Find an adventure playground in Portugal

Portugal’s lesser-known regions offer year-round fun for families looking for active pursuits in nature, without the crowds. Its verdant islands are a paradise for nature lovers, such as in Madeira, dotted with historic hiking trails taking in waterfalls, viewpoints and lush forest. Meanwhile in Azores, visitors can dip their toe into one of Portugal’s most popular sports: surfing. And on the mainland, the Center of Portugal’s rugged vistas offer a quieter, crowd-free escape with gently flowing waterways and river beaches perfect for paddling, countryside ambles or a family picnic.

 

Ride the waves

Surfing is a much-loved pursuit in Portugal, thanks to its mild Atlantic climate and world‑famous waves. Best of all, it’s an activity that can be enjoyed every day of the year, making it ideal for active families in any season. In Azores, São Miguel offers gentler conditions, particularly around Santa Bárbara beach, where beginners and children can safely get to grips with the sport, have fun in the waves or take lessons from one of the surf schools in the area. 

 

Further along, the beach has ideal conditions for swimming and sunbathing, so whatever their interest, everyone will find an activity to love. In the Center of Portugal, experienced surfers should head for the epic waves in Nazaré, which provide a next-level challenge. While Praia do Norte often sees towering waves in peak season, from November to February, there are plenty of opportunities for budding surfers to catch a wave here, overseen by professional instructors.

 

Made for walking

Madeira draws hikers from far and wide to walk its subtropical levada trails – narrow paths that follow old irrigation channels, criss-crossing the island past waterfalls, through lush rainforest and along dramatic ridges. Levada trails range from easy to longer, expert hikes, as well as family‑friendly routes, allowing clients to take in some of Madeira’s most picturesque scenes along well-marked trails in just a few hours. The Levada das 25 Fontes is a popular choice, taking in sweeping vistas and tumbling waterfalls such as Risco, Madeira’s tallest.

 

For more adventurous walkers, the Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal offers a deeper dive into the island’s wilder side, tracing forest paths towards panoramic views over the São Vicente valley and Madeira’s highest peaks. It’s not just Portugal’s islands that harbour pretty hikes. In the Center of Portugal’s Serra da Estrela, visitors can tackle hiking trails among one of the country’s highest mountain ranges and try other sports such as climbing and kayaking, or hop on a bike to take in nature on two wheels.

 

River beaches

Portugal’s golden coastline might garner most of the limelight but inland, clients will find a network of peaceful river beaches, which have their own soft golden sand and run along the banks of crystal-clear rivers in the countryside. With fewer crowds, gentle currents and surrounded by the sounds of nature, they make a great alternative for escaping the summer heat. Visiting Foz d’Égua River Beach, near the village of Piódão in the Center of Portugal, feels like stepping back in time. The beautiful arched stone bridges and dense emerald forests here come second only to the 300 fascinating ancient rock engravings that can be found in the surrounding area, some of which are more than 4,000 years old. The area is just the spot to cool off and refuel, with leisure zones, a bar and a picnic area.

 

The nearby Schist Villages, made up of 27 restored hamlets peppered across the hills in the Center of Portugal, hold a similar allure, where clients can find more tranquil river beaches along the Zêzere River or near the Lousã Mountains for an authentic escape into the Portuguese countryside.

 

For more information, head to visitportugal.com

 

PICTURES: Visit Portugal; Susana de Seixas Vaz; AP Madeira; Visit Azores/MRZ; Shutterstock/RudiErnst