family travel portugal

What to do and where to go in Portugal with kids

Jun 12, 2023 • 6 min read

Portugal is a family-friendly country with loads of experiences that kids will enjoy © Ippei Naoi / Getty Images

Portugal is one of the most family friendly countries in Europe. Children are an integral part of daily life, and they're happily welcomed anywhere, from museums and restaurants to town squares and theaters. Cities are rife with parks, playgrounds, while the rest of the country is a perfectly preserved natural paradise. 

With 300 days of sunshine a year and the mildest weather on the old continent, Portugal is the ideal destination for family adventures. The only part you'll struggle with is deciding where to go! Read on to find out more about the best destinations to travel to in Portugal with your kids. 

Is Portugal good for kids?

Families hold an important place in Portuguese society, so they're well treated across the country. Parents with small children or pregnant people are given priority in supermarket lines and on public transport, and you'll never get side glances for breastfeeding in public. Even in Lisbon , tweens and teens ride public transport alone, a nod to the safety of the cities.

Perhaps the only drawback for parents are the sidewalks, which thanks to steep hills, bumps and their narrow size, are very far from being stroller or toddler friendly. However, all is redeemed by a family-centric local culture which welcomes you to bring your kids – be they babies, tots or teens –  literally anywhere. 

Where is best in Portugal for kids

Imagine taking the family for surf lessons or coastal hikes along the Costa Vicentina ; road trips along the coast or or river cruises, vineyard tours and horseback rides with your kids by your side. While the options are endless, here are few of the coolest experiences you can have in Portugal with your family. 

Brave walking the Arouca 516 suspension bridge 

Best for kids, tweens & teens.

Just outside of Porto in the Arouca Unesco Global Geopark hangs world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge , a 516 meter-long (1,693 ft) bridge situated 175m (574ft) over the Paiva River.

Challenge your kids to see if they're brave enough to cross (or if you are!), but don't fret –  even if someone is afraid of heights, the park is still worth the trip. Below the bridge, you'll find the Passadiços de Paiva, an 8km (5.5mi) route of wooden walkways that follows the Paiva River, offering a scenic hike – albeit with a lot of stairs – that's safe and fun for families whose kids have energy to burn.

Road trip the coast from Portugal's north to south

Best for all ages.

Renting a caravan to roadtrip Portugal with your family is one of the best ways to explore this beautiful land. The country is small, the roads are uncrowded, the scenery is breathtaking and it's relatively safe. If you've got little ones, the convenience of on-hand snacking and napping is unbeatable; while older kids will love the adventure and instant access to nature. 

Wild camping is no longer permitted in Portugal, but there is a huge network of budget-friendly campsites that offer all the basic structure you could need – many even have playgrounds and cafes onsite. Prices and amenities vary: Peniche's municipal campground, for example, has standard amenities, a perfect location and a shockingly low rate, while Salema Eco-Camp in the Algarve , which boasts a huge pirate-ship playground, multiple restaurants and live music nights, is worth the the higher price tag. 

Travel to the end of the world at Sagres & the Costa Vicentina 

Once upon a time, the southwest corner of Portugal was considered to be the end of the continent, and thus of the civilized world. These days, it's still pretty far out there, however it's an absolutely amazing spot for active and outdoorsy families to spend their holidays. 

In Sagres , you'll find the Martinal resorts, one of the most family-friendly hotels in the country. Start your day with a surf lesson with the Algarve Surf School, then head back to town for an exceptional pizza at Arte Bianca Pizzaria, followed by ice cream at Alice Gelato. After an afternoon relaxing, check out some live music in the evening at the Laundry Lounge or Three Little Birds, before getting to bed early so you can do it all over again. 

Spend an art-filled afternoon at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Best for babies, tots, tweens & teens.

The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is one of the world's most important private art collections. It includes works from Ancient Egypt to the early 20th century but beyond its artistic importance the Gulbenkian is a truly perfect place to spend an afternoon with the kids. This art filled oasis in the middle of Lisbon has beautiful, rolling gardens where kids play while adults lounge in the sun, surrounded by koi ponds and some surprisingly friendly ducks. The onsite cafe serves simple, tasty food that's easy for picky eaters and for your wallet. Perfect for cultural-minded parents of tiny tykes, or families with artsy tweens and teens. 

