14 thrilling adventure activities in Portugal for teenagers

If you’re looking for an adventure vacation that will keep your teenagers entertained and active, Portugal is the perfect place to go. The country has stunningly beautiful beaches, mountains and countryside with plenty of activities to choose from, such as swimming in crystal-clear water, rock climbing, and kayaking.

Why should you visit Portugal with teens?

Your adventure activities in Portugal can include visits to historical sites like Lisbon’s Santa Cruz Monastery, the old town of Porto or the bone chapel of Faro. Watching big wave surfing in Nazare is thrilling while hanging out on Calais’ stunning beaches is fun.

In this article, you will find adventure holiday activities for teens that are located near major destinations such as Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve. These are the areas that families travelling to Portugal will visit on their vacation with teenagers.

Adventure Activities in Portugal near Lisbon

Lisbon is a great city to visit with teenagers. There are plenty of attractions and activities in Lisbon Portugal to keep them occupied. One of the best ways to see the city is by taking a tram ride.

The historic trams offer a view of the city that can’t be beaten. Another popular activity is touring the castle. The castle is perched on top of a hill overlooking Lisbon and offers stunning views of the cityscape.

Teenagers will also enjoy exploring the Alfama district, which is full of narrow alleyways, colourful houses, and lively nightlife. For those who want to relax on their holiday, Lisbon has some beautiful beaches and outdoor adventure activities just a short drive away.

Coasteering in Arrabida Natural Park near Lisbon

An amazing outdoor adventure for visiting teens in Lisbon is Coasteering. Coasteering is a fun, adventurous sport that combines elements of cliff jumping, swimming, and hiking. It can be done in an ocean, sea, or bay area.

Coasteering is perfect for those who love the thrill of adventure and want to explore the coastline in a new way. Discover the ruggedly stunning Sesimbra coastline during an exhilarating coasteering experience for teenagers near Lisbon. Search now for more information and bookings.

Tandem Paragliding in Serra da Arrábida near Lisbon

Tandem Paragliding is the perfect way to experience the thrill of Paragliding for the first time.

With an instructor, you’ll be up in the air in no time, floating through the skies and taking in beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged Portuguese coastline. The adrenaline rush of gliding through the sky is an experience like no other, and tandem Paragliding is a great way to get a taste of this extreme sport.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable sightseeing experience in Portugal, tandem Paragliding is definitely it. For more photos and bookings search here.

See more in Portugal with teens: How to get from Lisbon to Sintra easily

Surfing lessons in Lisbon

Surfing is a popular sport for all ages, but it can be especially fun for teenagers. It provides a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

In addition, surfing can help improve skills that are important in life, such as balance and coordination. The tour comes with a gear supplied such as boards and wetsuits to suit the experience to your personal needs.

There are many places where teenagers can learn how to surf in a safe environment, such as in Portugal. Your surf lesson will include on the sand safety training and skill building with a qualified instructor before tackling the water for some fun in the waves. Surfing is one of the best adventure activities in Portugal with teenagers, find out more here!

Mountain biking cliff top tour in the Ericeira World Surf Reserve 

Mountain biking is one of the most thrilling and extreme sports around. Those who love the adventure and wildness of nature find mountain biking to be the perfect outdoor activity.

Trails that wind through forests, over hills, and across mountains present challenges for beginners and keep even the most experienced riders coming back for more.

For those who are new to the sport, mountain bike tracks provide a safe place to learn and practice skills before venturing out onto more difficult terrain. There is nothing quite like the feeling of flying down a hill on two wheels, with nothing but nature all around you.

This small-group tour, which is suited to all abilities, takes you from the town centre and into the scenic cycle paths that skirt the cliff tops of the Ericeira World Surf Reserve. For more information, pictures, and bookings, search here.

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Adventure activities for teenagers near Porto

Porto is a great place to visit with teenagers. There are many attractions and things to do in the city, as well as beautiful scenery and a lovely beach nearby. The old town of Porto is fascinating to explore, and there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars there.

The River Douro is also worth seeing and provides a great backdrop to the city. Nearby Porto, the location lends itself to some amazing outdoor activities for teenagers.

White Water Rafting in Arouca, near Porto.

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, white water rafting is the perfect adventure sport. Navigating a river filled with rapids can be both thrilling and extreme, but it’s also an incredible experience that everyone should try at least once .

You will find plenty of companies that offer a thrilling white water rafting experience. Your tour guides will familiarise you with the basics of paddle strokes and safety procedures before you hit the river on this top northern Portugal white water rafting tour.

Once you’re on the river, trust your guide and enjoy the ride!  No experience is necessary on this amazing adventure that includes either class 3 or 4 rapids and last 3 hours as you will be guided down the river, around rocks, and over waves on the Portugal family adventure. For more information, pictures, and bookings, click here!

Stand-up paddleboarding in Porto

If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy the water and get some exercise, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) might be just the thing to add to a Porto itinerary.

