Top 10 alternative holidays in Portugal
Our best Portugal holidays showcase the country’s great natural beauty and cultural charms, encompassing what we think makes this one of our most popular European travel destinations. Which is to say, put to one side the resorts and golf courses of the Algarve, the magnificent but tourist-thronged plazas of Lisbon, and the fairytale palaces of Sintra that are more of a cautionary tale at the height of summer.
Think instead of fascinating cultural and walking tours amid the lush mountainous scenery of northern Portugal, cycling the dramatic Atlantic Coast between Porto and Lisbon, or whale watching amongst the volcanic islands of the Azores. Think of tracing the island of Madeira along its levada waterways, or sedately exploring the vineyards and communities of the Douro Valley by kayak. These are all activities that help spread the financial benefits of tourism, while lessening the strain on the most-visited places, which is the essence of responsible travel in Portugal.
Think instead of fascinating cultural and walking tours amid the lush mountainous scenery of northern Portugal, cycling the dramatic Atlantic Coast between Porto and Lisbon, or whale watching amongst the volcanic islands of the Azores. Think of tracing the island of Madeira along its levada waterways, or sedately exploring the vineyards and communities of the Douro Valley by kayak. These are all activities that help spread the financial benefits of tourism, while lessening the strain on the most-visited places, which is the essence of responsible travel in Portugal.
1. Culture & camaraderie on a small group tour
For a convenient, sociable introduction to Portugal, a fully escorted small group tour takes some beating. Routes are designed to make the most of your time – usually 7-10 days – but never feel rushed, as you roam from Porto to Lisbon via other, less-known communities such as Óbidos or Batalha. And with group sizes kept nice and small, you can stay in a range of locally owned hotels for an extra dose of Portuguese culture.
Our top trip: Small group tour in Portugal
See all our trips: Portugal small group tours
Our top trip: Small group tour in Portugal
See all our trips: Portugal small group tours
2. Cycle the Atlantic Coast from Porto to Lisbon
The wild Atlantic Coast between Porto and Lisbon is one of Portugal’s most exhilarating cycling routes. Daily rides between 40-60km take you past Nazaré, with its immense waves, and Figueira da Foz, the ‘Queen of Beaches’, among other memorable stretches. A self guided cycling holiday lets you set your own schedule, with the peace of mind that everything is arranged for you, from detailed route maps to accommodation.Our top trip: Porto to Lisbon cycling holiday, self guided
See all our trips: Portugal cycling holidays
Read more: Portugal cycling travel guide
3. Cycle the Algarve region
There’s far more to the Algarve, in southern Portugal, than golf courses, water parks, and busy beaches. A superb network of well-marked cycling trails can be enjoyed here, with routes designed by local experts who know them well. Self-guided cycling gives you the freedom to set your own pace, with all of the logistics arranged for you, including accommodation, GPS, and detailed route notes.Our top trip: Self-guided cycling in the Algarve
See all our trips: Portugal cycling holidays
Read more: Portugal cycling travel guide
4. Wonderful whales in the Azores
The Portuguese region of the Azores, an Atlantic archipelago composed of nine volcanic islands, is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. More than 15 whale species, as well as dolphins and other marine life, adore the dark, cold and deep waters here because they are laden with nutritious plankton and squid. Marine biologists accompany responsible boat trips to pass on additional insights and answer your cetacean questions.
Our top trip: Whale watching in the Azores
See all our trips: Azores holidays
Read more: Azores travel guide
Our top trip: Whale watching in the Azores
See all our trips: Azores holidays
Read more: Azores travel guide
5. Explore the Douro Valley… by kayak
Portugal’s Douro Valley is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. This beautiful landscape of terraced hills is threaded by the Douro River, punctuated with olive groves, historic towns and villages, and ancient rock art left by previous inhabitants many centuries ago. Exploring the Douro Valley by kayak allows for a unique and wonderfully sedate perspective on one of the country’s most popular destinations.Our top trip: Douro Valley by kayak holiday
See all our trips: Lake and river kayaking holidays
6. Walk the Portugal Way
One of the lesser-walked Camino routes, and all the more enjoyable for it, the Portugal Camino gives you the option of either walking inland, through idyllic countryside, or along the coast, where the seafood cuisine is divine. The trails, both of them relatively flat, converge on the other side of the Spanish border in Redondela. Our Portugal Camino holidays are tailor made, so you enjoy plenty of flexibility on when you go, where you stay, and your precise route.Our top trip: Portuguese Camino walking holiday
See all our trips: Portugal walking holidays
Read more: Portugal walking holidays travel guide and Camino de Santiago travel guide
7. Walk the levadas of Madeira
The Portuguese archipelago of Madeira lies just off the north-west coast of Africa, and the main island, also called Madeira, is a spectacular place for a walking holiday. Formed from a submerged shield volcano, the island is criss-crossed by a network of manmade irrigation channels called levadas. As well as keeping fields well-watered, they provide handy footpaths, taking you from stunning coastal viewpoints to hidden waterfalls with ease.
Our top trip: Walking holiday in Madeira
See all our trips: Madeira walking holidays
Read more: Madeira travel guide
Our top trip: Walking holiday in Madeira
See all our trips: Madeira walking holidays
Read more: Madeira travel guide
8. Get active in the Azores
Famed for its whale watching, and the UNESCO-listed vineyards of Pico, the Azores archipelago is also a paradise for adventure-seekers. Across a week, experienced local guides lead you canyoning, hiking, jeep touring and swimming with dolphins. Between bursts of adrenaline, you can recharge with a soak in a hot spring and soak up some Portuguese island culture with a traditional cozido meal – meat and vegetables cooked underground in hot volcanic soil.Our top trip: Azores multi activity holiday
See all our trips: Azores adventure holidays
Read more: Azores travel guide
9. Walking in the Douro Valley
Portugal’s historic wine region, the Douro Valley, is considered the birthplace of Port wine. For centuries, barges loaded with barrels made their languorous way down the Douro River to be aged in cellars. Walking here amid these terraced hills is a similarly tranquil affair, especially on a self guided trip where you can go as fast or as slow as you like, pausing for a picnic here, and a glass or two there.Our top trip: Douro Valley selfguided walking holiday
See all our trips: Portugal walking holidays
Read more: Portugal walking holidays travel guide
10. Enjoy the Algarve on foot
It may be one of southern Europe’s most popular summer holiday destinations, but there’s much more to the Algarve than just golden beaches, golf courses and sumptuous fish dinners. Our Algarve walking holidays roam ancient cork forests, salt flats, sand dunes, tiny fishing communities and protected wetlands where flamingos pose pinkly. You can join a guided small group tour or walk at your own pace on a self-guided trip with full support.
Our top trip: Self guided walking in the Algarve
See all our trips: Algarve holidays
Read more: Algarve travel guide
Our top trip: Self guided walking in the Algarve
See all our trips: Algarve holidays
Read more: Algarve travel guide
We would like to thank Visit Portugal for commissioning this page.
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