Portugal Archives | Sports Tourism News

Porto to become global headquarters of The Ocean Race from 2028

11Oct

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Porto to become global headquarters of The Ocean Race from 2028

Porto in Portugal is set to become the new global headquarters of The Ocean Race from 2028, with the Atlantic coastal city also hosting the start of three editions of the round-the-world sailing competition. The long-term partnership between The Ocean Race, the City of Porto, Turismo de Portugal and Turismo do Porto e Norte de Portugal will see Porto host the start of the 2030, 2034 and 2038 editions, as well as a special sailing event in 2028. The agreement, which runs through 2040, will also bring at least six editions of The Ocean Race Europe to Portugal, alongside a wider programme of international sailing events, ocean science, education and sustainability initiatives. The partnership aims to strengthen Portugal's position as a destination for major international sporting eve...

Sports travel bucket list: an epic cycling holiday from Barcelona to Porto

25Jan

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Bucket List, Cycling & Biking, Europe, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: an epic cycling holiday from Barcelona to Porto

Adding to Saddle Skedaddle’s growing list of iconic cycling journeys, the new 22-day guided road cycling holiday from Barcelona in Spain to Porto in Portugal takes riders on an epic 935-mile adventure along the Iberian Peninsula. Starting in Barcelona, the route leaves the hustle and bustle of the city behind to reach the wide-open skies of southern Catalonia. After weaving through endless vineyards in the Penedès wine region (homeland of Cava), the scenery transforms into oak and pine forests in the foothills of the Prades Mountains. Crossing the River Ebro for the first time, the quiet village of Bot marks the gateway to the rugged Ports de Tortosa-Beseit mountains as the scenery changes again, with jagged limestone cliffs rising against the open sky. Passing through an...

Vilamoura, Portugal: a sports travel guide

13Jul

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Europe, Golf, Trips & Experiences

Vilamoura, Portugal: a sports travel guide

Nestled along Portugal’s stunning Algarve coast, Vilamoura is a premier sport and golf travel destination resort where elite facilities, wellness escapes, and world-class events attract both professional athletes and active holidaymakers alike. From championship golf courses and top-tier tennis academies to cutting-edge retreats and water-based adventures, Vilamoura offers a perfect balance of performance and pleasure. The resort will also soon be home to a new sports centre – an elite campus designed to cater to both professional athletes and the wider community. The centre will feature official-size football fields, a world-standard athletics track, and a wide range of multi-sport facilities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYNMtHXdxKg Most popular attractions in Vilamoura ...

Sports travel bucket list: surfing the ‘Supertubos’ wave in Peniche, Portugal

16Mar

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Bucket List

Sports travel bucket list: surfing the ‘Supertubos’ wave in Peniche, Portugal

In March 2025, the world’s best surfers descended on Praia de Supertubos, south of Peniche, for the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal – one of the most unpredictable and exhilarating stops on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. Supertubos, the name given to both the beach and the iconic wave, is revered as one of the best beachbreaks in the world, often earning comparisons to Hawaii's Banzai Pipeline. The wave is powerful, hollow, and fast, forming thick-lipped barrels that explode over shallow sandbanks. This phenomenon is due to the unique bathymetry of the seabed and a combination of strong Atlantic swells, offshore winds, and precise tidal movements. Unlike reef breaks that maintain consistent wave forms, Supertubos' quality depends on the shifting sands beneath the water. Sea...

World Golf Awards 2024: Portugal named world’s best golf destination

24Nov

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World Golf Awards 2024: Portugal named world’s best golf destination

It was a big night for Portugal at the 11th annual World Golf Awards held in Madeira on 22 November. The sun-blessed European nation was named the world's best golf destination for 2024 while Terras da Comporta, on the Alentejo Coast, claimed the world’s best golf course award. The 2024 edition of the World Golf Awards marked a global gathering of golf industry leaders, with pioneers and key figures travelling from across the world to attend. The prize-giving ceremony at Savoy Palace, marked the climax of a two-day golf itinerary sampling the best of Madeira’s golf courses. Madeira’s growing status as a golf hub was reinforced with the title for world’s best emerging golf destination. Palheiro Golf collected the world’s best panoramic clubhouse award and Club de Golfe Santo Da Serra...

