Portugal is the perfect spot for a family holiday. It’s only a couple of hours from Ireland, is hot but not too hot, and is really easy on the wallet.

But everyone knows this and it can be hard to get away from the crowds of tourists who flock there every summer.

However, there are a few places in Portugal that are yet to hit the radar of many tourists and are great little spots if you want a more Portuguese vibe.
 
1. Comporta
An hour away from Lisbon, Comporta is a beautiful little spot where you can truly unwind and spend time together as a family. Here you can enjoy the 13km strip of golden sand, go surfing or dolphin watching.  

2. Ferreira do Zezere
The town of Ferreira do Zezere is surrounded by forests and is a popular place for the Portuguese – but not so with foreign tourists. While there is no beach, you can get involved in water sports at the Castelo de Bode dam.
 

3. Tavira
Located on the eastern side of the Algarve, this is a town with beautiful character and charm. The cobbled streets lead you around the historic centre with beautiful authentic Portuguese homes, and there is a beautiful beach just south of Tavira as well as the Ria Formosa Nature Park.
 

4. Porto
Porto, again, located to the north of the country, Porto is set along the banks of the Douro River and is the perfect place if you enjoy soaking up history. Here you can visit the Sao Francisco Church and the 19th century Palacio de Bolsa. Beaches are also pretty accessible and can all be accessed by public transport.  
 

5. Sesimbra
Close enough to Lisbon, Sesimbra has it all: beautiful beaches, a wonderful and interesting coastline and the Arrabida national park. Here you can enjoy sea kayaking, diving, coasteering and is fairly cheap when it comes to food.