Let your worries float away at Tavira & the East Algarve 

Best for babies & tots.

The East Algarve is known for its quiet, warm beaches with nearly no waves, and exceptional, fresh and inexpensive seafood to fill everyone's tummies. Stay in Tavira for more action, or Cacela Velha to escape the crowds, then hop on a little boat to cross the lagoon where endless white sand beaches await – just dont forget a beach umbrella and plenty of water and snacks.

When you've had enough sun, take a day trip to the nearby Rio Formosa Wetlands Natural Park for some bird and wildlife watching. Simply hop on one of the small ferries that run between the islands (Ilha do Farol is a favorite). For a few euros, kids can enjoy the boat ride and the view, and you can pop off at any of the islands for some beach time, snacks or an ice cream.  

More great experiences for kids in Portugal

Hike among the stars .

For mountain hiking, crystal-clear lakes, traditional eats and wintertime skiing head to Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela .  

Peek into the past 

Roman Ruins, cool city vibes and a gateway to the Alentejo countryside in Évora . 

Go spelunking

Explore subterranean caverns with the family at Grutas de Mira de Aire .

Planning tips for family travel in Portugal

Public transport versus driving.

In the cities, public transport is both easy and inexpensive, and there are plenty of rideshare and taxi drivers to make up for any shortcomings. Outside of the cities however, you'll want a car to visit the best national parks and most breathtaking beaches – but don't fret, driving in this tiny, safe country is nearly stress-free. 

Pack plenty of layers

Portugal is a cold country with warm sunshine, which means that days are hot but nights and mornings can be quite chilly. To keep your little ones comfortable, you'll want to pack easy layers that kids can peel off as the day warms up or to throw on as the sun starts to set. Consider an extra-large day bag to carry it all. 

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Portugal Is a Great Family Destination for Its Walkable Cities and Beautiful Beaches — How to Plan a Trip

Small plates in Lisbon, fancy soaps in Porto, sandcastles on the beaches of the Algarve: Portugal is country with something for everyone.

Rodrigo Cardoso

We brought a tooth to Portugal . 

It wasn’t planned. Our six-year-old daughter’s first wiggly tooth had been bothering her for days and had fallen out just before we left for the airport. I wrapped the precious cargo in tissue, promising that the tooth fairy would visit her once we reached Lisbon. 

We were setting off on what Lulu called “the magazine trip.” She’d been desperate to join me on my recent book tour, which wasn’t possible, but here, finally, was an adventure for all of us. For Lulu, there would be many firsts: her first transatlantic flight; her first visit to Europe; her first time staying anywhere that wasn’t an Airbnb or a great deal on Priceline.

Though my husband, Adam, and I had traveled extensively before becoming parents, this would be only our second family vacation, with four destinations in Portugal spread over 10 days. We’d talked about visiting Portugal for years. Adam, a documentary filmmaker, loves Pedro Costa’s Letters from Fontainhas, a trilogy of films set in Lisbon. Over the years, my interest had been piqued by stories from our friends Miranda and Gabriel, who’d lived in Portugal when their first child was an infant. During my own childhood, I was fortunate to have my curiosity shaped by traveling with my parents. Here was a chance to continue that tradition with Lulu.

Lisbon was glowing. Even after only two hours’ sleep on the red-eye flight, I was convinced that Portugal had a brighter sun and bluer sky than suburban Chicago, where we live. “Are we climbing a mountain?” Lulu sighed with the weariness of a child from the hill-less Midwestern suburbs. We’d walked exactly one block. She hadn’t wanted to leave our apartment at the luxurious Martinhal Chiado Lisbon hotel, having immediately climbed onto the bunk bed and changed into the child-size terry robe. 

How does one become fascinated with a place? What role does beauty play? I suppose I’ve always felt drawn to photos of Lisbon’s old-world grandeur and its buildings covered in tiles the color of the ocean. 

Founded by hotel developers Chitra and Roman Stern, who are parents of four, Martinhal has four properties in Portugal, all of which are designed for families. Located in a renovated 19th-century building in the upscale Chiado neighborhood, our chic one-bedroom had numerous Martinhal-specific features, such as a high chair and potty seat, strollers for rent in the lobby, and a kids’ club that resembled a Montessori dreamworld, complete with a climbing wall. 

