Being outdoors has been shown to improve people’s moods and mental health. If you enjoy doing something relaxing in the outdoors, kayaking might be the activity for you.
The best thing about kayaking is that there are a ton of places for you to do it around the world. If you’re looking for some beautiful natural sights but don’t have time to travel too far, Portugal may be the perfect destination for you! In this article, we’ll share six of the best locations to kayak in Portugal.
Porto
Porto is one of the most beautiful and charming cities in Portugal. It is also home to some of the best kayaking in the country. There are many places to kayak in Porto, including the Douro River, the Ribeira das Naus, and the Tagus Estuary. Kayaking in Porto is a great way to get a look at some of the city’s historic buildings and well-preserved architecture. You can also enjoy spectacular views of the cityscape from the water.
Lagos
This beautiful city is home to some of the best kayaking in the country, and it’s easy to see why. Lagos is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, and its waters are crystal clear. With plenty of smooth stretches perfect for kayaking, Lagos is a paradise for kayakers of all skill levels.
Not only is Lagos a great place to kayak, but it’s also a great place to relax and unwind. The city has many shopping districts, as well as restaurants and bars that offer stunning views of the lagoon.
There’s never a shortage of things to do in Lagos, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience.
Sesimbra
One of the best places to kayak in Sesimbra is the Lagoa da Conceição. This gorgeous lake is surrounded by tall cliffs and stunningly blue water. You can kayak around the lake or take a more challenging hike up to the top of the cliffs.
Another incredible place to kayak in Sesimbra is the Rio Frio. This river flows through a deep canyon and features some stunning rapids and waterfalls. If you’re daring enough, you can kayak down the rapids!
There are several other great places to kayak in Sesimbra, so be sure to explore all of them when you visit this beautiful town.
Portimao
Portimao, a picturesque town on the Algarve Peninsula, offers kayakers a variety of beautiful waterways to explore. The main attraction of Portimao is its stunning coastline.
You can find great kayaking in both the saltwater and freshwater rivers that run through the town. There are also several man-made lakes where you can paddle, as well as several large salt marshes perfect for exploring on foot.
Portimao also has some excellent beaches where you can spend your days sunbathing or swimming. If you’re feeling particularly energetic, you can even try some sports such as windsurfing or kitesurfing.
Albufeira
Albufeira is a beautiful town in southern Portugal. There are many different places to kayak in and around Albufeira, and all of them are amazing. One of the best places to kayak is the Os Faros Lagoon.
This lagoon is surrounded by cliffs, and there are many different spots to kayak in it. You can also go swimming in the lagoon if you want to get a little wet. Another great place to kayak is Fonsagrada Island. This island has many lovely beaches where you can swim or sunbathe. If you want to kayak in the sea, then you can go to Isla de São João.
This island has an awesome lagoon filled with fish, as well as plenty of other interesting sites. If you’re interested in fishing while you kayak, several companies can provide you with a kayak with excellent stability so that you are guaranteed to catch the perfect fish. If you also happen to love hiking, then you should definitely visit the Pico do Facho Mountain.
This mountain has an amazing view of Albufeira and the Strait of Gibraltar. The hike up to the mountain is demanding, but it is definitely worth it!
Benavente
Kayaking in Benavente is a great way to get a close look at the stunning coastline and beautiful caves that makes Portugal such a unique country. The town of Benavente is located just south of Porto. It is a small town with a population of just over 2,000 people. The town has a beautiful beach and several caves that are great for kayaking.
There are several different kayaking companies that offer tours of the area. You can find incredible companies that provide great package deals by searching them online.
Most companies offer excellent tours that will allow you to kayak through some of the most beautiful waterfalls and caves in Portugal.
Tips For Kayakers
Here are some tips for kayakers planning a trip to Portugal:
Start by checking the weather forecast. Portugal can be a very windy place, so be prepared for strong gusts and waves.
Next, make sure you know where you’re going. Kayaking in Portugal is not like kayaking in other countries. In Portugal, the waterways are cordoned off into small channels which often require advanced knowledge of the channel system to get from one place to another.
Get fit before your trip. Kayaking can be demanding on your body, so make sure you’re in good shape before you go. The Portuguese coast is full of hills and valleys that will take your breath away if you’re not used to working out on a daily basis.
Finally, pack your patience and sense of adventure! Kayaking in Portugal can be an amazing experience, but it won’t be easy. Be prepared for long trips or challenging conditions, and don’t forget to enjoy the stunning views while you’re there! If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to spend some quality time outdoors, kayaking is definitely the activity for you!
Portugal is home to some amazing waterways perfect for kayaking. Not only are the rivers in Portugal beautiful to look at, but they also offer plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Whether you’re looking to go sightseeing or just relax in tranquil surroundings, Portugal has a river perfect for you!