It’s no secret that Portugal is a favorite destination for beach and gastronomy lovers, but Portugal is so much more than that. It is also a paradise for sports enthusiasts, whether they’re participants or spectators of extreme activities and sports tourism.

In Northern Portugal, you’ll find the perfect conditions to challenge your body and mind, embarking on unforgettable adventures. The hardest part? Deciding where to begin: on land, on water or in the air? Or maybe you don’t have to choose at all. Discover our suggestions!

When it comes to walking, it’s impossible not to mention Portugal’s only national park: the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Together with Spain’s Baixa Limia – Serra do Xurés Natural Park, it forms the Gerês-Xurés Transboundary Park and the Biosphere Reserve with the same name.

Covering approximately 700 km² of protected area, this park is filled with breathtaking landscapes, verdant hills, rugged peaks, waterfalls, an abundant diversity of plant life, rare animal species and a rich historical and cultural heritage.

The Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark, spanning 328 km², boasts extraordinary geological heritage and an extensive list of reasons why it’s a must-visit destination.

In 2024, for the seventh consecutive year, the Paiva Walkways were named "Europe's Leading Adventure Tourism Attraction". Located on the left bank of the Paiva river, these 8 km of walkways are framed by breathtaking landscapes in a true natural sanctuary. The path winds through the river beaches of Areinho, Espiunca and Vau. A perfect symbiosis of nature, biology, geology and archaeology.

Right nearby, adrenaline seekers won’t want to miss crossing the 516 Arouca Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world. Spanning 516 meters, it soars above one of Europe’s most untamed rivers, the Paiva.

These are just a few suggestions. Northern Portugal is filled with places waiting for you to explore!

Exploring Porto and Northern Portugal by bike is a unique and liberating experience. At your own pace, without rushing, or testing your endurance, you can discover the sea, the landscapes, historic towns and villages, natural parks and the architectural richness of this region.

Northern Portugal offers golf enthusiasts renowned courses, surrounded by stunning mountain or seaside landscapes. Learn more on the dedicated Golf portal.

Football is a passion that runs deep in the veins of the Portuguese, holding undeniable cultural significance. Portugal, alongside Spain and Morocco, will host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, a major event following in the footsteps of Expo 98, Euro 2004 and the World Youth Day.

In Northern Portugal, football is more than just the game, it’s also a gateway to architectural gems. Here are three stadiums worth visiting:

• Estádio do Dragão and FC Porto Museum, Porto
• Estádio Municipal de Braga
• Estádio D. Afonso Henriques, Guimarães

The beaches of Northern Portugal have become a favorite destination for many national and international water sports enthusiasts:

• Espinho and Viana do Castelo (especially Arda Beach) are key spots for surfing, bodyboarding, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), diving, sport fishing and more;
• In Matosinhos, Ofir and Esposende (at Cabedelo Beach), the combination of sea and wind creates perfect conditions for water skiing, windsurfing and kitesurfing;
• Caminha feels like home to fans of bodyboarding, canoeing, kitesurfing, sport fishing, windsurfing, sailing and SUP;
• The beaches of Póvoa de Varzim offer ideal conditions for surfing and bodyboarding enthusiasts;
• On the rivers of the Minho region, activities like diving, rafting, canyoning, kayaking, canoeing and sport fishing take center stage.

The list of possibilities is as vast as the warmth and generosity of the people who welcome you here.

Climbing offers both physical and mental benefits. In Porto and Northern Portugal, there are several ideal spots to test your limits.