If lying by the pool bores you to tears, a fun-packed trip to Portugal could be just what you need. Will Gray looks at what’s on offer.
The famed fairways of Portugal draw in thousands of holidaymakers each year searching for some sporting sunshine – but the country has a lot more to offer active travellers than golf.
Cycling, sailing, hiking and diving are all on the increase, with more operators looking at ways to maximise this area in Portugal and its islands of Madeira and the Azores.
And while the country retains top-level status as a golfing paradise there are also now plenty of other ways to sell it as an activity destination.
Bernardo Ivo Cruz, director of Portuguese investment, trade and tourism in the UK, said:
“Portugal’s varied landscape and year-round good weather make it an ideal golfing destination – but there are also many adventure travel experiences for visitors.”
This is partly due to Portugal’s decision to focus on six ‘new’ tourist destinations:
- Douro: an archaeological heritage site and the world’s oldest wine region
- Serra da Estrela: a natural park with historic villages showcasing Portuguese culture and tradition
- Alqueva: Europe’s largest artificial lake offers visitors a chance to take part in a range of water sports
- Porto Santo: a new destination with nearly six miles of sandy coastline
- Oeste and Alentejo Coast: both boast stunning beaches and world heritage attractions
Ivo Cruz added: “We have good safety standards, an agreeable climate, traditional Portuguese hospitality, an exciting nightlife and a diverse gastronomical offering.”
Water sports are the next highest on the list after golf, and specialists such as Archipelago Azores offer sailing trips in the Azores along with other activities such as diving with manta rays, dolphins and whales.
Other options include surfing and kite surfing, while close to the Spanish border, the rugged and mountainous areas offer great walking opportunities.
Meditation and yoga breaks cater to those looking to de-stress and unwind.
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Golf and spa breaks
Those searching for a golfing holiday with that little bit extra will enjoy the Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort and Hotel Spa.
This five-star resort offers a sizeable spa, four heated outdoor swimming pools, two tennis courts and golf packages that take in different courses around the Algarve.
Seven nights start from £872 with Thomas Cook.
Walking
Madeira offers the unique experience of Levada walking and this network of narrow irrigation channels travel through banana tree farmlands, along hanging terraces on cliff edges and past spectacular waterfalls.
Between April and October, seven nights including flights start at £448 per person with Atlantic Holidays.
Cycling
For a mountain biking adventure head to the Alentejo and Algarve, cycling along cliff-top coastal trails, Monchique and Foia mountain.
KE Adventure Travel offers an eight-day organised trip starting from £795 per person twin-share, land only (£100 extra for flights).
Tennis
Portugal has a wide range of facilities for tennis fans. Mark Warner Holidays offers a seven-night holiday to the Ocean Club resort in the Algarve for £345 per person twin-share in May, including flights, transfers and half-board accommodation.
Tennis tuition is available at extra cost.
Diving
Trips to explore the waters of the Azores generally run from May until October and offer caves, volcanic drop-offs, arches and an abundance of Atlantic and tropical fish, turtles and dolphins.
Sunvil offers a seven-night package at the Hotel Caloura, which has a diving centre, on Sao Miguel starting at £535 per person twin-share, including flights.
Diving can be arranged locally.
Dolphin watching
For the less active, the Atlantic waters of the Azores are a great place to view wildlife such as whales and dolphins.
Sunvil, again, offers a seven-night trip to view these animals with prices starting from £754 per person, including direct scheduled flights, staying at the three-star Hotel Sao Miguel Park.
The trip includes four three-hour whale and dolphin watching excursions.
