---
title: This Portuguese Town was voted “The Best Hidden Treasure” in Europe
description: Discover Europe’s best hidden treasures for a peaceful summer escape. Explore Tomar, Vila Franca do Campo, and Tróia — Portugal’s top secret destinations
image: https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/hubfs/tomar-portugal.png
---
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# This Portuguese Town was voted “The Best Hidden Treasure” in Europe
Posted by: [Alexandra Monteiro](https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/author/alexandra-monteiro)
 16-Jul-2025 10:34:13
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## “The Best Hidden Treasure” in Europe
According to Condé Nast and a recent European study, the historic city of Tomar has been named Europe’s Best Hidden Treasure for a summer getaway. Also featured on the list of secret escapes are Vila Franca do Campo in the Azores and the effortlessly elegant Tróia Peninsula in Portugal.
As Europe’s iconic destinations overflow with crowds and clichés, a growing number of travelers are seeking the opposite: peace, authenticity, and refined simplicity. In a world of excess, true essence lies in discretion, and [Portugal](https://www.winetourismportugal.com/en/customize-your-tour-or-experience) remains one of the last sanctuaries for those who crave beauty without noise.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/491068/0615cebe-b762-40ca-a527-bd09c26b8ac0)
[](https://www.winetourismportugal.com/en/customize-your-tour-or-experience)
But for those who know that real discovery happens beyond the rankings, there’s more. Scattered across Portugal, from forested mountaintops to ancient stone villages, are places where time slows down and elegance whispers. These are the destinations for those who seek an exclusive summer — unhurried, soulful, and profoundly memorable.
### Tomar
Timeless Tranquility on the Riverbanks
[](https://www.winetourismportugal.com/en/customize-your-tour-or-experience)
Once a stronghold of the Knights Templar, [Tomar](https://www.winetourismportugal.com/en/customize-your-tour-or-experience) is a masterpiece of quiet grandeur. Crowned by the UNESCO-listed Convent of Christ, the city invites you to stroll through cobbled streets, reflect by the Nabão River, explore one of the oldest synagogues in Portugal, and savor intimate dinners in restored olive oil mills. This is where time becomes a luxury, and you have plenty of it.
### Vila Franca do Campo
Azorean Blue, Unfiltered
[](https://www.winetourismportugal.com/en/customize-your-tour-or-experience)
On the southern coast of São Miguel, [Vila Franca do Campo](https://www.winetourismportugal.com/en/customize-your-tour-or-experience) feels like a dream whispered by the Atlantic. The nearby volcanic islet, a protected nature reserve, invites quiet swims in its emerald waters. Whale watching, hot springs, and forest trails unfold at a gentle rhythm, far from the noise of the mainland.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/491068/0615cebe-b762-40ca-a527-bd09c26b8ac0)
### Tróia
Golden Shores with Elegant Stillness
[](https://www.winetourismportugal.com/en/customize-your-tour-or-experience)
Just a short drive from Lisbon, [Tróia](https://www.winetourismportugal.com/en/customize-your-tour-or-experience)feels worlds away. Endless beaches, Roman ruins, and sleek modern resorts coexist in perfect balance. Here, you can watch dolphins at sunrise, dine barefoot in the sand, or simply let the Atlantic breeze cleanse your thoughts. This is understated, refined living in its purest form.
Beyond: Unlisted Places, Unforgettable Escapes
While the study named a few, Portugal keeps many secrets. Off the radar, yet deeply resonant, these hidden gems offer a different kind of escape — raw, real, and rare.
One such treasure? The Dão region — a quiet, elegant corner of the country where wine, gastronomy, and mountain serenity come together in perfect harmony.
Dão in Style: Wine, Fine Dining & Mountain Elegance
In the heart of the Dão, three [remarkable destinations](https://www.winetourismportugal.com/en/customize-your-tour-or-experience) invite you to slow down and savor the essence of refined living:
Quinta da Taboadella
[](https://www.winetourismportugal.com/en/customize-your-tour-or-experience)
Part of the prestigious Amorim family legacy, **Quinta da Taboadella** in the **Dão region** combines centuries of wine heritage with modern precision. With deep respect for the terroir, the estate cultivates only indigenous **grape varieties**, parcel by parcel, to craft elegant, **authentic wines**.
Under the vision of Luísa Amorim, this is one of Portugal’s most refined [wine tourism destinations](https://www.winetourismportugal.com/en/customize-your-tour-or-experience), where ancestral roots meet contemporary sophistication.
**Mesa de Lemos **
[](https://www.winetourismportugal.com/en/customize-your-tour-or-experience)
Born from Celso de Lemos' vision to create a restaurant that reflects the soul of Portugal, Mesa de Lemos is more than Michelin-starred — it's a tribute to authentic, seasonal flavor. Under the direction of local chef Diogo Rocha, the cuisine celebrates regional and national ingredients, many sourced from the estate itself. Rooted in sustainability and modern technique, each dish expresses the purity of its origin — an essential stop for true gourmets and wine lovers alike.
Casa de São Lourenço
[](https://www.winetourismportugal.com/en/customize-your-tour-or-experience)
High in the Serra da Estrela, this design hotel combines bold architecture, comfort, and a deep connection to Portuguese heritage. With a panoramic spa and a focus on slow living, it’s the perfect mountain retreat.
Final Thought: The New Geography of Refined Living
These places are not just coordinates — they are a new way of seeing the world. A [summer in Portugal](https://www.winetourismportugal.com/en/customize-your-tour-or-experience)doesn’t have to mean beaches packed with umbrellas or tours in a rush. It can be made of silence, stone, stars, flavor, and soul — a kind of richness that can’t be measured.
Tomar is just the beginning. The rest is for those who know how to look beyond the obvious.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/491068/0615cebe-b762-40ca-a527-bd09c26b8ac0)
Topics: [Travel](https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/topic/travel) [Travel Experiences](https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/topic/travel-experiences) [holidays](https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/topic/holidays) [Tomar](https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/topic/tomar) [Tróia](https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/topic/tróia) [Hidden Gems](https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/topic/hidden-gems) [Summer Escapes](https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/topic/summer-escapes) [Vila Franca do Campo](https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/topic/vila-franca-do-campo)
### Written by: [Alexandra Monteiro](https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/author/alexandra-monteiro)
Alexandra is a marketing specialist with a global mindset and a deep appreciation for culture. With a Master’s in Commercial Management and Marketing - and another in Chinese Studies - she effortlessly connects strategy with storytelling. A true travel enthusiast, she finds inspiration in Eastern traditions and brings that same sense of curiosity and detail to her work. At Wine Tourism in Portugal, she blends her love for discovery with a passion for sharing Portugal’s wine culture with the world.
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