JOURNAL
Stories from Portugal.
Destination guides, insider recommendations, and stories from our homes and team.
GUIDES
Team building with accommodation: how to compare the complete proposal
Start by comparing the same dates, headcount and bedroom arrangements. Then check what each proposal includes for accommodation, meals, activities, workspace and transport. A per-person price only becomes meaningful when those details match.
Sep 16, 20264 min readPortugal Active
DESTINATIONS
Minho in September and October: Harvest, Empty Beaches and the Case for Autumn
As the grape harvest sweeps through the Lima and Vez valleys and the coast empties of summer crowds, autumn becomes the Minho's best-kept secret for a private villa stay.
Aug 24, 20266 min readPortugal Active Team
DESTINATIONS
Peneda-Gerês in Autumn: Where to Stay for Walking, Waterfalls and Wine
Portugal's only national park is at its best from October to November — cooler trails, full waterfalls and a wine harvest just down the valley. Here's how to base yourself well.
Aug 21, 20266 min readPortugal Active Team
DESTINATIONS
The Complete Guide to North Portugal: Beaches, Wine, and the Coast Most Visitors Never Discover
Discover north Portugal: wild Atlantic beaches, Vinho Verde wine, Peneda-Gerês National Park, and the charming coastal towns of the Minho. Your complete guide.
Mar 30, 202614 min readPortugal Active Team
DESTINATIONS
Porto and the Douro Valley: Wine Country, Michelin Dining, and UNESCO Heritage
Your complete guide to Porto and the Douro Valley. Port wine tastings, Michelin restaurants, UNESCO heritage, and where to stay for a luxury experience.
Mar 30, 202611 min readPortugal Active Team
DESTINATIONS
Viana do Castelo: Why This Coastal City Is Northern Portugal's Best Kept Address
Viana do Castelo: Atlantic beaches, world-class surf, historic centre, and the Minho's finest seafood. Your insider guide to northern Portugal's coastal capital.
Mar 30, 202611 min readPortugal Active Team
DESTINATIONS
The Algarve Beyond the Resorts: A Local's Guide to Southern Portugal's Quieter Side
Discover the Algarve the tourists miss: wild west coast, hilltop Silves, Monchique mountains, and local seafood. Your guide beyond the resort strip.
Mar 30, 20269 min readPortugal Active Team
GUIDES
Private Villa or Luxury Hotel in Portugal: How to Choose
Should you book a luxury hotel or a private villa for your Portugal holiday? An honest comparison of space, service, privacy, cost, and who each suits best.
Mar 30, 20269 min readPortugal Active Team
GUIDES
Minho Coast or Algarve: Which Portuguese Region Should You Choose?
Minho Coast or Algarve? Compare climate, beaches, food, crowds, prices, and activities to choose the right Portuguese region for your holiday.
Mar 30, 20269 min readPortugal Active Team
GUIDES
When to Visit Northern Portugal: A Month by Month Guide
When is the best time to visit northern Portugal? Month by month weather, events, crowds, and prices for the Minho Coast and Porto region.
Mar 30, 20268 min readPortugal Active Team
LIFESTYLE
Surfing the Minho Coast: Northern Portugal's Best Kept Waves
Surf the Minho Coast: Cabedelo, Moledo, Afife, and Esposende. Spot guide, best season, where to stay, and how to book lessons in northern Portugal.
Mar 30, 20267 min readPortugal Active Team
LIFESTYLE
A Wine Lover's Guide to the Douro Valley and Vinho Verde Region
Your guide to wine tasting in the Douro Valley and Vinho Verde region. Best quintas, how to organise tastings, and why a concierge changes everything.
Mar 30, 20269 min readPortugal Active Team
LIFESTYLE
What It Means to Have a Private Chef During Your Portugal Holiday
A private chef in your Portugal villa: how it works, what it costs, seasonal menus, and why it transforms a holiday from good to extraordinary.
Mar 30, 20267 min readPortugal Active Team
PORTUGAL ACTIVE
Behind the Scenes: How We Prepare Every Home to Hotel Standards
How Portugal Active prepares every private home to hotel standards: the inspection checklist, the linens, the details guests notice, and the ones they never see.
Mar 30, 20267 min readPortugal Active Team
PORTUGAL ACTIVE
The Private Hotel Model: Why We Operate Homes, Not List Them
Why Portugal Active operates every home end to end instead of listing them on a marketplace. The private hotel model explained: in-house teams, standards, and why it matters.
Mar 30, 20267 min readPortugal Active Team
DESTINATIONS
Viana do Castelo: One of the Most Welcoming Cities in the World
Booking.com named it the third most welcoming city in the world. Here's why Viana do Castelo deserves the recognition.
Jul 5, 20245 min readPortugal Active Team
VIDEO
Video: Showcasing Viana do Castelo in Collaboration with CMVC
A partnership between Portugal Active and the City Hall of Viana do Castelo, showcasing the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Mar 17, 20233 min readRicardo Viana
PORTUGAL ACTIVE
Forbes: Portugal's Adventure Travel Paradise Away From the Crowds
Forbes magazine features Portugal Active and the Minho region as an adventure travel paradise away from the crowds.
Feb 23, 20233 min readPortugal Active Team
VIDEO
Video: Forget Lisbon and Porto, THIS Is the REAL Portugal!
