Forget about fado music, centuries-old libraries, and cobbled streets for a moment. Coimbra holds a lesser-known and deeply inspiring secret, a world of sustainable adventures where nature sets the pace and respect for the environment is an essential part of the journey. Among hidden rivers, ancient forests, and starry skies, this region in central Portugal is reinventing itself as a destination for active and conscious tourism. Here, adrenaline lives side by side with ecological commitment, and every experience leaves a mark on the heart, not on the landscape.

Coimbra is known for its centuries-old university, stone alleyways, and rich cultural legacy, but there is a side of this Portuguese region that many conscious travelers have yet to discover—its extraordinary potential as a destination for active and sustainable tourism.

If you're drawn to outdoor experiences and the thrill of nature, the Coimbra Region won’t disappoint. This diverse territory is home to dense forests, crystal-clear rivers, and mountain ranges offering endless options for environmentally aware adventure tourism.

Below, we explore some must-do activities that will not only deeply connect you with the natural surroundings but also invite you to enjoy them ethically, safely, and sustainably.

Canoeing under the stars at the Santa Lúzia Dam.

Between two majestic rock formations, the Santa Lúzia Dam opens up as a serene natural setting. During the day, its calm waters invite swimming and relaxation at its river beach, but at dusk, the landscape reveals its true mystery.

Epic Land organizes a silent, guided night canoe tour that invites you to paddle under a star-filled sky.

This two-kilometer excursion, suitable for families and groups of friends, allows you to discover the magic of the Milky Way while enjoying a unique experience in intimate contact with nature.

The company holds the Biosphere Certified label, a guarantee that its practices have been evaluated according to strict sustainable tourism criteria.

Family rock climbing at Louredo Natura Park.

Louredo Natura Park is not just a recreational area along the Mondego River. This green space has been designed as a true center for active nature experiences.

Among its offerings is rock climbing, ideal both for beginners and for seasoned climbers looking for challenges tailored to their level. This activity, offered by Capitão Dureza, is conducted in small groups and includes all necessary technical equipment as well as supervision by professional instructors.

Capitão Dureza is a responsible company that holds the Biosphere Committed label, reflecting its ongoing commitment to a tourism model that is respectful of the environment and continuously improving. We hope to welcome them soon to the Biosphere community.

Canyoning in the Serra da Lousã.

The Serra da Lousã is one of central Portugal’s great ecological treasures. Its oak, chestnut, and pine forests—often shrouded in mist—shelter waterways ideal for canyoning, an activity that combines adrenaline with respect for the environment.

Equipped with a wetsuit, harness, and helmet, visitors explore this wild environment through jumps, rappelling descents, and aquatic trail sections.

NatureLousã organizes these routes with full safety standards and a firm commitment to ecosystem preservation. Its Biosphere Committed label confirms this responsible and sustainable approach.

Tree climbing at ExperTree Park.

Tree climbing is much more than an outdoor recreational activity. It is an active and respectful way to rediscover the forest from a new perspective. At ExperTree Park, this discipline becomes a true physical and mental challenge that includes suspended bridges, slides, nets, and tree-to-tree jumps.

The course is adapted to different skill levels and is carried out under strict safety measures. ExperTree operates under the Biosphere Committed label, a testament to its commitment to transitioning toward a more balanced, ethical, and resource-sensitive tourism model.

Birdwatching in protected areas.

Central Portugal is becoming a key destination for birdwatching tourism, offering prime habitats for observing endemic and endangered species. Living Place organizes birdwatching outings designed for all levels, from amateurs to experienced ornithologists.

These experiences are carried out in small groups with personalized attention and under strict environmental respect criteria. In line with conservation and environmental education principles, the company holds the Biosphere Certified label, which ensures the application of good sustainable practices on every outing.

Coimbra is also adrenaline with awareness in the green heart of Portugal.

The Coimbra Region offers a vision of active tourism that goes beyond instant thrills. Here, adventure is experienced through close connection with nature, deep respect for ecosystems, and active collaboration with those who protect them. Every experience becomes an opportunity to engage with the territory authentically, intensely, and responsibly.

From paddling under the stars to descending hidden waterfalls or gliding through forests suspended in the treetops, this is a destination where excitement meets commitment. The presence of labels like Biosphere Certified and Biosphere Committed in many of these initiatives is not anecdotal, it is tangible evidence that aligning the pursuit of adventure with a truly sustainable tourism model is possible.

SDGs and responsible tourism. A partnership for the future.

The sustainable active tourism experiences in the Coimbra Region directly align with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Activities such as birdwatching, canyoning, or nighttime canoeing not only promote SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) but also encourage SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by prioritizing companies that adopt certified and mindful practices.

Furthermore, by promoting inclusive tourism with options for all types of visitors and ability levels, values such as SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) are reinforced, boosting local economies in a fair and balanced way.

Thus, every visit becomes an act of support for a way of traveling that builds a better future, one that inspires and proves that another way of discovering the world is not only possible but deeply transformative.