Having trudged to a blazingly sunny, tree-lined square, Lulu seemed ready to fall asleep in her father’s arms. As we continued to wander, I spotted a solution: toys. At the charming boutique Mexerica, a newly energized Lulu selected two sets of dainty Maileg toy mice (not Portuguese, but IYKYK), including a “Dream & Tooth Fairy” with a heart-shaped tin for leaving under the pillow.

While Adam and Lulu sat on the square and listened to a busker playing electric violin, I lined up for a 6 p.m. seating at Taberna da Rua das Flores, which Miranda and Gabriel had promised us was the best restaurant in Lisbon. A tiny place with a cash-only, no-reservations policy, dining there required extra effort, but the food was indeed exquisite. 

Lulu perched on a stool between us at a table for two, receiving the procession of small plates — razor clams, scallops, goat cheese covered in ashes, bittersweet tiramisu, and more — like a jet-lagged little queen. 

In the morning, she discovered that the Portuguese tooth fairy had left six euros in her heart-shaped tin. 

Tile-making is considered an art form integral to the country’s identity. (Fun fact: the term azulejo is derived from the Arab word for a “small polished stone.”) During a workshop at the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, we decorated tiles of our own, using charcoal and a stencil to apply the pattern, then adding color. Our visit to the rest of the museum, which is housed in a former convent and showcases examples dating back to the 15th century, was brief, my desire for tile-gazing conflicting with Lulu’s flagging energy level. We were learning how to travel at her pace. 

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More successful was the perfectly proportioned Museu da Marioneta, where dramatically lit exhibits of puppets from around the world give way to larger displays celebrating the artistry of Portuguese puppet makers. While Lulu enjoyed trying on a roberto (glove puppet) and performing as “jet lag puppet,” she preferred Lisbon’s simple pleasures — tiny robe, bunk bed, evening stroll — and thrilled at the chance to people-watch as we walked from the Santos neighborhood back to our hotel in Chiado. 

Though I’d organized most of our itinerary around Lulu’s interests, on our last day in Lisbon, we set out to look at the city’s terra-cotta rooftops from the Castelo de São Jorge, a medieval castle on a hilltop. After convincing Lulu not to chase the peacocks, I led us downhill through the winding streets of the Alfama neighborhood to the Hospital de Bonecas (Hospital for Dolls), located in an old apartment building in Praça da Figueira. My first novel, The School for Good Mothers, includes lifelike child robots called “dolls,” so once I learned of this place, we had to go.

Our guide, Marta Machado, a doll nurse of 24 years, explained how the hospital, a family business since 1830, restores antique dolls from around the world, some more than a century old. Describing the hospital’s intake process, Machado said: “We look at the problems and tell you about the triage-ing. We have a paper with the number of the hospital bed.”

Part of the doll hospital’s immense charm is the staff’s total commitment to both premise and execution. This is a hospital; the patients just happen to be dolls. You’ll enjoy it more if you, too, are willing to believe. 

There were tables of broken doll bodies, shelves of legs, trays of eyes, rows of vintage heads, faces peeking out of glass windows in cabinets, one with a single tear falling from her eye, another mid-scream. Some might find the hospital and the attached museum a bit spooky, but I felt truly transported, lost in the joy and wonder of this singular place. Lulu, meanwhile, was rewarded for her patience with dollhouse toys from the shop — books, candlesticks, teacups, a china set, cookware. The whole lot fit in the palm of her hand. 

During one of our post-dinner strolls, I’d spotted a stylish fiftysomething American couple traveling with their teenager. A glimpse of the future, I thought. What would life be like eight years from now? Where would we travel with Lulu? Who would she become? Would she still enjoy spending time with us? 

The store of a soap company that dates back to 1887 might not appeal to most children, but Lulu is a child who loves fancy things. The ornate vintage designs on the brand’s famed packaging spoke to her, as did the scents.

On the train north from Lisbon to Porto, she slept in my lap for the first time since she was a toddler. I touched her still-round cheeks and considered her beauty. It’s such a bittersweet part of parenting — that watching your child grow up involves less and less time spent really looking at them. 

Once we reached Porto, our excitement at seeing the shimmering Douro River was tempered by the first of several rounds of getting lost. Our hotel, the Rebello, had been open for only two weeks, and the address foiled taxi drivers and Uber’s GPS. 

