March 20th
In Leiria, there are sports activities for everyone, whether you’re a local or just visiting and don’t want to miss out on a healthy dose of exercise.
With a wide range of sports facilities and dedicated spaces, the city also stands out for its many sporting events.
Here are a few suggestions to get you moving while discovering more of Leiria.
Tenente-Coronel Jaime Filipe da Fonseca Park, better known as Parque do Avião, is a popular meeting place for sports enthusiasts. As part of the Polis route, it attracts dozens of runners and walkers every day.
It is also home to what may be the city’s oldest outdoor basketball court. Recently renovated, the court is suitable for both 3×3 and 5×5 basketball and now features an aeroplane-inspired artwork by Wek/spraylover86.
Right next to the basketball court at Parque do Avião, you’ll find Leiria Skatepark. Designed with input from members of Leiria’s skating community, it is the perfect place for adrenaline-fuelled tricks.
Another spot where you can challenge yourself on the ramps is São Romão Action Sports Park.
Set within a vast green space near the River Lis, this skatepark was recently renovated by Wasteland Skateparks and Arquitetura Viva. Already considered one of the world’s best projects of its kind, it features a range of obstacles inspired by the urban landscape.
If climbing walls is your thing, get ready! In Leiria, as well as the climbing facilities at São Romão Action Sports Park, which include a three-sided tower around 10 metres high and a dedicated bouldering wall, you’ll also find an indoor space where you can practise this challenging sport.
Located in Zicofa, WonderWall is the region’s first indoor climbing centre. With 300 square metres of climbing space and 4.5-metre-high walls suitable for all levels, it offers hours of challenges for both climbing and bouldering enthusiasts.
In Leiria, it’s common to see F-16s flying over the city due to its proximity to Air Base No. 5 in Monte Real.
While these aircraft are strictly for professional pilots, you can still fulfil your dream of becoming a pilot for a day at the Aero Club of Leiria.
The programme begins with a one-hour theory lesson covering the basics of aviation and aircraft. Then the action starts with a 50-minute flight from Leiria Municipal Aerodrome – José Ferrinho.
If you enjoy heights but would rather take in the views and leave the controls to an expert, you can choose an introductory or panoramic flight for a unique perspective over the city of Leiria and its surroundings.
We know that four-wheel speed lovers can’t resist getting behind the wheel of a kart, hitting the accelerator and feeling the thrill of the track.
In Leiria, you can do just that at the Núcleo de Desportos Motorizados de Leiria, located very close to the impressive Sanctuary of Senhor Jesus dos Milagres.
Spread across five hectares, the venue features a 1,006-metre track and seven different circuits, with both sprint and endurance formats. Whether you race alone or with a group, get ready for plenty of fun, excitement and adrenaline on four wheels.
In Leiria, you can combine sport, tourism and nature with A2Z – Walking and Biking Tours, which offers authentic experiences in some of Portugal’s most unique locations, through historic and wild landscapes.
Yes, they also organise walking tours, but our suggestion here is a guided bike ride along lesser-known trails. Plenty of adventure is guaranteed — as long as you’re up for the challenge!
For those who always travel with a tennis racket in their luggage, Leiria has two venues that are sure to impress.
CETL – Clube Escola de Ténis de Leiria, the city’s oldest tennis club, is located in São Romão, next to the Action Sports Park. With five hard courts, two clay courts and an inviting terrace overlooking the centre court, this complex is the perfect place to enjoy a sunny afternoon.
If you visit in early September, you can also watch top-level women’s tennis at the ITF Leiria W35!
Racket Sports Club Leiria is located in Pousos, surrounded by stunning natural scenery. It has seven terraced clay courts, two of which are covered, all set among pine trees. Play a match here and you’ll feel truly connected to nature – trust us!
If you’ve joined the padel craze, you’ll find plenty of places to play in Leiria, both in the city centre and the surrounding area.
As well as tennis, CETL has two outdoor padel courts set within beautiful natural surroundings.
Less than five minutes from Leiria, in Pousos, you’ll find LisPadel and Padcampus, each with three covered courts.
In Azoia, MC Padel has four covered panoramic courts, as well as a gym and warm-up area.
Around eight kilometres from Leiria, Elite Padel Club and Ultra Padel Club are two more well-equipped indoor venues located on the way to Pedrógão. After your match, why not carry on to the beach and enjoy some delicious grilled fish?
Pickleball is another sport that’s quickly winning over the Portuguese, combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis.
Whether you’re already a fan or would like to give it a try, Leiria is the right place.
Why?
Because this is where you’ll find Portugal’s largest pickleball complex, created through a partnership between Clube Pickleball and Académico de Leiria. Eight courts are waiting for you. Book yours now!
Back to adventures high above the ground, Tugaventura, in Pousos, is perfect for anyone looking for an adrenaline rush.
Here, you can take on a free-fall challenge, cross a glass bridge 18 metres above the ground, ride several zip lines, try Tarzan swings and even pedal a “flying” bicycle, among many other challenges.
Come and experience the thrill!
If you enjoy horse riding, Centro Hípico Dom Cavalo, Quinta do Vale do Lena and Centro Equestre Francisco Alcaide are perfect for you.
In a welcoming and safe environment, you can interact with the horses, enjoy rides through nature along incredible trails and take part in the daily activities of a working farm. A unique experience awaits!
We’re rounding off our list of sports activities with running and walking. Several events have already been announced, and we’re sure more will be added throughout the year.
In May, you can sign up for the Leiria Run, which brings together participants of all ages. July brings the challenging OCR Police Challenge, an event packed with excitement and adrenaline. In October, the Leiria Half Marathon puts the endurance of even the toughest athletes to the test.
Every Wednesday evening, you can join the Brisas do Lis Night Run. Simply head to Praça Rodrigues Lobo at 9 pm for the warm-up, before setting off half an hour later to explore the city as a group.
In Leiria, there are no excuses for standing still! Come and enjoy everything the city has to offer sports lovers.
