Responsible tourism in Portugal
The country's dazzling history is boosting cultural tourism, spurred by the European City of Culture mantle given to Lisbon in 1994 and Porto in 2001. Sintra glories in its UNESCO World Heritage status, while beguiling cities like Evora and Coimbra are attracting new visitors. And rural Portugal is finally being recognised as a tourist beacon for responsible tourism in Portugal. Regions like Alentejo and Douro highlight gastronomy, craft and history, while celebrating timeless agricultural traditions. Wildlife is also being put in the spotlight for responsible tourism in Portugal, from birds in the south to wolves in the north.
The Portuguese are perhaps the kindest and most welcoming people in Europe, and are keener than ever to share life in one of the continent's loveliest countries. Hard times just mean they will be especially pleased to see you.
Our Portugal Vacations
Sintra Natural Park accommodation in Portugal
Eco-friendly B&B, in Sintra Natural Park near lovely beaches
Porto to Lisbon cycling vacation, self guided
Family Cycling Vacations in Portugal | Self-Guided
Alentejo & Algarve self guided hiking vacation, Portugal
Independent coastal walking vacations in the Alentejo Coast
Azores tour, island explorer
Dolphins, whales and explore fiery volcanic islands!
Cycling vacation in Portugal, self guided
A leisurely cycling vacation in the Algarve
Madeira walking vacation
Small group walking tour of madeira
Portugal cycling vacations, self guided
Tranquility cycling vacations
Yoga & relaxation vacation in Portugal
Yoga, massage and mud baths in the Portuguese mountains.
Yoga vacation in Portugal
A stunning Yoga retreat in the Portuguese mountains.
Algarve vacation accommodation
Enchanting agrotourism on 6 ha rural estate close to beach
Sintra Natural Park retreats & walks in Portugal
Walking, yoga, R&R near beaches, forests, historic sites
Atlantic Coast biking vacation in Portugal
Snowshoe in the heart of Italy
Volunteer at a wolf sanctuary in Portugal
Volunteer with wolves at a sanctuary near Lisbon
Portugal mountain bike tour
Self guided biking tour in Portuguese Historical Villages
Blue Whale tour in the Azores
Visit the Azores at the best time to see Blue Whales
Coastal hiking vacation in Portugal
The very best walks from the 125km selection of coastal trails
Small group tour in Portugal
Discover Portugal's idyllic Alentejo Coast
Swimming with wild dolphins in the Azores
Live a dream and swim with wild dolphins
Azores walking vacation, Portugal
Walk to Cete Cidades and the Fire Lakes
Walking vacation in Madeira
Walk through the wild and varied scenery of Madeira
Algarve self guided cycling tour
Dramatic coastline to picturesque countryside in the Algarve
Family swimming with dolphins in the Azores
A family focused adventure and experience of a lifetime.
Short cycling break in the Algarve
Self guided mini cycling break in Eastern Algarve
Whale watching in the Azores
Classic whale watching trip in the Azores archipelago
Alto Alentejo cycling tour in Portugal, self guided
Cycle on the Alentejo backroads of Portugal countryside
Yoga & surfing vacation in the Algarve, Portugal
Nourish yourself with yoga, surf & deliciously healthy food
Madrid to Marrakech via Portugal
Experience first-hand Spanish, Portuguese & Moroccan lifestyles
Algarve yoga and surf eco retreat, Portugal
Great eco accommodation in nature reserve close to the beach
Portugal walking tour
Self guided walking tour in Portuguese Schist Villages
Spain and Portugal vacation, historic cities & villages
Visit cosmopolitan cities, quaint villages & rolling hills
People & culture
Rural subsistence
Try to experience as much of traditional Portugal as you can, show you are interested in both its past and present – and buy some local produce, from food to handicrafts. Creating employment in rural areas and maintaining endangered traditions is a key element of responsible tourism in Portugal!
Bull fighting & bull running
Though not as widespread as Spain, bullfighting takes place in Portugal – albeit in a less overtly bloody way than its Iberian neighbour. For many years, Portuguese bulls were not allowed to be killed during the contest – though since they were inevitably slaughtered afterwards because of their injuries that seemed a moot point. Recently, however, legal challenges from those claiming the killing of bulls is a long historic tradition have led to bulls being 'legally' killed in the arena during 2014, for the first time in 15 years. The magnificent trained horses and period costumes worn by the mounted cavaleiros (or cavaleiras if a woman) and forcados (men who face the bull on the ground) may make for a spectacle – but for many it remains something that can be considered barbaric to anyone concerned with responsible tourism in Portugal.What you can do:
At Responsible Travel, we don’t support watching the killing or injuring animals for sport as part of responsible tourism in Portugal – and anyone taking part in the bull runs is also putting themselves at risk of injury or death. It may well be part of local cultural history, as in Spain - but if you want to get a sense of what's involved, we suggest reading Ernest Hemingway’s classic 1920s account of Iberian bull traditions in The Sun Also Rises.
Wildlife & environment
Dolphin Shows
What you can do:
At Responsible Travel, we do not support keeping dolphins in captivity as part of responsible tourism in Portugal. For more information on our stance, plus where to see these marine mammals in the wild, see our Dolphin watching guide.
Ripped up quads
Some areas - but especially the Algarve - offer quad bike and jeep tours. But despite 'terms and conditions' talking about causing no harm to the environment, these cause pollution, disturb wildlife and damage vegetation. They are also noisy and smelly for other visitors who are keener on trying to quietly enjoy the beautiful countryside on foot or cycling. People go to the wilderness for tranquillity – noisy vehicles are the antithesis of responsible tourism in Portugal.What you can do:
Get around using pedal or foot power not horse power.