Top Water Activities Spots in Portugal

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1

Matosinhos Beach rating icon 9.9

Praia de Matosinhos, Av. Gen. Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 5 of 243
Popularity in Category: 3 of 252
Popularity Worldwide: 412 of 29088
Surfing
Beaches
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Barbara April 25, 2025

Bring your own snacks and drinks to the beach. Prices at nearby cafes can be pretty high, especially during the peak season. I regretted spending too much on a soda when I could've brought my own!

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Margaret March 21, 2025

Bring a light jacket for the evening. It gets breezy after sunset, and I didn't expect it. I was shivering while others were comfortable, so plan ahead!

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Robert December 7, 2024

If you want a quieter spot, head to the far left side of the beach. It’s less populated, so you can enjoy a more relaxed experience without all the hustle and bustle of the main area.

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Lisa December 4, 2024

If you're planning to surf, try to rent a board instead of buying one. I rented from a local shop and got a great deal. Also, they throw in a quick surf lesson, which was super helpful.

2

Leca da Palmeira Beach rating icon 8.2

Praia de Leça da Palmeira, 4450 Leça da Palmeira, Portugal copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 52 of 243
Popularity in Category: 35 of 252
Popularity Worldwide: 4934 of 29088
Surfing
Beaches
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Samuel March 12, 2025

There are a few great cafes along the promenade... I suggest grabbing a pastel de nata and a coffee; it’s a delicious and inexpensive breakfast before hitting the beach!

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Dorothy February 21, 2025

Don’t forget sunscreen! The sun can be pretty intense, even with a light breeze. I learned that the hard way on my first day – came back with a nasty burn!

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Betty January 18, 2025

Check the surf forecast before you go! I found that the waves are best in the morning, usually around 9 AM. It's less crowded and perfect for catching some early morning waves.

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Margaret December 16, 2024

If you're looking to rent surf gear, I recommend hitting up one of the local shops rather than the beach rental kiosks. You’ll find better prices and a wider selection!

3

Aquashow Park rating icon 8.1

N125 396, 8100 Loulé, Portugal copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 59 of 243
Popularity in Category: 30 of 162
Popularity Worldwide: 5412 of 29088
Water Parks
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Joseph March 7, 2025

Arrive by 10:00 AM for less crowds! I got in line for one of the big slides and waited way less than I would’ve in the afternoon.

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Thomas February 24, 2025

I suggest looking for discount tickets online before you go. I found a deal that saved me a pretty penny and it’s way easier than buying at the gate.

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David February 22, 2025

My advice is to prioritize the wave pool and lazy river early on... They get super busy as the day goes on and it’s way more relaxing when there’s less people!

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Samuel February 21, 2025

If you wanna save some cash, pack a cooler with snacks. They let you bring your own food, which was a lifesaver and way cheaper than on-site eats.

4

Cabedelo Beach rating icon 8

Cabedelo, 4935-157 Viana do Castelo, Portugal copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 63 of 243
Popularity in Category: 41 of 252
Popularity Worldwide: 5701 of 29088
Surfing
Beaches
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John March 19, 2025

My advice is to bring your own snacks and drinks because beachside cafes can be pretty pricey. Save those euros!

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Mark March 12, 2025

If you're going during summer, don’t forget sunscreen! I got a bit burnt and regretted not applying enough.

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Benjamin November 22, 2024

I think renting a surfboard for the day is worth it; you can usually find good deals. I had a blast catching waves!

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Samuel November 17, 2024

I suggest you try to arrive around 10 AM to nab a good parking spot. It gets super crowded after that!

5

Pinhao Beach rating icon 7

R. José Formosinho, 8600-315 Lagos, Portugal copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 91 of 243
Popularity in Category: 62 of 252
Popularity Worldwide: 8776 of 29088
Surfing
Beaches
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Samuel January 17, 2025

Definitely check the surf conditions before you go. I found out the hard way that it’s not always great for beginners, so be prepared!

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Jill December 4, 2024

If you're looking to rent a paddleboard or kayak, look for places on the mainland instead of beachside rentals. Prices are generally better and you can avoid the crowds.

6

North Beach rating icon 3.8

North Beach, Portugal copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 177 of 243
Popularity in Category: 148 of 252
Popularity Worldwide: 144 of 29088
Surfing
Beaches
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Jill February 15, 2025

Grab lunch at one of the beachside cafes. I found a great one that had amazing seafood without breaking the bank. Just look for places with local menus!

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Paul November 22, 2024

My advice is to book your surf lessons in advance, especially during peak season. I missed out on a couple because I didn't plan ahead, and it was a bummer!

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Jason October 17, 2024

If you're planning to hit the waves, I recommend visiting in the morning around 9 AM. The crowds are smaller, and the waves are usually better for surfing then.

7

Agucadoura Beach rating icon 1.9

Marginal do Cruzeiro, 4495-052 Aguçadoura, Portugal copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 213 of 243
Popularity in Category: 192 of 252
Popularity Worldwide: 23638 of 29088
Surfing
Beaches
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Donald March 23, 2025

I recommend checking out the local food stalls for lunch instead of the nearby restaurants. You get the authentic flavors of Portugal at a fraction of the price, and the fresh seafood is to die for.

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Jennifer November 13, 2024

i suggest hitting the beach around 10 am to snag a good spot and avoid the midday crowd. the vibe is super chill in the morning, plus you can catch some nice waves for surfing before it gets busy

8

Parasailing Vilamoura rating icon 1.8

Office 6, Marina de Vilamoura, 8125-409 Quarteira, Portugal copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 218 of 243
Popularity in Category: 55 of 66
Popularity Worldwide: 23976 of 29088
Parasailing
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Steven April 13, 2025

I suggest booking your parasailing session in the morning around 9 AM. It's way less crowded then, plus the views of the sunrise are just stunning. We went a bit later, and it felt rushed, not as relaxing as it could've been

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Zachary November 25, 2024

My advice is to bring your own GoPro or waterproof camera. They'll offer you a pricey photo package, but I captured some awesome pics myself. Just make sure it has a strap so you don’t lose it during the flight.

9

Madeira Regency Club rating icon 0.9

R. Carvalho Araùjo 8, 9000-022 Funchal, Portugal copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 236 of 243
Popularity in Category: 409 of 419
Popularity Worldwide: 27481 of 29088
Observation Decks
Swimming