Portugal with Teenagers: Adventure, Cities and Fun

Portugal is brilliant with teenagers: surfing lessons, kayaking into sea caves, zip-lining into Spain, street art, big-wave watching, tuk-tuk rides and endless pastries. Here are the best things to do in Portugal with teens, from parents who live here.

Quick answer: book a surf lesson in Ericeira or the Algarve, kayak to Benagil, explore Quinta da Regaleira’s tunnels in Sintra, zip-line across the border at Alcoutim, do a street art tour in Lisbon, ride the Monte toboggan in Madeira, and hit the water parks. Give them some freedom: Portugal is very safe.

Adventure

• Surfing: group lessons cost about €30–55. See surfing in Portugal.
• Kayaking and paddleboarding: guided trips into the sea caves around Benagil and Ponta da Piedade. See Algarve boat trips.
• Zipline to Spain: fly across the Guadiana from Spain to Alcoutim (about €18). See Algarve villages.
• Hiking: the Seven Hanging Valleys in the Algarve, Madeira’s levadas or Pico in the Azores for fit teens. See Madeira levada walks.
• Jeep safaris in Monchique. See Monchique.
• Big waves: watch the giants at Nazaré in winter. See Nazaré.

Cities

• Lisbon: tuk-tuk rides, street art, the Oceanário, rooftop views and LX Factory. See Lisbon street art and things to do in Lisbon.
• Sintra: Quinta da Regaleira’s spiral well and tunnels, and climbing the Moorish Castle walls. See Sintra’s best photo spots.
• Porto: Livraria Lello (often linked to Harry Potter, though J.K. Rowling says it wasn’t an inspiration), the bridge top deck, and francesinhas. See things to do in Porto.

Fun days out

• Water parks: Slide & Splash, Aquashow and Aqualand in the Algarve. See tickets.
• Monte toboggan in Madeira (€30 for one). See Funchal.
• Motor racing at the Algarve circuit near Portimão. See Portimão.
• Football: catch a Benfica, Sporting or Porto match.
• Festivals in summer. See Portugal in summer.

Tips

• Safety: Portugal is very safe, so teens can explore a bit on their own. See is Portugal safe?
• Data: an eSIM keeps them connected. See the best eSIM for Portugal.
• Food: late dinners suit night owls. Try bifanas, francesinhas and pastries.
• Pace: mix active days with beach days.

Younger children? See Portugal with kids.

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