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Things to do in Portugal

There's no getting away from Portugal's wild and woolly coastline which is why things to do in Portugal usually start and finish with a day spent surfing, sunning or simply staring at the beach. Delve a little deeper inland and cycle tracks over Alentejo plains, yoga in monastic retreats and the 350km Rota Vicentina provide much more than just sand between your toes.

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Things to do in Portugal

Gentle terrain and balmy conditions make Portugal a pedallers' paradise, whatever your pace.

Pedalling perfection

Portugal offers free-wheeling perfection – diverse landscapes, few steep inclines! The Alentejo mixes fertile plains, shady oak forests and duney beaches, while Sintra's lush undulations are scattered with UNESCO architectural gems demanding picture stops. The Algarve hinterland offers gentle hills and woods dotted with ancient villages like Moorish beauty Silves. You want hills? Hit the Serra da Estrela, where wineries flank the ancient university town Coimbra.

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Unforgettable sandscapes

Portugal boasts 1,800km of beach-fringed Atlantic coast. Head west beyond the crowds clinging to the resorts around Faro and the Algarve morphs into secluded white sand bays and eye-catching rock formations culminating in the rugged drama of Cape St Vincent, Europe’s most southwesterly point. Heading north, the Costa Vicentina enthrals with miles of wild, deserted beaches, while above the shoreline the Fishermen's Trail is the 120km single-track ocean section of the 350km Rota Vicentina, one of Europe's most breathtaking walks. Among Lisbon's Blue Flag beaches (a short ride from the capital) the dune-backed Guincho is a wide golden local legend. Reaching towards Spain's Galician border, the Costa da Prata (Silver Coast) and Costa Verde combine timeless fishing villages with atmospheric waterfront restaurants and surf spots like Peniche and Nazare - where 2013 saw the tallest wave ever surfed come rolling in.

Yoga in Portugal comes with invigorating natural complements.

Gentle bends

Bendy unwinding in Portugal is about drawing in scented forest air and tangy ocean breeze as much as dynamic breathing practice and choosing from Iyengar, Hatha or Pranayama. Add the choice between connecting to ocean power in the surf or communing with hill spirits during mountain river dips. Tap into Portugal's timeless human fabric too - caress Neolithic standing stones, reflect in timeworn monastic retreats. Then slumber beneath magical starlit heavens.

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Calling us from outside the US?

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Walking in an anytime wonderland

The 2013 opening of the 350km Rota Vicentina gave Portugal one of the world's finest walks. 120km hugs the Atlantic on the Fishermen's Trail, while the Historical Way crosses tranquil wildflower valleys, cork forests and Alentejo uplands still paced by shepherds. This old pilgrims' trail is stamped with history – churches, old country houses, time-warp villages where locals delight to chat about their lives and your journey.

Inland from the Algarve beaches, the Serra de Monchique's ancient paths track through orange and almond groves, and woods scented with eucalyptus and arbutus. Long valley views provide ready-made pauses. For geo-drama, the Serra de Estrela constitute Portugal's highest mountains, a north-east national park mixing limestone peaks, mossy waterfalls, granite caves and rippling rivers. In winter, this is also ski country – though luxury retreats offer relaxation amid beauty year-round.

More about Portugal

Portugal travel guide

Our Portugal travel guide covers what we rate and what we don't.

Best time to visit Portugal

The best time to visit Portugal is spring or autumn, especially for walkers and cyclists.

Portugal Map & highlights

Porto in the north, Algarve in the south, Lisbon and Sintra-Cascais National Park in between.

Portugal with kids

Learn our advice for families hoping to explore the Algarve and beyond.

Things to see & do in the Algarve

Cast aside your pre-conceptions, we’ll show you the real Algarve.

Things to see & do in Lisbon

Lisbon is one of Europe’s most beautiful and underrated capitals.

Things to see & do in Alentejo

Alentejo vacations introduce you to one of Europe’s last unspoilt landscapes.

Things to see & do in Madeira

For such a small island Madeira boasts a stunning range of landscapes.

Things to see & do in Sintra

Sintra is a fairytale tapestry of ancient castles, palaces and grand estates.

Things to see & do in the Azores

The Azores is a volcanic archipelago that’s all about the scenery and cetaceans.

Cycling in Portugal

We give Portugal an ‘A’ for cycling vacations: Algarve, Azores, Alentejo, Atlantic Coast.

Walking in Portugal

Discover the breadth of destinations across Portugal where you can hit the trail.

Yoga vacations in Portugal

Learn what to expect from a yoga vacation in Portugal as well as where to stay.

Portugal travel advice

Portugal travel advice starts with a few tidbits from friendly folks we know and trust.

Responsible tourism in Portugal

Learn responsible tourism tips and what you can do to travel better in Portugal.

All our Portugal guides

Find all of our Portugal guides conveniently in one place to plan your trip.

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Written by Norman Miller

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Photo credits: [Page banner: Ian_woodhead1] [Pedalling perfection: Web Summit] [Unforgettable sandscapes: Samuel Zeller] [Gentle bends: Vale de Moses, Mirte Ruesen] [Walking in an anytime wonderland: Diogo Tavares]

Things to do in Portugal