Where can you canoe in Portugal?

If you want to canoe in Portugal you can take your pick of destinations! Portugal has four major rivers the Tagus, the Douro, the Guadiana and the Minho and many smaller ones so wherever you want to go you should have the opportunity to canoe.

As one of the least populated countries in Europe, taking to the rivers in Portugal lets you appreciate its natural beauty and traditional way of life.

Even in the most popular tourist destinations such as the Algarve, you soon feel miles from anywhere, floating past ancient orchards, white-washed cottages, even whiter storks and perhaps basking turtles! If you come in January and February bring your camera to capture orchards of almond trees swathed in beautiful sweet-smelling pink blossom but don't forget to bring some warm clothes too just in case the weather turns cool.

Canoeing also gives you the option of exploring Portugal's remoter regions. In the Peneda-Gerês National Park in the North of Portugal and the surrounding areas you will find rugged mountains, hidden waterfalls, wild moorland ponies and ancient granite villages where jangling cow bells announce the return of the herd for milking.

Further south in the Alentejo rivers wind through white washed villages nestling amongst perfectly rounded hills and gnarled olive and cork trees- perfect for nature spotting and a leisurely lunch or take to the lake at Alqueva, also in the Alentejo, - Europe's largest man made dam and an up and coming water sports destination.