Run, Surf, and Explore: Active Tourism in Portugal This March

Portugal’s landscapes naturally encourage an active lifestyle. With a mild climate, dramatic coastline, and extensive outdoor spaces, the country has become a popular destination for travelers who want to combine cultural exploration with sports and outdoor activities.

Action‑packed big‑wave surfing session at Nazaré, ideal to illustrate Portugal’s adventure tourism and outdoor sports for previous seasons. 

In March 2026, Portugal hosts several events that highlight this active spirit. From one of the world’s fastest half marathons in Lisbon to youth football tournaments in the Algarve and outdoor adventure gatherings in rural Alentejo, the month offers a wide range of opportunities for both participants and spectators.

For travelers interested in events in Portugal in March, these sporting and outdoor experiences provide a different way to explore the country.

The EDP Lisbon Half Marathon

The EDP Lisbon Half Marathon is one of the most important sporting events in Portugal. Scheduled for March 8, 2026, the race attracts more than 35,000 runners from around the world and is recognized as one of the fastest half marathon courses globally.

Part of the prestigious international SuperHalfs series, the race is known for its flat profile and scenic route. The course begins on the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge, offering runners panoramic views over the Tagus River and the Lisbon skyline.

From there, participants follow a coastal route through the historic Belém district before finishing near the Jerónimos Monastery and the gardens of Praça do Império.

Companion Races and Community Events

The marathon weekend includes several companion events that make the experience accessible to a wide range of participants.

These include:

• The Vodafone 10K race held on the same day
• The Hyundai 7K and Mimosa Family Walk the day before
• The Super Half Shakeout, a community run organized by Lisbon running clubs

Together, these activities transform the event into a large citywide celebration of sport.

Travelers visiting Lisbon during the race weekend can also explore the city’s historic neighborhoods, waterfront promenades, and cultural landmarks. Our guide to things to do in Lisbon provides additional ideas for extending your stay.

Nauticampo: Portugal’s Outdoor Lifestyle Exhibition

For visitors interested in outdoor recreation, Nauticampo 2026 is one of the most important events of the month. Held from March 11 to March 15 at the Lisbon International Fair (FIL), the exhibition focuses on boating, camping, and adventure tourism.

The event brings together equipment manufacturers, travel companies, and outdoor enthusiasts from across Europe. Visitors can discover the latest gear for sailing, camping, caravanning, and water sports while attending demonstrations and workshops.

Nauticampo also highlights Portugal’s growing reputation as a destination for outdoor tourism, from coastal sailing routes to inland hiking trails and national parks.

Youth Football in the Algarve

While Lisbon hosts large-scale athletic events, southern Portugal becomes a hub for youth football development during March.

The Algarve Elite Football Tournaments bring international youth teams to the region for a series of competitions held throughout the month. Matches take place across several age categories, including under-13, under-14, and under-16 divisions.

These tournaments attract young athletes from across Europe and beyond, offering them the opportunity to compete in a professional environment while enjoying the region’s mild climate and sports facilities.

The Algarve’s sporting events also highlight a different side of the region, which is often associated primarily with beaches and summer tourism.

Wilderness Training in Alentejo

For travelers seeking a deeper connection with nature, the Alentejo region offers a very different type of outdoor experience.

In March 2026, the Deep Nature Connection Training takes place in Vale da Lua, a rural area known for its quiet landscapes and open countryside. The four-day program focuses on bushcraft, wilderness skills, and environmental awareness.

Participants learn practical techniques such as:

• Foraging for wild plants
• Outdoor survival skills
• Nature-based mindfulness practices

Events like this reflect a growing interest in slower, nature-oriented travel experiences across Portugal’s interior regions.

Portugal’s Active Landscape

Portugal’s geography makes it an ideal destination for outdoor activities. The country’s long Atlantic coastline offers opportunities for surfing, sailing, and coastal hiking, while inland regions provide space for cycling, trekking, and nature retreats.

Even in large cities like Lisbon, outdoor life plays an important role. Parks such as the Lisbon Botanical Garden and the Estufa Fria greenhouse provide peaceful green spaces, while rooftop viewpoints and riverfront promenades invite visitors to enjoy the city’s famous light and scenery.

Just beyond the capital, destinations such as Sintra offer forests, mountains, and dramatic coastal landscapes that can be reached within a short train ride.

Planning an Active Trip to Portugal

Visitors interested in sports and outdoor activities often combine several destinations in a single trip. Lisbon serves as a convenient starting point, offering access to coastal surfing spots, nearby nature parks, and historic towns.

From there, travelers can continue north to Nazaré to witness the power of the Atlantic during the big-wave surfing season or head south toward the Algarve for football tournaments and coastal exploration.

For more ideas on how to plan a spring itinerary across the country, see our guide to events in Portugal in March.

FAQs About Sports and Outdoor Events in Portugal

What major sporting events will take place in Portugal in March 2026?

The EDP Lisbon Half Marathon is the largest sporting event of the month, attracting more than 35,000 runners. The Algarve also hosts international youth football tournaments throughout March.

What is Nauticampo in Lisbon?

Nauticampo is an international exhibition focused on boating, camping, and outdoor adventure. It takes place at the Lisbon International Fair and showcases equipment, travel experiences, and outdoor tourism opportunities.

Is Portugal a good destination for outdoor activities?

Yes. Portugal’s mild climate, diverse landscapes, and long coastline make it ideal for activities such as running, hiking, surfing, sailing, and cycling.

Can visitors participate in the Lisbon Half Marathon?

Yes. The event is open to international participants, and several companion races, including a 10K and family walk, allow runners of different experience levels to take part.