Fun Things to Do in Lisbon and Central Portugal

Adventures in Lisbon!

If you are coming to Lisbon or central Portugal and would like help planning your holiday please ask us for suggestions and advice.

Family holidays, parties of friends, stag and hen dos, sports clubs or corporate enquiries are all welcome- we have lots of experience and knowledge of the local area and are happy to help!
Please browse all our activities in Lisbon and central Portugal below.

Central Portugal stretches from the capital Lisbon in the South to the university town of Coimbra in the North and includes the regions traditionally known as Estremadura, Ribatejo, Beira Litoral, Beira Baixa and the Alto Alentejo.

Lisbon itself is a captivating city with narrow winding streets, beautiful architecture and views, lots to see and do, good shopping and restaurants and a buzzing nightlife. As you drive further along the ‘marginal’ road from Lisbon to Guincho you’ll come across lovely beaches which are extremely popular for watersports and host international sailing, windsurfing and bodyboarding competitions.

If you are staying in the Lisbon area, you should be sure to also visit the romantic woodland town of Sintra. With its picturesque palaces, gardens and castle it is a UNESCO world heritage town and former playground for Portuguese aristocracy! Further inland you can unwind in tranquil countryside from the distinctive mountains of Serra da Estrela to the gently rolling hills of the Alto Alentejo. Ideal for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and nature lovers its an opportunity to sample the traditional way of life in medieval towns and spot rare or beautiful wild life in the natural parks.

The enticingly named silver coast (costa de prata) above Lisbon is increasingly popular with visitors and home buyers. The sea side towns of Ericeira, Peniche, Nazaré and Figueira da Foz are renowned for top quality surfing, body boarding, diving and other water-sports and excellent fish restaurants.

In recent years a selection of luxurious and championship golf courses have been created in central Portugal to take advantage of some spectacular views and the area has been named European golf destination of the year.

City Tours

Cycling Tours of Lisbon
Lisbon bike tourJoin us on a guided cycling tour of Lisbon’s historical city centre and waterfront – an easy ride downhill and along the flat and a great way to visit many of Lisbon’s most famous monuments and get a feel for the city. Or if you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city explore the lush and picturesque woodland of Monsanto by mountain bike.
Walking Tours of Lisbon
Lisbon walking toursSlow down and enjoy Lisbon like a local! Our enthusiastic, friendly guides are delighted to share their love and knowledge of Lisbon with you and to let you into its secrets. Sightseeing, gourmet and Fado tours available.
Lisbon Go Car and Beetle Tours
Lisbon GoCar tourForget tour buses this is the coolest way to effortlessly explore the city! Cruise around town in a GoCar or a 70s convertible VW Beetle! The GoCars are self guided with GPS and the Beetles are available for both self guided and guided tours of Lisbon, Sintra and Arrábida.
Twizy Car Tours of Lisbon
Twizy car tours in LisbonNew! Take a tour of the city in a two seater 100% electric Renault Twizy, with GPS audio guides in various language this is a fun, eco-friendly way to explore on your own.
Segway Tours of Lisbon
Segway tours in LisbonEco-friendly and fun, the Lisbon Segway tours are designed by local guides eager to show you the city they love! Tours to suit all tastes including history tours,gastronomy tours and even a beer tour!
Excursions from Lisbon
Excursions from LisbonHalf and full day excursions from Lisbon, see the highlights of Portugal: Sintra, Obidos, Evora, Fatima and more on easy and affordable guided tours.

Adventure

Adventure Park
Adventure parkCome and have a go at our high adrenaline tree top, high ropes challenges with tight ropes, scramble nets, rope and wobbly bridges, suspended tunnels, tarzan swings, fast zip slides and much more. Ideal for adults and kids! Stag and hen parties, corporate, group and individual bookings welcome.
Adventures in Arrabida!
abseiling in ArrabidaAdventurous days out in the beautiful Arrabida natural park: climbing, abseiling, coasteering, caving, mountain biking, canorafting, paragliding, diving and more…The park is located one hour south of Lisbon.
See the real Portugal and have fun doing it!
exploring PortugalWe offer everything from adventure sports to cultural days out in central Portugal. We are based in the Beira Litoral – ideally placed for exploring the nearby mountains, natural parks, rivers and historical towns. Our aim is to preserve and promote the natural beauty of the local countryside while offering you an experience you’ll never forget.
Serra da Estrela Adventures
Serra da EstrelaThe Serra da Estrela national park could have been tailor made for adventure! Join us climbing, kayaking, hiking or for a multi-activity expedition in this stunning wilderness. Specialist guides and equipment are provided to ensure a truly memorable experience.

