Portugal has long been a popular destination for outdoor activities and adventures. With its warm climate, Portugal offers an array of activities to choose from throughout the year. Whether you want to go hiking or rock climbing, there is something for every outdoor enthusiast!
With Portugal’s incredible beaches and mountains, you will never run out of things to do in this country. To help you plan your trip, here are 25 activities to do in Portugal:
1. Hike through the Peneda-Gerês National Park
Peneda-Gerês National Park is located in the north of Portugal, and it’s one of the best national parks in Portugal. You’ll find hiking trails here for all levels of fitness and they’re open 24 hours so you can do a full moon hike if you wish! Make sure to pack water and snacks before heading out into this beautiful landscape–there are several lakes throughout the park that might make great spots for taking breaks during your hike. The trails here often get very muddy so dress appropriately!
2. Surfing in Peniche (Beginner lessons or experienced experience)
Surfing in Peniche is one of the best things to do in Portugal. This city has been a popular surfing destination for decades, and it’s easy to see why: the waves are consistent, there are plenty of schools offering lessons for beginners or experienced surfers alike, and there are plenty of locations where you can catch some swell.
Surf equipment rental shops will be able to set you up with everything from wetsuits to boards–and if you’re looking for an instructor who speaks English (or any other language), just ask around!
3. Horseback riding in Algarve
The Algarve is a great place to horseback ride, whether you are looking for a trail ride or want to learn how to ride. The horses are well behaved and the trails are safe. The guides are friendly and helpful. The scenery is beautiful, whether it’s in the mountains or along the coast (or both!). No experience is needed!
4. Hot air balloon ride over the Alentejo
The Alentejo region is one of Portugal’s most beautiful and least visited. It’s a huge area that stretches along the country’s southern border with Spain, covering about half of Portugal’s landmass. The region is famous for its rolling hills and vineyards, but there are plenty of other things to see as well. If you’re planning a trip there, consider taking a hot air balloon ride over the area!
The best views come from above Cacela Velha and Bej, these two towns are located around 100 miles apart in southern Portugal but offer very different perspectives on this stunning landscape. You should expect your flight time from one to another (or both) at just under an hour; once you’re up there though, all bets are off! You’ll be able to see everything from farmland fields down below all the way up into Spain itself if conditions are right (and they usually are).
5. Dolphin-watching tour in the Algarve
Dolphins are a protected species in Portugal, so it’s illegal for them to be hunted or harmed in any way. Dolphin watching is a popular activity for tourists and there are several companies that offer dolphin-watching tours in the Algarve region of Portugal. The Algarve is one of the best places in Europe to see dolphins because of its warm waters and unique underwater topography which provides perfect conditions for these mammals to thrive.
Dolphins are found in many areas of the Algarve and can be seen swimming alongside boats or near beaches. They’re most active in the spring when they mate, but you can also spot them year-round along Algarve’s coastlines.
6. Birdwatching in Ria Formosa Natural Park
Ria Formosa Natural Park is the largest lagoon in Europe and is home to a wealth of birdlife. The area is known as one of Portugal’s best spots for birdwatching, with over 300 species recorded there. For example, you might see flamingos or black-necked stilts–or even rarer birds like spoonbills (which have been spotted there).
If you’re interested in doing some birdwatching on your trip, here are some tips:
- Bring binoculars! You’ll want them if you want to spot the birds from far away or get close enough for photos or video footage.
- Dress appropriately for the weather conditions–it can get windy at Ria Formosa so bring layers! And remember not to wear bright colors; this will scare away any nearby wildlife by attracting attention from predators such as hawks and falcons who could see those bright colors from far away (and decide it’s time for lunch).
7. Kayaking in the Azores
Kayaking is a fun, relaxing activity that you can do in the Azores. There are many good places to kayak on São Miguel Island, including Praia Formosa and Pico Island. The best time to go kayaking is during the summer months when it’s warm enough outside but not too hot!
8. Canyoning in Madeira
Canyoning is a fun and exciting activity to do in Madeira, Portugal. Canyoning is an outdoor sport that involves descending rivers and streams by walking, swimming, and jumping from rock to rock, with the help of ropes. It’s great for people of all ages and fitness levels as long as you have some basic swimming skills.
Canyoning can be done year-round but is best during spring or fall when temperatures are milder than during summer months (June-August). The best time to go canyoning on Madeira Island is between September and April when most days are dry but there isn’t too much rain either!