Comprising four 19th-century industrial buildings across the river from Porto in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia, the Rebello made me feel like I’d been plunked into the most glamorous Elle Decor spread, with concrete floors and touches of steel and tile. Interior designer Daniela Franceschini’s choice of vintage and contemporary furniture and works by Portuguese artists emphasizes the themes of water, wine, and wood. Franceschini explained: “The hotel has a story of manufacturing and wine storage, and we try to preserve it.” I’m still dreaming about the fuchsia velvet desk chair and the citron verbena scent of the Claus Porto toiletries.

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From her own room in our palatial riverfront suite, I heard Lulu shout: “Mama, I have my own safe!” Words I never expected to hear in this life. 

I came to appreciate the Rebello even more once my plans began to go awry. 

That night, Adam and I forgot to set an alarm, so we had to skip breakfast. I’d ambitiously booked 9 a.m. tickets for Livraria Lello, “the most beautiful bookstore in the world” and a huge draw for tourists as the supposed inspiration for parts of the Harry Potter series. 

Our first Uber driver got lost on the way to Porto and began driving in circles, and driving so erratically that Adam insisted we get out on the side of the road. On the second try, we made it to the bookstore an hour late. I talked our way past the snaking line, and we stayed exactly 15 minutes. 

We got to see the bookstore’s famed red double-helix staircase, but the crowd was too much. “It feels like we dropped into the vortex of Porto,” Adam said. 

Strike two was Clérigos Tower, where I wanted us to see the views from the historic quarter’s highest point. Deeming the stairs too scary and the stairwell too narrow, Lulu abandoned the climb halfway up, and I quickly discovered that a floor-length Dôen sundress was exactly the wrong thing to wear when climbing an 18th-century tower with very smooth stone stairs. 

Surprisingly, everyone’s mood lifted after we visited the Claus Porto flagship store on Rua das Flores. Imagine Barneys (RIP), but for soap, with displays befitting the finest jewels. The store of a soap company that dates back to 1887 might not appeal to most children, but Lulu is a child who loves fancy things. The ornate vintage designs on the brand’s famed packaging spoke to her, as did the scents. Choosing four tiny soaps for herself, she announced: “I love soapies! I love soapies!” 

Despite soap joy and Adam and Lulu’s happy chess playing in the Rebello lobby, strike three was a tour of Ferreira Cellars. Having spent an hour learning the history of port wine, during which we trudged dutifully past row after row of enormous casks, Adam commended Lulu on her endurance, telling her: “You’re a boss wine tourist.” 

Even though I had followed the Internet’s advice regarding Porto’s “must-sees,” my plans had been that unfortunate combination of hot, crowded, tiring, and boring. Why hadn’t I just scrapped the tickets and taken us to the hotel’s indoor pool? 

Thankfully, dinner at the Rebello’s Pot&Pan offered redemption. Diogo Magalhães, the food and beverage manager, served as our friendly, mellow guide, commiserating about our messy day as we feasted on chef André Coutinho’s modern take on Portuguese gastronomy.

“Lulu, your taste in food is insane,” Adam said. At home, she’s often a picky eater, but that night, she cheerfully tried Portuguese-style prawns, crisp pork belly and clams with sautéed potatoes, baked octopus à lagareiro, and too many other dishes to name.

A tray of desserts arrived, garnished with dry ice that had the aroma of violets: Toblerone-shaped tiramisu, lemon meringue tarts, honeycomb-shaped cinnamon cookies, macaroons, ice cream, sorbet, and abade de priscos, a traditional caramel pudding.

Food rarely makes me emotional, but this was our favorite meal of the trip, the pleasure of the dishes enhanced by the succor it provided. Coutinho stopped by to say hello. Then only 33, this was his first time opening three dining outlets from scratch. He told me about working in partnership with Magalhães: “I believe the connection with the kitchen and service must be like this — like a marriage.” Both want the restaurants to be accessible, with food and drink priced accordingly, so locals can also enjoy the food and the stunning view of the river. 

Later, Adam summed up our admiration for the Rebello when he said that Magalhães and Coutinho had a “great vibe.” For my husband, who isn’t given to effusiveness, this was the highest of compliments.

