Adventure Travel in Portugal

Adventure Travel in Portugal

With its varied and dramatic landscapes, Portugal is perfect for those who are seeking adventure in the great outdoors. There are many exciting spots to choose from, but here are some of the best regions of the country which are the perfect natural playground for any would-be adventurer or adrenaline seeker:

Serra da Estrella:

Its mountain and National Park of the Serra da Estrella is a haven for skiers and boarders in winter and hikers in summer. This is Portugal's only ski resort and is a little resort, perfect for beginners. In summer, Serra da Estrella is the perfect place for mountaineers and walkers, who enjoy scaling the craggy peak and exploring the 357km of trails throughout the Serra da Estrella Nature Park. Rock climbing is also a popular pastime here. The ski areas become a downhill mountain biking resort in the summer months. Within the nature park you can also enjoy kayaking on spectacular rivers and lakes, go river rafting on a raft you can build yourself, or enjoy a spot of wild swimming.

Alentejo:

This vast region of Portugal contains not one but three nature parks. Its unspoiled farmland, vineyards and villages are little visited by tourists. Little do the masses know they are missing out on a delightful adventure off the beaten track. Why not hike or bike across this area, on the coast and inland. You can make your own way or join a tour. For a different perspective and a bit of an overview, why not take a hot air balloon ride? Another way to get around is on horseback, on a riding holiday. Alternatively, you could take to the water of the rivers or coast for a rafting or kayaking adventure. On the coast, discover why this region is so beloved of surfers.

Arrabida Nature Park, Near Lisbon:

This coastal nature park is situated just an hour south of Lisbon on a rugged stretch of coastline where the Sado river meets the wild Atlantic. There are breathtaking cliffs of over 300m, caves and a landscape dominated by unspoiled limestone hills rising high above the coast which are covered with a patchwork of farm fields, vineyards and ancient scrub land. Here you can hike through this unspoiled landscape, or try something a little more adventurous like mountain biking, for which this hilly region is perfectly suited. Many adventurers will enjoy rock climbing and abseiling on the dramatic cliffs. You can also take a kayak tour to explore the remote beaches of the coast, and explore caves filled with bats. Go paragliding on the coast or up in the hills, or explore the under-sea world just off the coast with a diving expedition.

Algarve:

This region is package holiday personified. The beautiful beaches are mostly somewhat marred by the over-development and the crowds in summer. You will find many people in this region who come only for the sun, sand and surf and have no interest in actually doing or seeing anything whilst on holiday. On the other hand, you will also find people who are drawn here to try out a range of activities and active adventures in this balmy and sun-blessed area. Here you can participate in just about every type of outdoor sport and adrenaline activity imaginable.

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