New Vilamoura Equestrian Centre set to become the largest in Europe

3Aug

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New Vilamoura Equestrian Centre set to become the largest in Europe

Situated on Portugal’s Algarve coast, the vibrant resort town of Vilamoura has announced the development of the new Vilamoura Equestrian Centre, cementing the destination as a leading location for horse riding, showjumping, and activity-focused holidays. Benefiting from year-round sunshine and located in the heart of a stunning environmental park, the centre is set to become the largest and best-equipped equestrian facilities in Europe. The new Vilamoura Equestrian Centre will feature in the Winter Tour series organized by GRANDPRIX, a 20-week schedule from October to April of CSI3* and CSI4* and even 5* competitions, joining the likes of the Longines Deauville Classic, Chantilly Classic, Le Touquet Classic and Cabourg Classic, which attract some of the world’s leading showjumping perfo...

Cycling in Lisbon: five scenic routes in Portugal’s capital

24Jul

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Trips & Experiences

Cycling in Lisbon: five scenic routes in Portugal’s capital

This August, La Vuelta a España, one of cycling's big three Grand Tours, sets off in Portugal’s capital city Lisbon for the first time since 1997, with stages one and two starting in the region. To celebrate, the Visit Lisbon tourism board has recommended five slow and scenic short rides for holidaymakers to explore the region on two wheels. Cais do Sodré to Belém This is one of the most popular routes in Lisbon and stretches for five miles along the Tagus River. The route starts in Cais do Sodré, home to the city's famous Time Out food market. Most of the trail sticks to a dedicated cycle path that is flat and easy to follow, and cyclists pass some of Lisbon's best known historic and cultural landmarks along the bustling riverfront, including the 25 de Abril suspension bridge. As th...

Lisbon: active things to do in Portugal’s capital

3Mar

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Destination Guides

Lisbon: active things to do in Portugal’s capital

Portugal’s capital Lisbon is famous for its historic attractions and beautiful beaches, but the city is surrounded by wild spaces that provide a range of outdoor activities for adventure travellers. Here we take a look at the best places and things to do for an active break in the Lisbon region. Arrábida Nature Park: hiking, cycling, caving and diving Just 30 minutes south of the city centre and across the River Tagus is Arrábida Nature Park, often hailed as one of Lisbon's most beautiful destinations. The mountainous area offers a tapestry of landscapes, from tree-lined paths winding down to secret coves and idyllic beaches, to the towering Serra do Rosco, the highest point on the Portuguese coast. There are waymarked trails for hiking and cycling, with some of the remotest ro...

Best walks and hikes in Portugal’s Algarve region

20Sep

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Cycling & Biking, Destination Guides, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure

Best walks and hikes in Portugal’s Algarve region

The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, is framed by a 200km coastline and boasts more than 300 days of sun per year. Home to award-winning beaches and authentic gastronomy, the Algarve’s 16 municipalities also offer a range of outdoor activities including surfing, cycling, walking and hiking. Blessed with a stunning coasts, as well as hilly and softly contoured mainland, this part of Portugal offers fantastic trails to suit all ages. From family-friendly strolls to more challenging routes, here’s some of the best hikes and walks you can enjoy when on a trip to the Algarve. Cape St. Vincent (Cabo de São Vicente) This is the most southwestern point of continental Europe and is a significant landmark with striking cliffs and an iconic lighthouse, which has existed o...

