When people think of Portugal, their minds often drift to Lisbon’s vibrant city life, Porto’s wine cellars, or the sun-kissed beaches of the Algarve. But there’s so much more to this captivating country. Beyond the well-trodden tourist paths, Portugal hides countless underrated gems that offer unique experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural encounters. Let’s explore some of the best underrated Top 5 travel destinations in Portugal that should be on your radar.

1. The Azores: Nature’s Playground in the Atlantic

Nestled in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores is an archipelago of nine islands that remain one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets. Known for its lush landscapes, volcanic craters, and serene lakes, the Azores offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle.

• What to Experience: Head to São Miguel for its stunning Sete Cidades Lake, a volcanic crater with twin green and blue lakes. For adventure seekers, Pico Island offers incredible hiking opportunities up Mount Pico, Portugal’s highest peak. Dive into the clear waters of Santa Maria or Graciosa Island for some of the best diving spots in the world.
• Why Visit: Fewer tourists mean more opportunities to connect with nature. The Azores’ geothermal activity also provides unique experiences like bathing in hot springs or enjoying food cooked underground using volcanic heat.
  

2. Alentejo: Portugal’s Rustic Heartland

Located between Lisbon and the Algarve, Alentejo is a region that boasts vast rolling plains, golden wheat fields, olive groves, and vineyards. Despite its beauty, Alentejo is often overlooked by travelers who tend to head straight to Portugal’s more popular areas.

• What to Experience: Wander through the white-washed streets of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city, and marvel at its Roman temple. Explore the medieval village of Monsaraz with its stunning views of the Alqueva Lake. Discover the beautiful beaches of Comporta or head inland to experience the tranquility of Serra de São Mamede Natural Park.
• Why Visit: Alentejo offers an authentic taste of rural Portugal. The region is known for its delicious wines, local cuisine, and warm hospitality, making it a perfect destination for foodies and wine lovers.
  

3. Serra da Estrela: The Land of Snow and Adventure

Known as Portugal’s highest mountain range, Serra da Estrela is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. While it’s the only region in Portugal where you can ski, there is much more to explore than just snow.

• What to Experience: Visit Covilhã, a charming town with cobblestone streets and street art that blends old and new. Take a scenic drive to Torre, the highest point in mainland Portugal. Explore the glacial valleys, hike through the lush forests, or taste the region’s famous Serra da Estrela cheese.
• Why Visit: Whether you’re skiing in winter or hiking in summer, Serra da Estrela offers year-round activities for all kinds of travelers. Its landscapes, local traditions, and cozy mountain villages make it an ideal destination for those looking to explore Portugal’s natural beauty.
  

4. Viana do Castelo: The Charming Northern Secret

Located in the Minho region, Viana do Castelo is a city that beautifully combines historic architecture, scenic river views, and a unique blend of cultural influences. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, it remains one of Portugal’s lesser-known gems.

• What to Experience: Stroll along the Lima River and visit the Basilica of Santa Luzia for stunning panoramic views. Enjoy the sandy beaches of Praia do Cabedelo or explore the vibrant local markets. For history enthusiasts, the Museu do Traje showcases traditional costumes and regional attire.
• Why Visit: Viana do Castelo is perfect for those who enjoy a slower pace of travel. Its rich culture, festivals, and local gastronomy provide a delightful experience for visitors seeking authenticity.
  

5. Tavira: The Jewel of the Eastern Algarve

While the Algarve is renowned for its beaches, the eastern part, particularly Tavira, offers a different charm compared to the crowded spots in the west. This historic town along the Gilão River is often overlooked by tourists, making it a peaceful retreat.

• What to Experience: Wander through Tavira’s cobblestone streets, admire the old Roman bridge, and explore the charming houses with distinctive roofs. Visit Tavira Island for beautiful beaches, or take a boat trip through the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
• Why Visit: Tavira is the ideal destination for travelers looking for a mix of history, culture, and nature. It offers a quieter alternative to the bustling Algarve, without compromising on beauty or activities.
  

Conclusion: Portugal’s Best Kept Secrets Await You

While the popular destinations in Portugal are undoubtedly worth visiting, these underrated gems offer a unique way to experience the country’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re exploring the volcanic wonders of the Azores, sipping wine in Alentejo, or hiking through the Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s lesser-known destinations provide unforgettable experiences that go beyond the typical tourist path.

External Sources:

• Visit Azores
• Alentejo Tourism
• Serra da Estrela Guide

The Rivers State Government has announced that it is set to partner with Canada to boost its healthcare delivery.

Governor Sim Fubara made the announcement in a post he shared on his verified X account on Monday night.

“We are excited about our upcoming collaboration with Canada as we met with the Canadian High Commissioner, Mr. James Christoff to discuss boosting Rivers State’s healthcare delivery,” Fubara said.

The governor added that the state is also leveraging on its natural resources for development.

“We look forward to exploring these opportunities and enhancing our partnership,” he concluded.

The Rivers State Ministry of Health has, meanwhile, called on residents to ensure that they don’t stop making their well-being a top priority.

“September is here. As we welcome this new month, let us continue to make our health and well-being a top priority. September is #WorldAlzheimersMonth,” the Ministry of Health wrote on X.

“Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, a devastating condition that affects millions of people over 65 worldwide. This year’s theme is ‘Time to Act on Dementia, Time to Act on Alzheimer’s’.

“We join the global community to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s and all types of dementia.

“Do you know anyone affected by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia? How aware are you of the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s?

“What misconceptions or stigmas have you encountered about Alzheimer’s or dementia?
What can we do as a community to support people living with the disease and their families?

“In the weeks leading up to WorldAlzheimersDay on September 21, we will be sharing important information about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.”

