Don’t misunderstand that headline – we’re not suggesting you shouldn’t go near them at all. Portugal has some incredible beaches that will lure you towards them with the promise of a sensational beach holiday to come.

But you would be mistaken for thinking that all Portugal has to offer are its beaches, simply because everyone seems to go to them to the exclusion of all else all the time. In truth, Portugal has plenty to discover inland as well, and it is worth dragging yourself away from those wonderful sands for just a short while. If you do you can explore some more unusual and equally beautiful locations away from the coastline.

One thing that Portugal’s villages can give you is peace and quiet. Tranquillity is available virtually on tap here, as you make your way away from the most popular parts of Portugal’s coast and into the heart of the country itself. There is much to be discovered here and villages are dotted all around, giving you an arguably more authentic taste of the country. This is Portugal at its finest, without the sheen of tourism splashed across it.

Monsanto is a classic example of a village that will have you wondering why you didn’t see it earlier. Perched on a cliff just to the west of the most central part of the country, Monsanto gives you superb views down over much of the rest of the surrounding countryside.

Elsewhere you can visit Belmonte, where you can explore the winding pathways and narrow alleys that combine to create the old Jewish quarter of the village. With plenty of charming architectural surprises around every corner, you will forget all about the many delightful beaches in Portugal for the time you are there.

Finally Castelo Mendo is worth a look as it brings ancient times firmly into the present day. Life is very simple here and it dates back some six to seven hundred years as well. When you realise that Portugal hides such delights as this away from the coast, you will wonder why you didn’t discover them sooner.