Cycling in Lisbon: explore Portugal’s capital on two wheels

30Jun

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Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

Cycling in Lisbon: explore Portugal’s capital on two wheels

With more than 150km of cycle paths, a two-wheel adventure is a great way to discover Portugal’s capital city Lisbon. Visitors can take one of the many guided cycle tours or hire their own bikes, allowing them to explore at their own pace. Find out more about cycling in Lisbon... City sights The riverside route, which follows the Tagus from the futuristic Parque das Nações area, past trendy Cais do Sodré and the spectacular Praça do Comércio to Algés, takes in some of the city’s most historic neighbourhoods and best-known sites. En route, it passes through the atmospheric neighbourhood of Alfama and offers impressive views of Ponte 25 de Abril bridge. The recently regenerated Doca da Marinha area on the central riverfront of the Tagus also features a great open space for everyone ...

Sport hotel in focus: padel tennis at Amendoeira Golf Resort in Portugal

22Apr

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Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

Sport hotel in focus: padel tennis at Amendoeira Golf Resort in Portugal

The growth of padel tennis has seen rising numbers take to the courts at Amendoeira Golf Resort in Portugal. Located on the Algarve and operated by Kronos Homes, the resort’s two padel courts have proved popular with players from around the world. An instructor provides daily lessons and the resort also hosts social competitions throughout the year. “Padel holds huge appeal thanks to its fast pace and easy-to-learn rules,” said Alda Filipe, sales and marketing director of Kronos Homes. “It’s a really fun way to keep fit. We've found that players have enjoyed making use of our padel courts, in addition to the other sports facilities provided at Amendoeira. With the social and competitive element as well, there's a really lively padel community taking shape here. “Our padel courts have...

Portugal sports travel guide: adventure tourism and outdoor activities

28Mar

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Sports Travel

Portugal sports travel guide: adventure tourism and outdoor activities

Although a popular year-round sunshine destination, Portugal is a lesser-known paradise for adventure tourism and outdoor activities. With many increasingly popular walking and cycling trails, perfect surfing spots and even extreme sports for adrenaline lovers, Portugal is fast cementing its reputation as an ideal location for active adventures. Here we pick out some of the best activities to enjoy in the regions of Portugal. Porto and the north Host to a number of mountains, nature reserves and national parks, Porto and the north of the country sets the stage for amazing experiences and adventures. With nearly 700km² of stunning landscape set between vast mountains and reservoirs, Peneda-Geres is the biggest national park in the north of Portugal and is home to a variety of differen...

Quinta do Lago launches pro-athlete training breaks at The Campus

25Oct

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Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Quinta do Lago launches pro-athlete training breaks at The Campus

Quinta do Lago resort on the Algarve, Portugal, has launched its new “Pro-Athlete Training Break” packages which are tailor-made for athletes who are in between competition seasons. Located 15 minutes from Faro airport, Quinta do Lago is a renowned sporting destination which offers elite training facilities at its new multi-sports hub, The Campus. It is the ideal destination for training, rehabilitation and recovery with more than 300 days of warm sunshine per year and at least 12 hours of daylight each day. The resort offers relaxed accommodation at The Magnolia Hotel combined with a hive of activity in the surrounding regions and provides a safe, secure and Covid friendly environment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiHfxY-Q-OY About the packages The Pro-Athlete Train...

Sports holidays: Active Living Week with Amy Williams at Four Seasons Fairways

25Aug

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Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

Sports holidays: Active Living Week with Amy Williams at Four Seasons Fairways

Sports and fitness fanatics who are seeking some winter wellness can train like an Olympian by signing up for Active Living Week with Amy Williams at Four Seasons Fairways in Portugal. Williams, a gold medal winner in the skeleton for Team GB at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, will be hosting Active Living Week from 21-28 November 2021. She will lead stretch and mobility classes in the grounds of the luxury Algarve resort and hold HIIT, full body burn, core and abs sessions. Guests will also have the opportunity for a meet and greet with Williams, join her for a bike tour along the Ria Formosa and take to the water for a kayak safari. Activities can be tailored to suit all ages, levels and fitness abilities. “I am so thrilled to be heading out to Four Seasons Fairways later...