SUP is a relatively new sport that involves standing on a large, surfboard-like paddleboard and using a long paddle to move through the water. It can be done in lakes, rivers, and oceans, and is great for all ages and abilities.

It’s also a great way to explore new areas and see things from a different perspective. The lessons begin in the flat waters of the Douro River, where the expert team will have you standing up and enjoying adventure tours in Portugal. Book your SUP experience in Porto today.

Family fun adventures in Porto – Segway Tour

How do you make the best vacations for teenagers? Segway! There is nothing more fun than zipping around a city on a Segway and for teens, this has to be one of the best things to do in Porto.

A Porto Segway tour is a great opportunity to have fun and learn about the city. Segway tours are for the whole family, you will be given instructions and a short amount of practise time before you set off on your adventures in Porto, taking palaces, churches, and emblematic neighbourhoods. Book your Segway experience in Porto today.

Explore Porto with kids: All the best things to do in Porto that you can’t miss!

Adventures in Algarve with teens

The Algarve region in Portugal is a great place to take your teenagers for a vacation. Known for its warm weather and is popular with tourists and families from all over Europe who flock to the Algarve. There are plenty of attractions and things to do that will keep them entertained.

The weather is usually good, there are some beautiful beaches. outdoor areas to enjoy and many fun things to do in the Algarve. If your teenagers are into adventure, they will find plenty of outdoor activities available in the Algarve.

Must do Portugal – Jet Boating in the Algarve

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush and a unique sightseeing experience, jet boating is the perfect activity for your family holidays.

These boats reach speeds of up to 80 km/h, giving you an extreme thrill ride along the Algarve coastline. These Algarve adventure activities on the water will have you visiting the iconic cliffs and bays of  Ponta da Piedade along the way!

Whether you’re a first-time adventurer or an experienced thrill-seeker, jet boating is sure to give you an experience you’ll never forget in the Algarve with kids.

Crazy adrenaline rush activities – Zip lining in the Algarve

Zip lining, also known as zip trekking or simply zipping, is a recreational activity and extreme sport in which participants use a harness to attach themselves to a cable mounted on a pair of trolley wheels.

They then glide along the cable, typically from tree to tree, to travel from one point to another. Zip lining is thrilling and an extreme adventure that takes you through nature and the outdoors. In the Algarve area of Portugal, there is a famous Zipline that takes you across the River Guadiana from Spain to Portugal on the first cross-border zipline in the world.

This is quite an experience as you travel 720 meters from one country to another. Now, that’s a story to tell when you get home from travel to Europe with teenagers on holiday.

Hot air balloon ride in the Algarve Portugal

Hot Air Ballons flights provide a different perspective on the world below. From high in the sky, everything looks so small and insignificant.

The experience is peaceful and calming, as well as exciting and adventurous. The views are also beautiful and scenic, making the flight all the more worth it. When you arrive at the site, the pilot will explain to you all the safety procedures before taking off.

Watch the balloon get inflated and hop into the basket for an unforgettable Algarve experience. You will be in the air for 1 hour and travel an average distance of 5 to 20 km at a height of between 500 ft and 3000 ft above ground level depending on the conditions. Book your Hot Air Ballon experience today.

Windsurfing in Lagos on the Algarve

Windsurfing is a water sport that combines the skills of sailing and surfing. It is considered an adventure sport because it can be exciting and fun.

Windsurfing can be done in a variety of locations, including oceans, lakes, and rivers. Windsurfing with teens can be a blast, providing hours of fun and excitement. It’s a great way to get active and stay healthy while enjoying some serious adventure and sport.

There’s nothing quite like seeing your child conquer a new challenge and experience the thrill of windsurfing at its best. In order to windsurf, your teens will be taught some basic skills by qualified instructors to help them master a new adventure.

You will learn to windsurf on the Ria do Alvor, a lagoon situated between Lagos and Alvor at the Algarve. For more information and bookings search here.

More travel with teens inspiration: All the best things to do in Albufeira on holiday

Adventure holidays in the Azores with teenagers

If you’re looking for a vacation destination with plenty of things to do and see, the Azores are a great option, especially if you have teenagers in tow. There are beautiful beaches, dramatic cliffs and stunning river scenery to enjoy, as well as plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Hiking and mountain biking are both popular activities on the islands, and there are also some great surfing spots to be found. If relaxation is more your thing, there’s nothing quite like spending a day or two lazing about on a quiet beach. And don’t forget the amazing food – fresh seafood is a specialty here!

Canyoning Ribeira dos Caldeiroes in Sao Miguel

Canyoning is a fast-growing extreme sport that combines hiking, swimming, and rappelling down steep canyons and waterways.

It’s perfect for those who are looking for an outdoor adventure with a thrill. Rivers and creeks provide the perfect setting for this activity, which is suitable for teenagers and families alike.

The excitement of canyoning comes from navigating through the waterway, often using ropes to swing, slide, or rappel down chutes and waterfalls.

You will enjoy the incredible and attractive landscapes in Ribeira dos Caldeiroes while exploring the best parts of nature the Azores have to offer. Book a canyoning experience in the Azores.

