.

Swerving Through the Scenic Gorge

The gorgeous river, one of the oldest in the world offers more than a few delights. Winding from South to North, it drifts through Appalachian terrains, lush forests, and carved canyons, 1,600 ft deep in some places. Outfitters at the park offer several packages of adventure activities to suit your group’s needs. For a full-day fun trip pacing the rapids, the Gorge’s “Lower New River Gorge” excursion is a marvelous option. It covers rapids classified as 25 Class II to IV and makes for an adrenaline-fueled ride, but also leaves room for relaxation as you float through mild-warm waters, swim through gentler portions of the river, and unpack your picnic lunch on the shore.

A Raw & Real Experience

Holding yourself together through rapids with rather apt names like “Double Z” and “Scramble Like A Rat” can be a challenge, and be sure to get drenched. But as your bodies bounce as your little boat flies over the rapids, be sure to have huge smiles plastered on your faces! You can couple your rafting experience with a host of other adventure activities – hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining, paintball, laser tag, horseback riding, and clay shooting.

One thing we’re sure of, a visit to New River Gorge will have you hooked for more. NO one can escape the raw, wild beauty of a river carving her way through gorges!