“You didn’t tell me we had our own pool.” Lulu stared at me over the top of her glasses. She’d never sounded more like a tiny teen, but soon she was prancing through our villa at the Six Senses Douro Valley, singing “We have our own po-ol! We have our own po-ol!” 

In our living room, a cavernous rotunda decorated in serene earth tones, she found a welcome note addressed to her and a box filled with fruit skewers, berries, and granola. In the fridge, a bottle of chocolate milk had her name on it. 

We first saw the resort from the road above, which added to the sense of decadent unreality as we descended into a lush green world. Set on almost 20 acres alongside the Douro River in Portugal’s oldest wine-producing region, the Six Senses was once a manor house owned by the wealthy Serpa Pimentel family, who were apparently close friends of King Carlos I and owned numerous vineyards in the area. Having never been to any manor houses, I’d describe the estate as castle-esque.

Spotting another box on the coffee table, she said, “I’m just going to see if it has my name on it.” On her pillow, she found a woolen puppy with LULU embroidered on the side.

“I can’t believe you’re experiencing this at six,” Adam said to Lulu. We exchanged nervous glances. How would she ever go back to Airbnb? Our 2,700-square-foot villa, a short walk from the main house, was more than twice the size of our current apartment, not including the private pool, sun deck, garden, and gazebo.

But parenting is still parenting, even in such splendor. Lulu had another loose tooth. She’d become reluctant to eat.

The Six Senses strives for “emotional hospitality” — to empathize with clients and provide whatever they need — and I’ll assume this is how everyone heard about her tooth. There were cries of “Hi, Lulu! Hi, Lulu!” wherever we went. Staff stopped by at meals to inquire about the tooth’s progress. 

Adam and I wondered whether it had been discussed via text messages, or maybe walkie-talkies. This level of service, combined with our lack of resort experience, became almost comical. When shown the daybed on which Lulu would sleep, I asked where the linens were, not understanding that a turndown service would magically appear or that they’d leave gifts — chocolate, port wine, sliced fruit. While we gawked and bumbled, Lulu swiftly adjusted her standards. Spotting another box on the coffee table, she said, “I’m just going to see if it has my name on it.” On her pillow, she found a woolen puppy with Lulu embroidered on the side.

Months before, our daughter had learned to swim. My parents had taken her to lessons, so Adam and I didn’t witness her new skills until our stay at the Six Senses. We were astonished to see her dip underwater, float on her back, and demonstrate her “froggy” moves. Who was this swimming, toothless big kid? 

Tearing her away from the pool was challenging, but we had a packed roster of activities to try. At the Earth Lab, we pickled vegetables, made yogurt, and learned how to grow sprouts. At the Alchemy Bar, we made an organic body scrub. At the Activity Hut, we chatted with resident artist Helena Ferreira about travel while she and Lulu painted. 

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One morning in this idyll, I heard screams. When I ran upstairs to the bathroom, I couldn’t see Lulu at first, only the geyser of water spraying from the bidet and out the door of the toilet stall. 

The bathroom was getting soaked. Lulu, still hollering, was plastered against the wall in terror. Scrambling to turn off the water, I got sprayed in the face. We’d asked Lulu not to touch the buttons. I didn’t begin the day needing a massage, but after cleaning up the water and speaking too harshly to Lulu, my existing spa appointment felt more necessary. During the treatment, I wanted to relax, but I ruminated on my mistakes. Perhaps there are no best practices for handling a child’s bidet emergency at a five-star resort, but I could’ve been more patient. 

I found my family waiting for me at the entrance to the spa. Lulu had been in another section getting her nails painted, a special vacation-only treat. I admired her pink nails and apologized. It wasn’t her fault. The buttons were too tempting. 

I’d heard that for families at Six Senses, part of the wellness experience is having time to reconnect, and for us, this was true. Beyond the cinematic setting and the beautiful meals, what I’ll remember most is taking Lulu for one last bit of pool time before checkout, seeing her swim the whole length of the spa’s vast indoor pool, playing “mommy dolphin and baby dolphin.” How instead of using the circuit of jets, cold plunge, and Jacuzzi as intended, she sat on the divider between hot and cold and plunked one leg in each.

Next we flew to faro, a city on the southern coast. From there we were driven to Sagres, a beach town in the western Algarv e known for its excellent surfing and near-constant sunshine. 

