A holidaymaker has shared her experience of visiting what she calls the real ‘paradise’ of Portugal many tourists ignore, where she discovered a hidden waterfall and gorgeous beaches
People were amazed to learn about the ‘hidden gem’ of Portugal (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
Despite the UK being forecast for another warm and sunny summer, the allure of jetting off abroad to unwind on a sun-drenched beach in a foreign country can prove hard to resist.
Just a two-hour flight from the UK, Portugal has long been a firm favourite among British holidaymakers, particularly given its reliably sunny and warm climate for much of the year. While cities such as Porto and the capital Lisbon remain among the most popular spots for tourists, one traveller now claims to have uncovered the ‘paradise of Portugal’ that many visitors don’t even know exists.
Taking to TikTok, a user going by the name ‘Solo Traveling Joy’ shared her experience of visiting the destination, revealing she had discovered a ‘hidden waterfall’ complete with a natural swimming pool, nestled among breathtaking scenery.
“Portugal is so underrated. And most people stick to Lisbon or Porto, but completely miss out on the Algarve,” she wrote in the caption of her post.
The Algarve is Portugal’s spectacular southernmost region, stretching for over 200 kilometres along the coast. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a beach lover, or simply seeking somewhere to kick back and recharge, the Algarve is unlikely to leave you disappointed.
Celebrated for its year-round sunshine, striking ochre cliffs and sweeping golden beaches, it stands as a premier European hotspot for beach breaks, world-class golf and freshly caught seafood, according to Visit Portugal.
If you’re considering a stay in the Algarve, there’s no shortage of choices. The most sought-after destinations, however, are Lagos in the west and Tavira in the east, both widely regarded as the region’s finest spots. Lagos boasts striking golden cliffs and a lively town atmosphere, whereas Tavira delivers historic, untouched Portuguese character.
The secluded waterfall she featured in the clip is Queda do Vigario, situated near the rural village of Alte, which lies just off the A2 motorway linking Lisbon and the Algarve.
“This was one of my favourite natural swimming pools… peaceful, hidden, and 100% worth the detour,” the woman wrote in the caption accompanying her post.
“Go in the morning when no one is there!” she advised.
Viewers were swiftly captivated by the woman’s footage, with many rushing to the comment section to share their reactions.
“This looks like a hidden gem,” one person wrote, while another user said: “Wow, thanks for the tip.”
Another person said: “Adding this to my Portugal list! Amazing shots.” Someone else shared: “Been here today was lush.”