How to Stay Fit in Portugal: Your Guide to Gym Life in Portugal

How do gyms work in Portugal?

Generally speaking, all gyms operate on a membership contract that charges your bank account either monthly or weekly, with prices that can go from 2,99 euros weekly, to 150 euros monthly, and is valid while payments are being made.

Premium gyms and studio gyms may also offer contracts that require a 30-day notice when finalizing activities.

Regular gyms are usually budget-friendly, while premium and studio gyms tend to have a higher ticker. However, you'll find a specialized service among the last two, as regular gyms may lack human resources or features, even though they will have a complete range of equipment. Regular gyms are frequently more crowded.

⚠️ 24-hour gyms are available in large cities such as Lisbon and Porto, or in smaller towns, with studios, upon accordance with the personal trainers.

Which are the best options for gyms in Portugal?

When it comes to premium gyms, the following options are available:

• Club 7
• Holmes Place
• Life Club Academy
• The Code

For budget-friendly options, you'll find:

• Fitness Hut
• Fitness Up
• Kalorias
• Solinca

⚠️ There are several other options, however those are the nationally known options.

Still in doubt? Here what other expats have to say about gyms in Portugal

Fitness Hut might be the most popular ‘low-cost’ gym in Portugal, as they are located in every major city and most of the time offer competitive prices. The quality of the gyms in itself leaves somewhat to be desired, mainly when we’re referring to the machines and locker rooms. It’s a viable option if you’re looking to not spend too much.

G.

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The gym membership at Club 7 is on the higher side, but if you're under 26, it's only €88 instead of over €150. Over the summer, the gym underwent renovations, resulting in its impeccable condition. It offers a sauna, hammam, pool, CrossFit, and paddle tennis. There's also a restaurant, and you can work from the club. I highly recommend it if it's within your budget.

M.

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As a decent gym I wouldn’t recommend Fitness Hut, especially if you’re looking for a gym that’s not too crowded during rush hour. However, it’s still the cheapest option (I’ve already tried it, and it’s complicated after 5 p.m.). And during the summer, the fitness hut is a nightmare; the air conditioning works badly, so when it's crowded, it feels so hot. Honestly, the only good thing about this gym is the price. While Solinca is comparable to Fitness Hut, it is more expensive and may offer additional facilities, depending on the specific gym. There are also prenium gyms with more services, such as a sauna, padel, etc., that are less crowded, but the price is much higher! Holmes Place and Club 7 are available. Academia Life Club is also a great gym; a friend has been there; the location is very nice on the waterfront; and they offer outdoor classes.

R.

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Compared to France, Portugal is much more expensive for budget gyms but much more affordable for “luxury” gyms. Overall, the gyms are pretty great, though not as numerous as one might have imagined.

R.

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The Supera chain in Portugal, namely the location in Avenida de Roma in Lisbon, is a great option in terms of price and quality. They have great spaces, with a pool and sauna, offering a wide range of classes and sports in a very local and ‘neighbourhood’ environment. Their biggest drawback, in my opinion, is the lack of additional locations.

G.

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Powerlift Studio is one of the most welcoming gyms. Very friendly and helpful staff. There are a limited number of high-quality machines available. The only negative point is that at peak times, it can get a little complicated with space, but since it works 24 hours a day, it just goes at a quieter time, which is fantastic. 

R.

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Gymnasium is, in general, a nice place to train, offers a large and well-equipped space, and is always renewing the training machines. The variety and quantity of equipment is one of its strengths, allowing for diversified and complete training for all levels of practitioners. In addition, the gym stands out for offering many group classes, which are beneficial both for those who like to train in groups and for those who seek more motivation and dynamism in their training routines. The bathing area is well structured but could improve the cleaning standard. Considering the peak time, especially after 6 p.m., when the gym tends to get extremely crowded, during this period, it becomes almost impossible to train comfortably because too many people can hinder access to equipment and compromise the quality of training. If you're willing to train during this period, it's crucial to consider this factor when determining whether the gym is the best option for you.

A.

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Without a doubt, Element offers the most favorable price point, with 2,99 euros wekkely charge. It is an extremely low-cost gym for what it offers. There is a good variety of appliances, and the space is quite generous. The downside of being very low-cost is that a large number of people go at peak times, and it gets complicated mainly with cable machines. However, during quieter periods, the experience is truly delightful.

R.

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Fitness Up is an incredible gym, with plenty of space and a wide range of machines. This, combined with the affordable price, makes it one of the best gyms in Faro. The negative point is that the weekend schedules are very reduced.

R.

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Mind Set Studio is ideal for those who enjoy a peaceful training experience. It is very clean, fragrant, and well maintained, and the staff is very friendly. You can do a workout without complications even at the "peak" times, because even these times are never fully full. The only drawback is its small size and limited selection of machines, but it still provides all the necessary equipment. The fact that it works 24 hours a day is also something very positive, especially for those who have a routine that is more out of the ordinary.

R.

What if I don't want to go to a gym in Portugal to stay active?

Portugal has several other fitness options to stay active and invest in a healthy lifestyle.

The most sought-after and available are listed below.

Football in Portugal

The country's biggest passion! There are several football schools available in Portugal, as well as several opportunities to play amateur.

You can usually find where and how through Facebook groups, as many options come from non-commercial initiatives, or directly at local fields.

Team sports in Portugal

Rugby, volleyball, footvolley, beach volleyball, gymnastics, and hockey (not on ice!)—you can find plenty of options either with local clubs or in Facebook groups.

Each group's needs determine enrollment and availability.

Golfing in Portugal

Portugal is a golfing reference, and if you live near a golf course, you can easily head to your local club, enroll in classes, or hire a tee time at the green.

Horse-riding in Portugal

Historically, Portugal has been a horse-loving country, with its own breed called Lusitano. In larger areas, there are several hip-hop schools where you can easily enroll to train or learn. Stables will have horses available, including for new learners.

In rural zones, you can try private classes with locals.

Tennis or Padel in Portugal

There are several tennis courts available in Portugal, and you can either enroll in classes or schedule a time directly at their office or website.

Padel has gained popularity in Portugal, and regular gyms may have courts available, particularly in larger areas, or you can find speciallized gyms.

Hiking or Trekking in Portugal

Portugal has a wide variety of hiking and walking trails available for exploration. You have the option to go for a relaxing walk or a more demanding hike.

Portugal is part of the Camino de Santiago walk, and this is a great way to see everything up close and personal.

Some areas will offer challenging activities, depending on their geography. Usually, mountainous areas will be your getaway for a good trail. 

Trekking in Portugal has been disappointing for us. We've tried several trails, only to end up walking on roads every time. Compared to other countries, Portugal hasn't won me over when it comes to trekking. M.