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 Holidays
Sintra Natural Park retreats & walks in Portugal
Walking, yoga, R&R near beaches, forests, historic sites
Cycling holiday in Portugal, self guided
A leisurely cycling holiday in the Algarve
Madeira walking holiday
Small group walking tour of madeira
Alentejo & Algarve self guided walking holiday, Portugal
Independent coastal walking holidays in the Alentejo Coast
Azores tour, island explorer
Dolphins, whales and explore fiery volcanic islands!
Portugal cycling holidays, self guided
Tranquility cycling holidays
Yoga holiday in Portugal
A stunning Yoga retreat in the Portuguese mountains.
Yoga & relaxation holiday in Portugal
Yoga, massage and mud baths in the Portuguese mountains.
Sintra Natural Park accommodation in Portugal
Eco-friendly B&B, in Sintra Natural Park near lovely beaches
Porto to Lisbon cycling holiday, self guided
Flat terrain tour along the coast
Algarve holiday accommodation
Enchanting agrotourism on 6 ha rural estate close to beach
Azores walking holiday, Portugal
Walk to Cete Cidades and the Fire Lakes
Portugal mountain bike tour
Self guided biking tour in Portuguese Historical Villages
Coastal walking holiday in Portugal
The very best walks from the 125km selection of coastal trails
Blue Whale tour in the Azores
Visit the Azores at the best time to see Blue Whales
Spain and Portugal holiday, historic cities & villages
Visit cosmopolitan cities, quaint villages & rolling hills
Atlantic Coast cycling holiday in Portugal
Discover magical cities and the Atlantic coast of Portugal
Alentejo & Algarve self guided cycling holiday, Portugal
90% asfalt and 10% of the best coastal tracks in Europe
Small group tour in Portugal
Discover Portugal's idyllic Alentejo Coast
Yoga & surfing holiday in the Algarve, Portugal
Nourish yourself with yoga, surf & deliciously healthy food
Blue whale watching in the Azores, Pico Island
Best time to see Blue Whales in the Azores
Algarve self guided cycling tour
Dramatic coastline to picturesque countryside in the Algarve
Portugal walking tour
Self guided walking tour in Portuguese Schist Villages
Swimming with wild dolphins in the Azores
Live a dream and swim with wild dolphins
Family swimming with dolphins in the Azores
A family focused adventure and experience of a lifetime.
Alentejo Coast family activity holiday, Portugal
Family multi-activity week on the Alentejo coast, Portugal
Short cycling break in the Algarve
Self guided mini cycling break in Eastern Algarve
Algarve yoga and surf eco retreat, Portugal
Great eco accommodation in nature reserve close to the beach
Algarve cycling holiday in Portugal
Western Algarve self guided cycling holiday
Alto Alentejo cycling holiday in Portugal, self guided
Cycle on the Alentejo backroads of Portugal countryside
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.