The 7 best outdoor activities to do in summer

Forget the Gym, Leave the Couch Behind, and Come Experience Outdoor Adventures!

The sun is shining (sometimes more than we’d like), and nature, in all its splendor, beckons us to summer activities worth remembering. Ready to take on the challenge? If so, come discover the 7 best outdoor activities to enjoy this summer.

The 7 Best Outdoor Activities to Enjoy in Summer

From culture and sports to thrilling challenges, here are 7 fantastic summer activities to experience outdoors:

1. Hiking

Have you ever thought of combining outdoor exercise, nature leisure, and culturally rich travel? With our walking tours, you’ll get all this and more on hikes that take you to some of the most beautiful and historic places in Portugal and Spain—like the Douro International, the Camino de Santiago, or rural Alentejo.

Don’t worry about difficulties or logistics; these walks are designed for all ages and fitness levels, complete with stays in truly enchanting locations. Gather the family and explore adventure-filled trails waiting just for you.

2. Picnics There’s nothing like enjoying good weather with a picnic alongside family and friends in one of Portugal’s many natural parks. Just remember: leave the place as you found it—or, better yet, even cleaner.
3. Cycling Nothing brings kids and adults together quite like a bike ride—heroic or not! While pro cyclists battle it out in the Tour de France or Spain’s Vuelta, why not take advantage of long summer days to pedal your way through Portugal’s hidden gems, unreachable by car? Three tips: choose routes suited to your fitness level, pick bikes appropriate for the terrain, and stay hydrated.
4. Yoga While hiking and cycling keep your body healthy, don’t forget your mind—try practicing yoga, ideally in a calm, pleasant spot surrounded by nature. Beyond relaxation, yoga improves breathing and boosts muscle flexibility, which will come in handy on your hikes.
5. Nature Photography If you’ve got an eye for photography, capturing nature is a perfect summer activity. Not only will you snap moments of rare beauty, but you’ll also get to explore some of Portugal’s most captivating natural landscapes.
6. Canyoning When the heat kicks in, nothing beats being in the water. Add a taste of adventure, and you’ve got canyoning—a sport that involves progressively exploring rivers. Due to its difficulty and risks, we recommend not doing it alone.
7. Climbing Rounding off our list of thrilling sports is a major physical and mental challenge: climbing. If it’s your first time, seek out a climbing school and join their activities before going solo. Though the gear can be pricey, natural climbing walls are completely free and promise unforgettable moments of adventure.