Sunny, scenic Portugal is an ideal destination for active travelers who like to round off outdoor adventures with the classic European attractions of culture, castles and cuisine. Hikers, trekkers, cyclists, kiteboarders and surfers are all drawn to this small but diverse and welcoming country. This mini overview gives an idea of where to begin:
Lisbon, the capital lies near the coast on the mouth of the Tagus River. The picturesque Castelo de São Jorge has stood guard over it since the 10th century; on Lisbon’s fabled seven hills, today’s visitors encounter an engaging mix of rich history and cutting-edge culture. It is conveniently located, near many fantastic beaches and with easy day trips to destinations such as Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site just a 40-minute train ride away.
Porto is Portugal’s second biggest city, also near the coastline but about a 3-hour drive north of Lisbon. Home of the fortified port wine that bears its name, Porto has its own proud history and hip ambiance. It lies at the mouth of the Douro River, which flows through a sublimely beautiful agricultural region full of vineyards.
Lagos is in the western part of the Algarve, the southernmost strip of mainland Portugal, famous for its beach and golf resorts. This small city has become a jumping-off point for travelers drawn to Portugal’s less developed southwestern coast. Its remote, cliff-lined beaches draw kayakers, cliff jumpers and deep-water soloists, who scale the rocks overhanging the ocean without any gear.
Portugal also has two maritime provinces: the Azores, in the mid-Atlantic, and Madeira, several hundred miles west of Morocco. These lush volcanic island chains offer tantalizing, unique experiences for adventurous travelers.
Top trails for trekkers
Caminho Português, the 400-mile-long Portuguese leg of the legendary Camino de Santiago, begins in Lisbon and heads north to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. This historic route passes through dramatic river valleys, countryside and coastline; it’s a bucket-list pilgrimage.
Further south, the Rota Vincentina is a network of hiking trails navigating the less-developed, wilder western coast of the Algarve. They converge in Cabo de São Vicente, once the end of the known world for Europeans.
Further afield (or, more accurately, out to sea), Madeira’s steep slopes make it an ideal destination for hikers. At over 5,000 feet above sea level, Pico Ruivo offers dazzling views to complement well-marked trails of varying difficulty.
Best beaches for surfers
The gigantic waves in Nazaré (which we visit in our Discover the Heart of Portugal walking tour) have become famous even among the general public, and nearby Peniche draws professional to its international competitions every fall, but there are plenty of beaches in Portugal for all levels of surfers.
Near Lisbon, Carcavelos is a fun and safe place for beginners and intermediates. Lined with surf shops and restaurants, it’s easy to rent a board and a wetsuit, have a lesson, and linger over drinks or dinner afterwards.
Less than an hour north of Lisbon lies Ribeira d’Ilhas near the fishing village of Ericeira. For the intermediate surfer dreaming of a long ride, this beach is known for one of the longest right-hand waves in Europe. Further on, near the big-wave cradles of Nazaré and Peniche lies the 2-mile long Cantinho da Baía, offering friendly breaks for beginners. Further still, near the coastal city of Figueira da Foz, Praia do Cabedelo is popular with intermediates and experts. Floodlit by projectors from multiple towers, it also offers night surfing.
In the Algarve, pretty, crescent-shaped Praia da Arrifana in the town of Aljezur catches most swells but is protected from the wind. Surf schools offer gear rental and lessons for beginners.
For kiteboarders actually seeking wind there are a variety of destinations as well, but just past the resort town of Cascais (a 30-minute train ride from Lisbon) Praia do Guincho is making a name for itself among kiters and has several kite-specific shops that offer rentals and lessons.
When to come
Portugal’s long, mild shoulder seasons (mid-April to mid-June and early September through early November) are the best times for active, outdoor adventures.
By Holly Blades