If you’re planning on going canyoning yourself make sure you have proper footwear for hiking through rough terrains such as flip-flops or sandals because they will get destroyed quickly if used incorrectly while climbing down hillsides filled with sharp rocks sticking out everywhere around every bend in every riverbed path leading down towards deeper waters where currents flow faster than anywhere else along its length; also bring along sunscreen since most trails tend not only to lead uphill but also include long stretches under direct sunlight exposure during which time wear sunglasses too so protect eyesight against harmful UV rays coming off those reflective surfaces while trying hard not slip back into the water below where currents could suck away body weight without warning.
9. Rock climbing in Sintra, Lisbon
Rock climbing is a sport that requires a lot of physical strength and mental endurance. It’s also a great way to explore the outdoors, as well as get some exercise!
Rock climbing is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, but it may be best suited for older children who are strong enough to climb up rocks without assistance and young adults who have experience with outdoor sports such as hiking or camping. If you’re looking for an exciting activity for your family vacation in Portugal, try rock climbing at Sintra!
10. Coasteering and Cliff Jumping in Lagos
Coasteering is a sport that involves swimming and cliff jumping along the coast. It’s good for people who like to swim and jump off cliffs, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t do it right.
Lagos is one of the best places in Portugal to enjoy this activity because it has some amazing cliffs along its coastline. If you want to try coasteering while visiting Lagos, just ask around for someone who knows what they’re doing.
11. Paragliding in Madeira
Paragliding is one of the best ways to see the mountain range and the coast of Madeira, and it’s one of Portugal’s most popular activities. The flight lasts for a few hours which is unique to Madeira, but it comes at a cost, At the end it’s totally worth it.
The paragliders take off from a hilltop or mountain slope with a gentle slope, where they can safely deploy their wings without having to worry about being blown away by strong winds or crashing into other objects on the ground below them.
12. Skydiving in Algarve
Skydiving is a popular activity in Portugal and it’s great for those who want to see the Algarve from a different angle. There are several locations for skydiving in the Algarve, including Lagos, Albufeira, and Tavira.
The Algarve is also known as one of Europe’s best places to practice this sport due to its warm weather conditions and clear skies all year round.
13. Stand-up paddleboarding in Cascais
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a great activity for those who want to explore the waters of Portugal. It’s also a fun way to get in some exercise or spend time with friends.
Stand-up paddleboards are long, flat boards that have a deck and a fin at each end for stability. The rider stands on top of the board while paddling with both hands or one hand and one foot to propel themselves across the water. The sport originated in Hawaii where it was primarily used as transportation between islands; however, today it has become popular worldwide as an enjoyable pastime or fitness activity!
To get started with SUP there are several things you’ll need: A paddleboard (either rental or purchase), water shoes/flip flops for when your feet get wet from waves splashing over them so they don’t burn against hot sand/stone surfaces when walking back up onto shore after swimming around awhile; sunscreen because there’s not much shade available unless you bring along an umbrella which isn’t recommended because then if someone falls off their board into deep water they won’t be able to reach up high enough onto shore due having already been submerged under water level due being dragged down by gravity forces acting upon them through mass displacement caused by gravity acting upon all molecules within matter comprising human bodies which means every molecule within human bodies weighs less than zero pounds per ounce so, therefore, we should all try harder next time instead maybe even just sitting down right now nevermind.
14. Jeep tour in Arrábida Natural Park
One of the best ways to explore Portugal’s natural beauty is by going on a jeep tour. Arrábida Natural Park is a protected area in Portugal, and it’s packed with stunning views of mountains and waterfalls. You can go hiking or biking here, but if you want to see everything from above without breaking a sweat then this activity is for you!
You’ll be able to see some pretty spectacular sights during your trip through Arrábida Natural Park–the park contains several caves (some still being explored), rock formations that look like castles or pyramids, and streams where people swim during warmer months (or surf!). It’s truly breathtakingly beautiful!
15. Mountain biking in Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s one of the most beautiful places in all of Portugal. It’s located in the northern part of the country, between Porto and Coimbra. The Douro River is the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula and its main tributary is also called “Douro,” making it easy to remember which one you’re referring to!
The Douro Valley has been used for centuries as a wine-producing area for port wines (a type of fortified wine). Today, however, there are many other things happening here besides viticulture: hiking trails through beautiful landscapes; biking along steep cliffs with breathtaking views; kayaking on calm waters with stunning scenery around every bend–you name it!
You can book a mountain biking experience or rent a bike and go there by yourself.
16. Zip-lining in Pena Adventure Park
The Pena Adventure Park is one of the most popular activities to do in Portugal. It’s located in Sintra, which is about an hour and a half northwest of Lisbon.
