Summer camps throughout Portugal

If you are traveling with kids, it is nice to know that there are places where your kids will enjoy themselves as much as the adults. In this edition of The Pal we thought we would provide information for those traveling or relocating with children. These choices are from all over the country, with activities and interests spanning all age groups. Classes and camps fill up quickly, so please be decisive and act quickly.

What the rules require

In Portugal, summer camps must be registered with and regulated by the IPDJ (Instituto Português do Desporto e da Juventude), which enforces specific safety, staffing, and legal standards under Decreto-Lei n.º 32/2011. All camp organizers must be legally registered with the IPDJ, and unregistered camps face severe economic penalties. The law mandates strict supervision ratios: one adult monitor for every 6 participants under 10 years of age, and one adult monitor for every 10 participants aged ten to eighteen. Every camper must be covered by a personal accident insurance policy, the “seguro obrigatório de acidentes pessoais” — it is a good idea to ask camp representatives how each camper is covered. Organizers are legally required to notify local authorities, including police, fire departments and regional health delegates, at least 48 hours before camp starts. Any camp offering overnight stays must meet sanitary and structural standards regulated by Portaria n.º 586/2004. Organizers must keep on-site records of each camper's health forms, contact information, parent or guardian authorizations, and staff criminal records, the “Registo Criminal”. All internal rules must be in writing, outlining conduct, pedagogical approach and the activities plan submitted at IPDJ registration.

Camps around Portugal

• Quinta da Broeira, near Lisbon — one of the most popular residential camps in the country, with sports, zip line, pools and a structured programme. Limited phone time encourages real connection.
• ArtHome International, Lisboa & Cascais — a creative arts school offering painting, acting, dance and more for children and adults.
• NATURA SummerCamp, Vila Nova de Gaia, near Porto — a nature-based camp with kayaking, SUP, climbing and glamping. Particularly welcoming to international children and multilingual families.
• Campo Aventura, Óbidos — outdoor adventure in a rural setting, well suited to school-age children and family groups.
• A Quinta de Salir do Porto — a smaller, intimate teen camp by the Atlantic coast, led by experienced international staff.
• FISH Surf School, Matosinhos, Porto — a highly rated surf school offering children's programmes on the northern coast.