Portugal Tours & Trips

The Atlantic Ocean and its endless beaches are ideal for sunbathing. Hit up the vibrant fish markets for the freshest seafood, or jump on a whale-watching tour for an unforgettable experience. And don't forget to check out the historic lighthouses for epic panoramic views.

Northern Portugal offers visitors some of the most genuine experiences in Iberia, as our guided tours highlight the region's distinctive character. The balance works really well - our travelers tell us they appreciate having structured activities mixed with free time to explore independently. When it comes to highlights, the Douro Valley is hard to beat. You'll visit traditional quintas, or wine estates, where local vintners share their deep knowledge of Portugal's wine heritage. What makes these tours work is how naturally they connect you with Portuguese life, from the carefully picked local hotels to regional dishes that tell you so much about the area's food culture.

River cruising along Portugal's Douro delivers exactly what makes our travelers come back: really warm Portuguese hospitality, good comfort levels on the boats and excellent food and wine along the way. When we look at the Douro Experience, it's the crew's attentiveness and smartly planned routes that make it special - you'll drift past terraced vineyards and old quintas dotting the riverbanks. While people rate the meals aboard ships like A Rosa quite highly, they often tell us how much they enjoy mixing it up with dinners in Porto's local spots too. Our English-speaking guests regularly mention how well the crew looks after them, going that extra mile to keep things relaxed. There's actually a neat rule about daytime-only sailing here, which works out perfectly - you get a laid-back pace and great light for photos of the UNESCO-listed landscape. The local dishes really shine too; you'll find classics like bacalhau à brás paired with regional wines that our travelers can't stop talking about.

The landscape of Madeira really comes alive through its network of levada walks - historical irrigation channels that our TourRadar travelers now use as excellent hiking paths. When you need a break, there's the traditional afternoon tea at Reid's Hotel, and the volcanic pools at Porto Moniz offer something special for swimmers. Our guests tend to mix active exploration with cultural elements, from tasting Madeira wine in local cellars to exploring Funchal's lively market and its local products. The Pico do Arieiro trek is worth the effort - it's a proper mountain climb that gives you island-wide views and sometimes puts you right above the cloud line. We've learned from our travelers that starting these hikes early morning really pays off; you'll catch those morning views before the afternoon clouds roll in. During summer, the island opens up even more possibilities with whale watching trips and canyoning routes through the valleys and streams.

Sail through Portugal's scenic landscapes on a river cruise. Witness the terraced vineyards of Douro Valley, visit historic Coimbra, and take a walking tour of vibrant Porto. Enjoy local wines, traditional Fado music, and delicious Portuguese cuisine.

Madeira's trails and levadas create a fantastic network for walkers and hiking fans. The best routes we offer blend coastal sections with mountain paths, taking you through the UNESCO Laurel forests alongside those clever old irrigation channels. Our customers keep telling us about their walks to Boca do Risco - it's a great spot to see the Madeira Firecrest and take in views across the Atlantic. Around Santana, you'll walk past those distinctive A-frame houses and see the terraced fields that produce three harvests each year. Down in the Algarve, the Seven Hanging Valleys trail is a favorite - you'll pass limestone cliffs and find quiet beaches along the way. What works really well is how the routes mix coastal and inland walking; you can always pop into a village for coffee or find a hidden beach for a cooling dip.

São Miguel in the Azores really delivers for active travelers who want variety in their days. You can spot whales off Ponta Delgada and then go kayaking on Sete Cidades lake, all with volcanic scenery as your backdrop. The thermal pools at Caldeira Velha make a perfect break between activities, and you can cycle around crater lakes at whatever speed suits you. Over in Madeira, we mix hiking with unique spots like the natural lava pools at Porto Moniz. Our TourRadar guests often mention how much they enjoy mixing active days with local culture, especially trying food cooked using volcanic heat in Furnas. With small groups of 6-8 people, the local guides can adjust plans easily and show you their favorite hidden spots.

Portugal's cycling routes give you two really different ways to see the country. The Porto to Lisbon ride keeps you close to the Atlantic, winding through pine forests and small towns. Our TourRadar customers often tell us how much they enjoy mixing up beach rides with stops in medieval spots like Óbidos. If you take the Lisbon to Algarve option, you're in for something different - following the Vicentine Coast Natural Park where the cliffs drop into empty beaches. The guides set up lovely picnic lunches in scenic spots, which our travelers say really makes their day. You'll cover about 40-60km daily and e-bikes are there if you want them for the hills. Most riding is on bike paths or quiet roads, though you should know there are some busier stretches - worth thinking about if you're new to bike touring.