Although a popular year-round sunshine destination, Portugal is a lesser-known paradise for adventure tourism and outdoor activities. With many increasingly popular walking and cycling trails, perfect surfing spots and even extreme sports for adrenaline lovers, Portugal is fast cementing its reputation as an ideal location for active adventures. Here we pick out some of the best activities to enjoy in the regions of Portugal.
Host to a number of mountains, nature reserves and national parks, Porto and the north of the country sets the stage for amazing experiences and adventures. With nearly 700km² of stunning landscape set between vast mountains and reservoirs, Peneda-Geres is the biggest national park in the north of Portugal and is home to a variety of different species including roebucks and iberian wolves. Here you can enjoy activities such as jeep tours, canyoning, paintballing in the forest, tree climbing and, of course, hiking and bike trails.
Also located in Porto and the north, on the bank of the Paiva River in Arouca, is one of the most famous trails in Portugal: the Paiva Walkways. A Geopark recognised by UNESCO as a Geological Heritage of Humanity, Paiva Walkways offers travellers an authentic natural sanctuary of downhill waters, quartz crystals and the opportunity to spot endangered species.
Centre of Portugal
The centre of Portugal offers travellers a multitude of activity options, including the chance to experience the infamous surfing spots that litter the 279 km long coastline. Surfing beginners don’t need to worry, as there are plenty of beaches along the coast that offer surf schools for travellers keen to learn. Peniche is a great destination for surfing.
Walking the Portuguese trails is also a popular outdoor activity in the centre of Portugal, as the region is home to several iconic hiking routes that, thanks to existing historical and heritage references, result in pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela.
Other adventure activities include:
- The Grande Rota of Historical Villages of Portugal (GR22) which has been awarded the “Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe” seal, by the European Ramblers Association, a certification that highlights the best walking destinations in Europe.
- The ski resort of Serra da Estrela offers a great range of ski slopes, with nine pistes in total.
- Mainland Portugal’s highest point, Torre, provides the perfect setting for a few relaxing days to reconnect with nature.
Portugal’s capital city Lisbon is home to a wide variety of landscapes and heritage. With beaches, natural parks and plenty of culture, the region lends itself to adventurous travellers seeking a range of activities. Sintra, the moon hill, is a place full of magic and mystery, named by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Another of Lisbon’s hidden gems is Arrabida, known as the city’s wildest secret. Here you can hike or cycle via marked footpaths, during the day or at night, all year round. The region also boasts a gorgeous coastline, home to a number of beaches, perfect for surfing. Ribeira d’ilhas, located in Ericeira, is classed as one of the world’s surf spot leagues and Lisbon also offers other water sports activities, such as diving along the coast of Sesimbra. Located just 40 minutes from the city centre, Sesimbra is an area known for its high levels of biodiversity, boasting more than 1,350 species of marine fauna and flora, perfect for those seeking an underwater adventure.
For travellers in search of experiences that fuse nature with culture, Alentejo is an ideal choice. The Rota Vicentina is one of Portugal’s most amazing trails and extends along the cliffs of one of Europe’s most beautiful and well preserved coastal areas. Visitors to Alentejo also shouldn’t miss a visit to Badoca Safari Park, which is located in the outskirts of Santiago do Cacem and features more than forty species of animals. Located at the municipal aerodrome of the historic city of Evora, Skydive Portugal offers an exhilarating experience right in the heart of Alentejo. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for more than 25 years, Evora’s sky-diving experiences attract thrill-seeking travellers looking to enjoy the sights from above.
Crossing two very distinct territories with different customs and traditions, the Alentejo and Ribatejo Caminhos de Santiago trail is perfect for those wanting to experience the varied landscapes of Alentejo. Caminhos de Santiago is a very popular route that promises a journey of adventure and unexpected discoveries and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Boasting more than 300 days of sun per year, award-winning beaches and authentic cuisine, the Algarve – the southernmost region part of Portugal – also offers a range of outdoor activities that attract thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Framed by a 200km coastline, the Algarve is dotted with incredible sea caves ready for exploration. Cruising west from the Vilamoura marina is the famous Benagil cave which can be reached by boat or canoe. When the sun shines through the dome’s opening it reflects off the golden and auburn walls of the cave, producing an amazing light show. Near the cave, visitors can jump into the aquamarine waters, snorkel or rent jet skis to explore small islands near the shoreline and hike along the Algarviana Route – which is part of Vicentine Route.
Right in the middle of the Atlantic, the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo are a haven of natural beauty. The exotic colours of the vegetation stand out against the blue sea, earning Madeira a much admired reputation amongst gardeners around the world. To reach Madeira’s amazing and dramatic landscapes, there is nothing better than hiking the walking trails next to the canals known as “Levadas”. The different trails have varying difficulty levels, meaning they are accessible to most travellers. Another unmissable experience, exclusive to Madeira, is the “Monte sledge“. This activity is one of the island’s most famous attractions and sees visitors ‘sledging’ from Monte to Funchal in basketwork made of wicker and wood.
The Azores islands are an archipelago located in the mid-Atlantic, known as Portugal’s “Pearl”. Here, travellers can navigate the official network of Azores hiking trails that comprise eighty signposted paths covering a total distance of more than 800 km. One of the most famous trails ascends to the highest peak of Portugal, the Pico, which is an active volcano. Those looking for stunning views need to hike or take a jeep tour to the “Lagoa das Sete Cidades”, a twin lagoon situated in a crater of a dormant volcano where visitors can rent a kayak or swim.
Coasteering in the Azores is also a popular adventure activity, with routes along the rocky coast that include sea-jumping, rock-climbing, swimming and exploring caves.
Those fascinated with the unique marine-life of the Azores can experience whale and dolphin watching. The islands are home to resident communities of common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins, and there are whales that use the Azores as a migration route. Spotted dolphins, sperm whales, sei whales and baleen whales are more frequent in summer, whereas blue whales can easily be sighted in late winter. One thing is certain: whatever the season, there are always deep-sea discoveries to be made.
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