During the journey, my sudden summer cold had blossomed into a sinus infection that sent me crawling into bed at 5 p.m. Our villa at the Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort, which had a view of the ocean, turned out to be a comfortable, scenic place to recuperate. There were sweet moments as I convalesced: Lulu changing into her pajamas to keep me company; Lulu and Adam standing on the terrace that night for “star seeing.”

We were familiar with the Martinhal approach from our stay in Lisbon, but we really experienced the brand’s ethos in full at this hotel, its first property, which opened in 2010. It has everything a family could want, from trampolines and playhouses in the Village Square to gourmet baby purées on the kids’ menu.

“We want to make sure parents can enjoy their cappuccino with the foam still on it,” Martinhal CEO Chitra Stern told me. “We have curated a lifestyle hotel where parents don’t have to be stressed about their children. Kids are welcome to finish their meal and head over to the Kids Corner and they’ll be well entertained by toys, art supplies, and well-trained people. Adults can be adults and enjoy great food, the best of Portuguese wine — and their cappuccino!”

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We saw the benefits of this thoughtful approach at every meal. While there were plenty of roaming kids, Lulu stayed glued to us, so the effects were more subtle. It was a relief to know that we didn’t have to nag her to be quiet or sit still.

In Sagres, Adam finally got his bike ride: a rugged, well-designed route that covered 50 miles. He’d taken Lulu to the beach that morning, so I rallied to give her more time in the water. At home, I rarely sit and truly play with Lulu, but that afternoon, we built sandcastles for hours. I tried to be present in the moment and let images imprint on my mind: my water baby at her most content; the piercing turquoise of the ocean; the agave growing on the terra-cotta cliffs. 

How strange to be in paradise while receiving news that Canadian wildfire smoke had spread to Chicago. I texted my parents to close their windows and wear masks outdoors. Lulu announced she wanted to bring all her friends to Portugal, away from the smoky air. 

She made a sand birthday cake for her friend Ruby. Invented a character named Seaweed Seaweed. Jumped in the waves. On the beach, she felt no hunger, thirst, or boredom. To her, the icy water wasn’t cold at all. 

We ended our ocean-oriented day at the Martinhal’s beachfront seafood restaurant, As Dunas. Lulu heard about the fresh-caught fish list and requested “sardines just for me.” Having lobbied unsuccessfully for Lulu to try the Kids Club, her request reminded me that her adventurousness emerged in other ways. While waiting for Adam to return, I proudly watched our child feast on clams in white wine sauce, carefully dip her bread in oil and vinegar, and tuck in to her own towering pile of fresh-caught sardines on toast. 

It was a test, in a way. Whether the memories of this trip would last in my heart and mind, even without the perfect family pictures. Whether Lulu would remember. 

What’s a family vacation without one last twist? While packing for our return flight, I couldn’t find our camera — the one I’d bought just for the trip. We had left it behind on our train ride back to Lisbon. In these extraordinary places, we’d used this camera to take mother-child photos, and many of the three of us together, and now they were lost. I’m not proud to admit that I wept in front of my daughter for a full 20 minutes. 

We had stayed overnight at the sleek, newly opened Martinhal Lisbon Oriente. In my emotional state, I was especially grateful for the kind concierge, who received my illogical ramblings, called the train company on our behalf, and suggested we stop by the station’s lost and found, just in case. 

After these efforts proved futile, Lulu tried to console me during the drive to the airport. We agreed that we’d take more photos and make more memories. I told her that I’d write about our trip, share our family’s stories with readers. 

A year later, I can tell you that she’s still talking about Portugal and wants to know, more urgently than ever, when we’ll go back.  

Martinhal Chiado Lisbon : A luxurious family hotel with 37 apartments, drop-in childcare, babysitting services, a playroom, and numerous other amenities.

Martinhal Lisbon Oriente : Hotel residences in the Park of Nations neighborhood, with 82 apartments ranging from studios to three-bedrooms, plus a Family & Baby Concierge and indoor and outdoor pools.

Taberna da Rua das Flores : Wonderfully inventive Portuguese small plates. Line up early for the 6 p.m. seating. Better for older children who can sit still in the narrow dining room.

Hospital de Bonecas : Entrancing “hospital” where dolls are repaired, plus a museum. Miniature enthusiasts will have a field day in the gift shop.

