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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Travel to Portugal

Travel to Portugal

Portugal is a European country situated on the Iberian Peninsula in the southwest corner of Europe. The west and south of Portugal are cornered by the Atlantic Ocean, giving it some of the most dramatic coastline in Europe.

Portugal borders only one country, Spain, which makes up the rest of the Iberian Peninsula.

With a coastline running over 500 miles Portugal is bursting with scenic sandy coves and rocky cliffs with a dramatic inland landscape.

Portugal is a very pleasant country to visit - especially for any person in love with seafood. All along the coast are amazing restaurants dedicated to cooking fresh fish. Most restaurants are reasonable priced with generous portions. When you are having food in Portugal don't forget to sample the excellent local wine. While Portugal is noted for Port, excellent wines are home grown in regions north of Porto and Lisbon.

If you are in some of the more popular tourist spots it's wise to make a reservation. It's also standard practice in Portugal to add a 5 - 10 percent tip for waiters who are poorly paid.

English is widely spoken throughout Portugal and the locals are extremely friendly. A large selection of English-written newspapers can be bought in most of the larger newsagents.

Portugal is a country rich in arts and history. The architecture of Portugal differs from region to region. The Romans were the first to leave behind their enhanced structural design. Muslim invaders from North Africa during the eight-century have also enriched the architecture in southern Portugal. Portugal is littered with incredible Churches, temples and old buildings. Some old buildings are restored and turned into great hotels.

Hotels in Portugal are plentiful in tourist areas and cities, but in the countryside they can be rare. If you are travelling through the Portuguese countryside plan your journey well in advance.


Sporting holidays can be had at any time of year. While the Portuguese are mainly into football, most marina sports can be sought along the entire coastline. If you are looking for a golfing holiday Portugal should be top of the list. Most of the best golf courses in Portugal are found in the Algarve region, which has a reputation as one of Europe's top golfing destinations.

The Algarve region of Portugal, situated in the south of the country, is the perfect spot to visit at any time of year. Its climate stays warm all year round and the scenic coastline offers a large variety of marine activity.

Fishing is a valuable way of life for many in Portugal. Each year during the month of August a massive seafood festival is hosted by one of the ports in the Algarve.

If you are looking for a really special place to visit - try some of the Islands along the Portuguese coast. The Azores lie 800 miles west of Portugal in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Known for the peaceful way of life, the Azores volcanic history has left a truly magical landscape. With easy access from mainland Portugal, the Azores are well worth a visit.

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