Cool things to do in Portugal – Quad Biking in the Azores

What could be more exhilarating than speeding through forests and hills on a powerful machine? Quad biking is the perfect way to get your adrenaline fix while enjoying the great outdoors.

The landscapes you’ll see on a quad bike tour are sure to take your breath away. Whether you’re cruising through a dense forest or crossing a wide-open meadow, there’s something inherently thrilling about being out in nature on an ATV.

A quad bike ATV tour provides a unique perspective of nature and landscapes that can’t be found anywhere else. The island of Sao Miguel has a volcanic origin that has created breathtaking landscapes that will blow your mind.

On this tour, you will be guided to the high mountains that surround the volcano of Lagoa do Fogo. From such elevated positions, you will have incredible views over the island of São Miguel and the Azores. Book an ATV tour on your adventure in Portugal holidays.

Dolphin watching and swimming cruise in the Azores

Do you want to see dolphins up close and personal? If so, hop on a dolphin-watching and swimming cruise!

These cruises give passengers the opportunity to view these playful creatures up close and personal while cruising through beautiful nature.

Not only do these cruises provide an unforgettable experience, but they also offer a unique way to capture amazing photos and video footage of these fascinating animals while you are in the water with them. Before getting into the water you are instructed on how to swim with dolphins responsibly.

So whether you’re looking for an exciting wildlife adventure or just want to capture some amazing photos and videos, a dolphin-watching and swimming cruise is the perfect way to spend your day in the Azores. Book your wildlife experience in the Azores today!

How to get to Portugal

• Portugal has three international airports, Lisbon, Faro and Porto. These three airports cover the entire country and provide numerous international routes, which are flown by a variety of airlines including national and low-cost airlines. Search flights to Portugal today.
  • If your flights have a long stopover, or you just want to relax before your trip you should consider getting a lounge pass with Priority Pass. Priority Pass has access to airport lounges all over the world. Search now for your lounge pass
• You can drive your car to Portugal via Spain on modern and good-quality highways. You can rent a car at any international airport and travel around Portugal.
• Buses and trains arrive in Portuguese cities daily through Spain. You can search Bus Tickets with Busbud and trains with train Trainline for the best deals.

Where to stay in Portugal

Portugal is a vast country with plenty of natural beauty and classic coastlines to be explored. Those who visit Portugal will find that there are many different types of accommodation to choose from, including hotels, hostels, apartments, and castles.

Family rooms are also available in many locations, making it easy for parents and children to travel together. Portugal’s landscape is diverse, so visitors can find themselves in historic cities, one day and by the seaside the next.

One thing to keep in mind when travelling in Europe and Portugal is that hotel room prices can vary significantly depending on the time of year. Search locations and hotel prices with Booking.com and Trip Advisor, If you are looking for an apartment VRBO and Plum Guide have a wide range of family-friendly apartments.

What currency do I need for my trip to Portugal?

The official currency you need to use in Portugal is the Euro. We recommend that you get a Revolut travel money card, that can be loaded with multiple currencies and has nearly non-existent withdrawal fees to save you money.

Travel insurance for Portugal with teens

Portugal has a high quality of healthcare but in saying that travel insurance is still recommended for all travellers entering the country. The last thing you want is a massive bill for medical expenses should you require care on your family holiday in Portugal. If you plan on doing fun adventure activities with teenagers, check that your insurance policy covers such teen adventure activities in Portugal.

We recommend using Travel Insurance Master, their website will compare the best deals from a number of providers and present you with the best value for money policy on the market. Click through to Insurance Masters to get a free quote.

Using your phone in Portugal

Relying on Wi-Fi when you are travelling and sightseeing in Portugal on a family with teens adventure vacation can be hard.

Making calls and staying in contact when you travel with teenagers is a top priority. Plan your family trip to Portugal and order your sim before you leave home to stop any stress about travelling, data and calls on your family vacation in Europe.

Pocket Wi-Fi for your Portugal with Teenagers trip

You will be able to access free Wi-Fi at certain spots in Portugal. The best solution for teens to stay connected to the internet is to rent a 4G Pocket Wi-Fi hotspot. These small devices can be ordered and delivered to your home before departure or your hotel in major cities for your teens adventure holiday in Portugal. 

Alternatively, you can purchase a mobile hotspot device to keep and use on all your travel with teens holidays. You can choose the length of time you want and the amount of daily data you will need. Order your pocket Wi-Fi today for your Portugal trip

We hope this article from us here at Wyld Family Travel has inspired you to plan some teens adventure activities in Portugal. There are so many adrenaline activities for teenagers to keep entertained for your family adventure holiday in Portugal.

Travelling with young adults has just as many issues as travelling with young children. Choosing the best teenage vacation destinations can be so time-consuming. Planning a family holiday can be stressful and finding the best tips for travel is essential. 

Use our Travel with Teenagers Destination Guides from all over the world for your next family vacation inspiration to make your family vacations with teens epic.

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