The Rivers State Ministry of Health said that by increasing awareness and understanding, it can break down the stigma associated with it and create a more supportive environment for people living with dementia and their families.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday revealed that it needs the sum of $87.4 million to combat the dreaded mpox disease.

According to the organisation, the money is required to implement critical activities outlined in the global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP), which was released on August 26, 2024.

“The SPRP is a comprehensive framework developed by WHO to guide global response to Mpox, emphasising surveillance, research, equitable access to medical countermeasures and community empowerment,” the global health body said.

“Following the declaration of a global emergency on August 14, WHO needs 87.4 million dollars over six months (September 2024 to February 2025) to work with countries, partners and other stakeholders to stop the current outbreak of mpox.

“The required funds will be used across WHO headquarters and regional and country offices to coordinate the responses, provide technical assistance, run operations and deliver medical supplies.”

WHO has also solicited the support of donors to fund the full extent of the Mpox response to prevent further spread and protect those at risk.

It further said that to fight the outbreak, strategic vaccination efforts will target high-risk individuals.

On Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) called on vaccine producers to increase the output of mpox vaccines to control the spread of a more severe strain of the virus.

On Wednesday, the WHO announced that the mpox outbreak is now a public health emergency of international concern—their most serious alert level—following a surge in Clade 1b cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo that are now spreading to other regions.

“We do need the manufacturers to really scale up so that we’ve got access to many, many more vaccines,” WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris told reporters.

The WHO is urging nations with mpox vaccine reserves to contribute them to countries currently experiencing outbreaks.

Two vaccines for mpox have been utilized in recent years: MVA-BN, developed by the Danish pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic, and LC16, produced in Japan.

Harris mentioned that 500,000 doses of MVA-BN are currently available, with the potential to manufacture an additional 2.4 million doses rapidly, provided there is a confirmed demand.

By 2025, up to 10 million more doses could be produced if there is a definite order for them.

AFP

The Oyo State government said it has begun the recruitment of 3,000 health workers for its primary healthcare centres (PHCs).

According to an independent news media, Oyo Affairs, the recruitment is in line with the government’s policy of having at least one functional primary healthcare facility in each of the political wards across the state.

The Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji addressing newsmen said the recruitment was to strengthen and re-strategise primary care service delivery in the state.

Dr. Olatunji who attended the event with five other management team members of the board, including Dr Olayemi Osoko, Dr Sunday Adewole, Mr Kehinde Olabode, Dr Segun Dauda, and Mrs Olasumbo Azeez at the briefing, said the job application portal will be opened in a week to complete the recruitment of health workers the government started in 2021.

“You will recall that we started with the renovation and upgrade of primary healthcare facilities across the 36 political wards; the state government wanted to have at least one functional primary healthcare facility in each of the political wards,” Olatunji said.

“As of today, we’ve completed more than 200 facilities, and the remaining one in the next few months will surely be completed. In recent times, an additional 264 facilities have been given additional equipment to further upgrade them.

“But no matter how much upgrading we do or infrastructural re-engineering we do, if there are no human resources that will make it functional, it will amount to nothing.

“In the light of this, the government is commencing recruitment into the primary care facilities across the 33 local government areas.

“We started this process in 2021 but now, the governor has directed that the process that we started in 2021 be completed.

“When we opened the job application portal, we requested that people who have applied should go back to that portal a week from now to be able to check and know those of them that will be invited for CBT examinations.

“We are going to recruit about 3,000 out of the 16,035 that applied on our job portal application. We hope that, as soon as possible, in less than two months, all these examinations will be completed.

“So, this recruitment into the PHC system is a way of strengthening and regulating the primary care system and being able to re-strategise primary care service delivery in the state.

“In over 20 years, there has not been any meaningful recruitment into the primary care sector. This is the first time in almost two decades that we are recruiting into the primary care system.

“And with the promise of the governor, it’s a continuous process that we hope to do until we fill the health work force gap.”

Dr. Rasheed Adedapo Abassi, a well-known Nigerian doctor, has spoken out against the supposed reasons why males should participate in sexual intercourse 21 times every month.

During an interview with Classic FM, Dr. Rasheed Adedapo disclosed that such practice has a variety of health advantages.

Dr. Rasheed opened the conversation by citing a well-known physiological concept: “If you don’t use it, you lose it.”

According to the doctor, erections, which are only obtained via sexual activity, are essential for exercising the prostate gland, resulting in a healthier and more strong prostate.

The doctor backed up his assertions with study data, recommending that men aim for 21 sexual sessions every month to potentially avoid cardiovascular diseases and minimise the chance of prostate

While the specifics of the study were not disclosed during the interview, Dr. Rasheed emphasised the necessity of maintaining frequent personal interactions in boosting general well-being.

In his advise to males, Dr. Rasheed suggested doing whatever it takes to persuade their partners to engage in frequent intimate activities.

He also proposed, rather controversially, that if possible, men should consider having a “side chic” to help them attain the needed frequency of sexual interactions.

Netizens Reactions…
@RadicalYouthMan said; “Omo, I watched this today and understood why women deny men sex after marriage …. They want prostrate cancer to be the culprit ..but the doctor recommended a side chick … “

@aproko_doctor said; “ come and see better doctor here …”

@Capolutiti said; “So if you faithful to one wife or gf, she will use four to five days do menstruation, remaining 25 or 26 days. So one round a day meaning everyday straffing. “

@whitemanofficia said; “How many days dey one month?.”

“@TobaAce said; “Nigeria Housewives left the group chat.”

@Jobiz042 said; “21 times a month. Hmm. Doctors prescription 3 times a day. Do the maths.”

@AteOghenetega said; “God bless my Doctor…”