With the start of a new year, many people set fresh goals, with fitness and well-being often at the top of the list. There are several cities in Portugal that appeal to fitness enthusiasts if your aim is to adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle in 2025.

Holidu, a software and services platform, has put together a ranking of the most active cities in Portugal.

In order to find out which Portuguese city is the ultimate fitness hotspot, Holidu analysed Google Maps data, considering the number of gyms and fast-food restaurants in each city. Each city’s score was normalised on a scale of 0-10. Then, the average score of the two data points of every city was determined to produce the final ranking, with the city with the most fitness centres winning in the case of a tie.

The most fitness-friendly cities in the country

1. Lisbon 10/10

Lisbon receives a perfect score of 10/10, making it the most fit city in Portugal. There are innumerable ways to remain in shape in the city, which has more than 400 gyms and wellness centres. One noteworthy location is Mrs. Lemon - Yoga & Café, a distinctive setting that blends yoga, pilates, and vegan coffee to create a whole wellness experience.

2. Vila Nova de Gaia 9.05/10

Vila Nova de Gaia comes in second with a Fitscore of 9.05/10. The city has one of the fewest fast-food outlets in the nation and more than 40 gyms. Gaia Sport Center is a well-liked fitness destination in this area. It is renowned for its varied group courses, heated indoor pool, and physiotherapy services, which make it a great place for both training and recuperation.

3. Porto 8,67/10

Coming in third with a score of 8.67/10, Porto is home to over 200 gyms. Fitness lovers can find everything from modern gym facilities at Solinca, which offers cutting-edge equipment, group workouts, and swimming pools, to specialised training at CrossFit Foz, which is based on high-intensity workouts with expert coaching.

4. Braga 8.35/10

Braga lands in fourth place with a score of 8.35/10. This northern city features more than 140 gyms and wellness centres, creating a dynamic fitness city. A standout spot for Pilates enthusiasts is Pilates Helena Mendonça which offers personalised sessions designed to promote both physical and mental well-being.

5. Funchal 7,80/10

Closing the top five, Funchal earns a Fitscore of 7.80/10. The city offers a lively fitness culture, with a variety of gyms and wellness centres. A top choice for fitness seekers is Symetrix Pilates & Functional Training Studio, which provides specialised functional training and Pilates classes for those looking to improve strength and flexibility.

Other active cities in Portugal

Moreover, beyond the top five, several other Portuguese cities also promote an active lifestyle as Matosinhos (7.10/10), Guimarães (5.25/10), Cascais (4.54/10), Viseu (3.73/10) and Setúbal (3.45/10). The cities of Portimão and Faro lay in 24th and 27th, respectively.