YouTube creators Joen and Amelie discover the real Portugal in the Minho with Portugal Active.
Feb 7, 20233 min readPortugal Active Team
GUIDES
Getaway: The Best Things to Do in Viana do Castelo
Featured in Time Out: dining, adventure, and the best experiences in Viana do Castelo and the Minho coast.
Feb 3, 20234 min readPortugal Active Team
LIFESTYLE
Neopop: Viana do Castelo's Electronic Music Festival
One of Portugal's most important electronic music festivals takes place in a 16th-century castle overlooking the Atlantic.
Jan 10, 20234 min readPortugal Active Team
VIDEO
Video: Portugal Active — Connect With Life Again
Portugal Active's manifesto video — a cinematic journey across the Minho coast. Embrace extraordinary.
Dec 29, 20222 min readRicardo Viana
VIDEO
Video: Portugal Active Stand Up Paddle Experience
Paddle the Lima River from Ponte de Lima to the Atlantic — our guests call it magic.
Dec 29, 20223 min readPortugal Active Team
VIDEO
Video: Portugal Active Private Yoga Session
Private yoga and pilates in the garden or on the beach — customised sessions for every level.
Dec 29, 20222 min readPortugal Active Team
VIDEO
Video: Portugal Active Sailing Experience
Sail the Lima River mouth and the Viana do Castelo coastline — on a sailboat, nothing is ordinary.
Dec 28, 20222 min readPortugal Active Team
PORTUGAL ACTIVE
The Guardian: Where to Stay and What to Do Off the Beaten Track
The Guardian features Armada's House in an article exploring Portugal's hidden gems off the beaten track.
Jun 11, 20222 min readPortugal Active Team
PORTUGAL ACTIVE
Men's Health: Paddle, Yoga and Bike Tours in Viana do Castelo
Men's Health magazine features Portugal Active's nature and sports experiences in Viana do Castelo, just one year after launch.
Jul 1, 20212 min readPortugal Active Team
PORTUGAL ACTIVE
Portugal Active Featured in Grand Tour Portugal
Grand Tour Portugal features Portugal Active's premium properties in Viana do Castelo — contemporary design in privileged natural settings.
Jul 1, 20212 min readPortugal Active Team
VIDEO
Video: Portugal Active — De Norte a Sagres
From the Minho to Sagres — Portugal Active's cinematic journey across the entire Portuguese coast.
May 28, 20212 min readRicardo Viana
PORTUGAL ACTIVE
Alto Minho Ativar IPVC Business Awards 2020
Portugal Active receives the Marketing Innovation Award at the Alto Minho Ativar IPVC Business Awards 2020.
Mar 1, 20202 min readRicardo Viana
PORTUGAL ACTIVE
Booking.com Traveller Review Awards 2020
Portugal Active scores 9.5/10 in the Booking.com Traveller Review Awards 2020 — recognition built entirely on guest feedback.
Jan 17, 20202 min readRicardo Viana
PORTUGAL ACTIVE
TimeOut: Portugal Active Ocean Lodge
TimeOut Magazine profiles the Ocean Lodge — a stone residence in a 9,000m² garden that journalists called paradise.
Nov 1, 20192 min readPortugal Active Team
PORTUGAL ACTIVE
NIT: Portugal Active Ocean Lodge
NiT features the Ocean Lodge: 8,000m² of private land, river access to the beach, and on-demand luxury services.
Aug 30, 20193 min readPortugal Active Team
VIDEO
Youtuber for a Day: Fat Bike Wild Experience EP.1
The Cantaert family take on the Fat Bike Wild Experience with GoPro cameras — Portugal Active's first Youtuber for a Day challenge.
Jun 5, 20192 min readPortugal Active Team
VIDEO
Our New Hidden Paradise: Portugal Active Ocean Lodge
The reveal of Portugal Active Ocean Lodge — private river access, beachfront adventure, and a new standard in Minho hospitality.
May 29, 20192 min readRicardo Viana
PEOPLE
Guest Diary: Family Time in Paradise
A family's diary from their stay at Portugal Active Lodge: fat bikes, seafood feasts, secret coves, and sunsets over the Lima River.
Dec 14, 20185 min readPortugal Active Team
PORTUGAL ACTIVE
Evasões: A Dream Mansion to Rent in Viana do Castelo
Evasões magazine calls the Portugal Active Lodge a dream mansion — premium services and panoramic views in Viana do Castelo.
Dec 7, 20182 min readPortugal Active Team
PORTUGAL ACTIVE
Men's Health: Portugal Active Takes Kitesurf to Higher Education
A world first: Portugal Active partners with IPVC to introduce kitesurfing into higher education.
Oct 16, 20183 min readPortugal Active Team
PEOPLE
Guest Diary: From Barcelona to Portugal Active
Three Barcelona sports enthusiasts discover the Minho: mountain biking, kitesurfing, and the best cod roast they've ever tasted.
Jul 5, 20184 min readPortugal Active Team
PEOPLE
Guest Diary: Our First Time in Portugal
Adrian and Alexandra's first trip to Portugal: fat bikes, SUP on the Lima River, and a founder who genuinely cares about the region.
Jun 9, 20185 min readPortugal Active Team
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