Campervan Hire

Hire a Campervan
CampervanLooking to explore Portugal? Our cool, modern and nippy campervans are a great option for independent, adventurous and budget travellers!

Cooking and Gourmet

Gourmet Experiences and Cooking Classes in Lisbon
Lisbon cooking classIndulge in one of the most Portuguese of passions! Good food and wine! We offer regular cooking classes, wine and cheese tasting, gastronomy tours and special programmes for groups including a wine making experience. Ideal for all foodies – hungry individuals, families, parties and corporate groups welcome.

Cycling

See also the bike tours in Lisbon listed above.

Cycling Tours of Sintra
Sintra bike tourSintra bike tours – join us on a guided cycling tour and discover the romantic woodland scenery and fascinating history of Sintra a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestling in a protected Natural Park

Diving

Diving in Lisbon and Cascais
divingOur PADI registered Cascais diving centre offers you the chance to explore the Lisbon and Cascais coast, meet the fascinating local marine life, investigate intriguing wrecks and take PADI diving courses at all levels. Diving all year round

Fishing

Sea Fishing in Lisbon and Cascais
fishingWe now offer an exciting fishing trip that is suitable for both beginners and those who fish regularly. The Lisbon and Cascais coast is a fantastic place to fish with catches ranging from octopus to eel, sea bream to shark and our experienced local guides will ensure you have a rewarding and fun day out.
Carp Fishing Trips
carp fishing in PortugalCarp fishing in Portugal is a must do for anglers! Our expert guide is a carp specialist with over 30 years of match angling experience and will take you to the best local waters. Experienced anglers and beginners are welcome and have an excellent chance of a good catch in these under exploited waters!

Flying

Hot Air Balloon Rides
hot air balloonsJoin us for a trip you’ll never forget. Take to the skies and fly over the green and tranquil countryside, historic villages and bustling towns… A romantic, exhilarating, extraordinary experience! All ages are welcome and VIP flights are available.
Paragliding!
paragliding near LisbonCome paragliding in the sunshine and soar over the cliffs and coast. The views are spectacular so this is one holiday experience you won’t forget! Tandem flights for beginners and paragliding courses are available. Kids welcome.
Sky Diving!
sky divingThe adventure of a lifetime! Come and throw yourself out of a plane in the Alentejo’s sunny skies. Easy to get to from Lisbon.
Scenic Flights
flying near LisbonCharter a plane for a private, scenic flight over Lisbon and the coast! Lisbon enjoys an enviable, waterfront location surrounded by gorgeous sandy beaches, historic towns and pretty, white washed villages and the romantic wooded hills of Sintra. The views from the sky are magnificent and we have several routes for you to choose from or plan your own. You can also hire our planes to two a banner with a message of your choice!
Sky Diving!
sky divingThe adventure of a lifetime! Come and throw yourself out of a plane in the Alentejo’s sunny skies. Easy to get to from Lisbon.

Horse Riding

Horse-Riding Holidays in the Heart of Portugal.
Portugal horse ridingJoin us for a fabulous riding holiday at our beautiful farm in the undiscovered green heart of Central Portugal. Stunning scenery, lovely horses, great home cooked food. All riding standards catered for including families.
Lusitano horses riding centre and horses for sale.
Portuguese Lusitano HorsesPortugal’s lusitano horses are famous for their beauty and ability. At our equestrian centre and manor house you can ride and learn more about these stunning horses and relax in truly tranquil countryside. Experienced riders, beginners, children and non-riders are all welcome. We sometimes also have a selection of Lusitano horses for sale
Trail Riding Holidays and Riding Clinics
trail riding in PortugalA treat for riders! Relax on responsive, well trained Lusitano horses and discover more of Portugal’s natural beauty and equestrian culture. These gorgeous coast and countryside trail rides take you off the beaten track. Dressage and riding clinics are also available at a Lusitano stud in the Ribatejo.
Coast and Countryside Trail Riding
riding portugalRiding holidays in the Serra da Grandola, a region of unspoilt natural beauty looking over the Atlantic Ocean with a selection of gorgeous rides on the beach, by a lagoon and in the forests.

