Portugal - Experience the outdoors

Portugal
Photo of Marinha Beach, on the Algarve Courtesy Algarve tips

Visitors to Portugal don`t need to spend their entire holiday stuck to a plastic sun lounger. Some people want adventure, activity, cultural experiences, discovering nature away from the tourist traps.





The Douro Valley
The Douro Valley
In the north, see Portugal from the water with a picturesque river cruise down the Douro. The Douro Valley is the home of port wine and is a spectacular journey with steep river banks and hills covered in grape vines. Signs of the valley`s port production can be seen from the river, with placards adorning the hills: world-famous names such as Cockburn`s, Sandeman`s and Taylors. Red and white wines are also produced in the region. Formerly a fast-flowing river, the Douro is now tranquil, perfect for a leisurely cruise where you can soak up the glorious scenery.

If you`re enticed by the valley but want still more activity, there are some excellent hiking opportunities along the Douro valley, which has been called the valley of gold. It`s perfect for hikers, with spectacular views and rich tranquillity. In September, local workers harvest the grapes for port and wine and can be heard singing late into the night.

Suggested Tour
Get your guide

Places to stay
Samodaes Hotels-Reviews/booking


Alentejo Portugal
Alentejo Region
For the intrepid tourist, cycling through Alentejo is an experience not to be missed. Alentejo is a south-central region of Portugal which sits on the coast, bordering the Algarve. The area offers a charming range of landscapes, from rolling hills to agricultural land and the coastal trails are excellent.

Suggested tour
DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co

Places to stay
Lisbon Hotels Reviews/booking


Also available along the Portuguese coast and inland are a range of activities such as skiing, surfing, climbing, canoeing, diving, sailing, kite-surfing, wake boarding and abseiling.

There is also a wide range of options for those wanting a more leisurely and natural tour of Portugal. Horse riding is on offer throughout the country and what better way to experience Portugal`s beautiful nature than from your seat on a majestic horse? Either coastal or inland, riding tours are available throughout the country, through forests and valleys or cliff top paths.

Portugal is also an excellent place to visit if you are interested in sport. Numerous golf courses and golfing holidays are available throughout the country, along with tennis breaks, waters ports and many other options for the active individual, couple or family.

If you`re interested in fishing, Portugal may be the perfect location. The Portugese consume up to ten times more fish than they do meat and most of it from the sea. With both freshwater and sea fishing on offer, every need is catered for. Freshwater fishing is less well-known in Portugal, but in certain regions, freshwater fish are legion. The freshwater season is between April and November, when the weather is cooler and ideal for activity-loving holiday makers. Trout, bass, barbel, carp, salmon, sturgeon and plaice are all accessible.

Madeira Deep-Sea Fishing
Madeira Deep-Sea Fishing
Portugal is said to be one of the best deep-sea fishing countries in Europe: thousands of sardines, which in turn attracts bream, bass, mackerel and then the giants: shark, tunny, sword fish, salmon bass and even more. More than two hundred varieties regularly appear in Portugal`s bustling fish markets.

Suggested Fishing Charters
Fishing Booker

Places to stay
Madeira Hotels - Reviews/booking


The Algarve
The Algarve
in the South of the country, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Don`t let that deter you, though, as the region has much to offer for the intrepid adventure tourist. The region has a rich history and culture and is particularly famous for its pottery and ceramics culture. Tours of the area are popular, particularly by horse riding or even quad bikes. There are over 30 golf courses in the region.

The Marinha Beach in Lagoa, Algarve is one of the top beaches in Europe. The coastline of the Algarve is worldwide known for its stunning rock formations and marine caves. The cave of Benagil is the most popular rock formation of Portugal. This Benagil boat tour should be on top of your list of things to do in the Algarve! This Benagil boat tour is the ideal way to explore the coastline of Benagil region in the Algarve.

Suggested boat tour

Get your guide

Places to stay
Portimao Algarve Hotels - Reviews/booking