The park has several zip lines that you can choose from–you can even go tandem on some of them! You can also rappel down a wall or mountain bike through the forest trails there. There are plenty of guided tours available, so if you’re not sure what you want to do or how to do it, just talk with someone who works there and they’ll help guide you through your experience at this adventure park!
If you’d like more time than just one day at this attraction (or maybe just want someplace closer), consider camping out at their campground overnight so that the next morning when everyone else arrives again after breakfasting together over bacon sandwiches at nearby cafes before heading back out into nature once more.
17. Canoeing in Peneda-Gerês National Park
Canoeing is a great way to get out on the water and experience Portugal’s natural beauty. You may be able to find an instructor or guide who can teach you how to paddle, but it’s not necessary if you have some experience with paddling boats or kayaks. If not, there are plenty of places where you can rent canoes along with life jackets and other equipment needed for safe travel on the river.
If you’re looking for something more challenging than canoeing down a slow-moving river, try white water rafting! This activity involves navigating rough waters while staying seated in a rubber boat that holds 4 people (or more). It’s very exciting but also requires skillful maneuvering by experienced guides who know how best to avoid rocks and other obstacles while still keeping everyone inside safe from falling into the water below them!
18. Whale watching in the Azores
The Azores are an archipelago of nine islands in the Atlantic Ocean, two hundred miles west of mainland Portugal. They’re a popular destination for whale watching, and there are several tour companies that offer trips to see these majestic creatures up close. You can either go on a land-based tour or take a boat out into the ocean–there are plenty of options available!
Whales can be seen year-round in this area, but April through September is when they’re most plentiful here. The best place for whale watching is Pico Island (and specifically Ponta Delgada), which has been designated as an official marine reserve since 1995 due to its high diversity of marine life including dolphins and whales!
19. Buggy tour in Algarve
Buggy racing is a fun activity to do in Portugal. The Algarve is the perfect place for it, as it has some of the best buggy racing tracks in all of Portugal. One of them is located near Lagos, on an old military base that was once used during WWII but now hosts this sport every year from June to September.
The track is 6km long and you can choose between two different difficulty levels: “easy” or “difficult”. You can also go buggy racing at another location in Lisbon (near Monsanto Forest Park) or even rent your own vehicle if you want something more private!
20. Kitesurfing in Guincho Beach
This is a great activity for those who want to try something new and exciting. Guincho Beach is located along the western coast of Portugal, a 10-minute drive from Sintra. It’s known for its long stretches of golden sand, clear waters, and strong winds that make it perfect for kitesurfing!
The best time of year to visit Guincho Beach is between April and October because there are fewer crowds then (and less chance of getting sunburned). You should bring sunscreen with you because the sun will be bright even if it’s overcast outside! If you haven’t tried kitesurfing before then consider taking lessons before going out into open water by yourself; this way your instructor can help teach basic skills like how high/low they should fly their kite while also keeping an eye out so no one gets hurt.
21. Fishing in Alentejo
One of the best ways to spend your time in Portugal is by fishing. The Alentejo region is known for having some of the best fishing spots in all of Europe, so it’s no wonder that many people travel to this area every summer just to catch some fish.
The best season to go fishing in Alentejo is during summertime (May-September) when temperatures are warm and dry weather makes it easy to enjoy yourself outdoors. You can catch bass, eel, and other types of freshwater fish here!
22. Snorkeling in Sesimbra
Sesimbra is a town in Portugal. It’s a popular beach town with a long beach and many beach bars, famous for its seafood restaurants. The town has been visited by many famous people including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, who have both stayed at one of the castles there.
It’s also known as “The Pearl of the Atlantic” because of its beautiful beaches and clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling!
23. Buggy tour in Madeira
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled activity, buggy tours are a great way to see the island’s rugged terrain and beautiful scenery. Buggy tours are available for both beginners and experienced riders.
Buggy tours can be booked at any of the many tour operators around Madeira. A half-day tour is very common with pickups scheduled from your hotel.
24. Waterfall rappelling in Gerês
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled activity, waterfall rappelling is a perfect choice. You’ll get a chance to jump off a waterfall while harnessed up and given a helmet. The water is cold but you can jump in anyway!
If you want to try this activity out, head over to Gerês where there are multiple spots that offer waterfall rappelling (the most popular being Rua do Pedregal).
25. Camping in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
Camping is a great way to experience nature, and Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is the perfect place for camping. The park is home to many different types of animals and plants, so you’ll be able to see everything from wolves to orchids! There are also several activities available for all members of your family, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