Kayaking

Kayak Tour of Arrabida
Arrabida kayak tourA kayak tour is a fun and memorable way to explore the dramatic coastline of the Arrabida Natural Park with its towering cliffs, secluded beaches, spectacular rock formations and hidden coves. Transport from Lisbon can be provided.

Sailing and Boat Trips

Come sailing in Lisbon
sailingOur sailing school offers everyone the opportunity to experience life on the ocean wave. We organize sailing baptisms, cruises from a romantic afternoon’s sailing to one and two day cruises, courses for beginners and experienced sailors and team building activities for companies.
Dolphin Watching in Setubal
dolphinOur cruises offer you the chance to discover an area of spectacular natural beauty and see mainland Portugal’s only resident dolphin population playing, hunting and socialising in their natural habitat!
Boat Trips in Lisbon
Lisbon boat tripsRelaxing, fun boat trips in Lisbon whether you’re interested in celebrating a special occasion, photography, romance, history and architecture, team-building or just a quiet day on the water we can design the boat trip for you!
Cascais Dolphin Watching Tours
Cascais dolphin watching tourCome and see the Cascais dolphins! Join us on an exhilarating speed boat ride searching for dolphins off the Cascais coast. As well as the possibility of seeing wild dolphins in their natural habitat this tour also offers magnificent views over the coast and the city and the excitement of a speedboat adventure.
Cruises in Lisbon
historic sailing shipComing in a large party? We have a fantastic restored historical sailing ship available for charter for day, half day, sunset and night cruises, weddings, birthday parties, dinner cruises, corporate events and workshops and more. Meals, an open bar and entertainment can be arranged.

Surfing, Kitesurfing and Other Watersports

If you want to surf in Central Portugal…
Portugal surfing…have an adventure, fun, parties, enjoy peace, quiet and comfort, try new food and meet new friends. We offer all ages the opportunity to learn to surf on the beaches of central Portugal, where you can feel close to nature. After a day’s surfing, you can relax over a nice dinner in a friendly family atmosphere.
Kitesurfing in Lisbon and Cascais
Portugal kitesurfingLearn to kitesurf in Lisbon and Cascais, join us for a surfari or hire equipment. Easy access to fantastic beaches including the famous Guincho beach, a long kitesurfing season, friendly and experienced trilingual instructors and lots of fun!
Peniche Surf and Yoga Retreats
Sintra yoga retreatCombining surfing, yoga and meditation the holiday brings people in contact with nature and experience their own bodies and minds. Discover beautiful, remote beaches with constantly breaking, perfect waves, friendly like minded people and relaxing yoga.
SUP and Yoga Retreats
SUP and yoga retreatA yoga and SUP holiday is the ideal antidote to the stresses of day-to-day life! The two sports complement each other perfectly with SUP adding an extra challenge to your balance and core so the holiday will be relaxing but could also boost strength and fitness.

Walking

Walking in Sintra
Sintra walking tourJoin us on a guided Sintra walking tour and discover the romantic woodland scenery and fascinating history of Sintra a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestling in a protected Natural Park. See for yourself why Byron called Sintra a ‘glorious Eden’ and it was a favoured summer haunt for Portuguese aristocracy and royalty.
Walking Tours in Central Portugal
Portugal walksOur walks are designed by experienced, enthusiastic walkers who want to show you each region’s most beautiful scenery and give you a taste of its history, culture, wildlife and gastronomy. We offer day tours in Lisbon, Sintra and Arrabida and relaxing guided and self guided walking holidays throughout central Portugal.

Yoga

Yoga Retreats in Sintra
Sintra yoga retreatGet away from the stresses of day-to-day life and join us for a yoga and meditation retreat. Indepth practice yogis of all levels in a truly magical setting! Short breaks and week long retreats available.
Yoga Retreats in Serra da Estrela
Serra da Estrela yogaImagine a farmhouse on the edge of wilderness where you can practice yoga daily, stroll through the forest, swim and mud bathe in rivers, breath the pure, mountain air, eat delicious, healthy food, be inspired, make new friends and simply… retreat.
Guerrilla Yoga in Lisbon!
Lisbon yogaCheck out the coolest yoga in Lisbon! We call this retreat the Guerilla Yoga Retreat because we’re leaving the studio and hitting the streets!

See also the Peniche surf and yoga and SUP and yoga retreats above.