Museu da Marioneta : A well-curated collection of puppets from around the world, with fun, interactive displays.

Museu Nacional do Azulejo : Located in a former convent, it showcases the history of the art form from the 15th century to today. Tile-painting workshops are also available.

The Rebello : A design-lover’s fantasy, with 103 spacious apartments (each with its own kitchen), a kids’ club, and a Roman-baths-style indoor pool. High glamour for parents and comfort for kids.

Floresta Café by Hungry Biker : A great, affordable option in a touristy part of central Porto. Try the green smoothies and the pancakes with ricotta, fruit, and nuts.

Pot&Pan : Named for the site’s prior life as a kitchen-utensils factory, the Rebello’s fine-dining restaurant serves fantastic modern Portuguese.

Claus Porto : Impeccable displays of soaps, plus a second-floor museum that brings the history of this storied brand to life.  

Ferreira Cellars : The cellar tour and wine tasting will entertain parents, but younger children will need to practice patience.

Livraria Lello : Famed as the “most beautiful bookstore in the world.” Reserve timed tickets, and be prepared for crowds.

Douro Valley

Six Senses Douro Valley : Otherworldly splendor for wine tourists and wellness enthusiasts alike, with activities that range from kayaking to tree climbing. Dinner at the Garden Barbecue is especially memorable.

Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort : This sprawling resort has a range of accommodation options for families, plus a watersports center and multiple pools. Its seafood restaurant, As Dunas, has the best ocean view.

A version of this story first appeared in the June 2024 issue of  Travel + Leisure  under the headline "Our Portuguese Adventure ."

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Portugal With Kids

We’ve been to Portugal with kids twice now. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, its one of the most family-friendly countries in Europe, and somewhere I always recommend to people looking for a break. We’ve been twice now and had some of our best family holidays in Portugal!

On our first trip a couple of years ago, we focused on Central Portugal mixing a  Lisbon city break with a relaxing cultural and beach trip to Sintra . Whereas on our most recent family vacation, we explored the Algarve on the southerly coast of the country!

Both visits were quite different and could be combined into a longer road trip around Portugal with kids . Renting a car could be an amazing way to explore on an extended trip, however public transport is also quite good.

Portugal is between a two to three hour flight time from the UK, making it an easy to reach destination for the whole family to travel. Our kids loved the trip and I personally loved the diverse experiences Portugal offers.

From exploring ancient castles, to wandering the narrow cobbled streets of Lisbon, not to mention the glorious beaches of the Algarve, there is so many things to do for all types of families. If you’ve got a lot of holiday time you can also combine it with a trip to Azores which is a pretty affordable and short flight from mainland Portugal. You can check available flights here .

By the way, we’d probably pick Lisbon for a family holiday if you’re comparing Lisbon vs Porto , because Lisbon is easier to get to and offers more options for everyone.

The Portuguese are incredibly welcoming of tourists and in particular, are great with children from our experience. Nearly every person we met took the time to chat with our kids and interact with them, making the family travel experience so enjoyable.

We’ve created this guide to Portugal with kids! You can choose to focus on one area you are interested in, or make it into 10 days in Portugal or maybe spend a couple of weeks of exploring. We’ve got it all covered from the best beach holiday in Portugal to a weekend in Portugal, happy reading!

Things To Do In Portugal With Kids

Table of Contents

FARO, ALGARVE WITH KIDS

We started off our recent trip in Faro and stayed in one of the most family-friendly villas in Portugal. At just half an hour drive from the airport, Quinta De Lagos is the perfect place to start a trip off to Portugal with a toddler or young child.

The gated community is an expansive area filled with tree-lined promenades, walking and cycling routes, not to mention access to some completely isolated beaches.

We stayed at Martinhal Quinta , well known for offering some of the most child-friendly holidays in Portugal, in fact, I would happily say in Europe by my experience. The villas inside the complex are privately owned, however they are managed by Martinhal and all have the same facilities and branding.

BEST PLACE FOR A FAMILY HOLIDAY IN PORTUGAL

Martinhal specialise in ‘baby’s first holiday’ and all round making it easy for families. They have a catalogue of items they can have ready and waiting in the villa. From high chairs to potties, nappies and so on.  Being at Martinhal Quinta made us feel like both parents and children were catered for. Sometimes the balance can be too much in one or the other way.

We had everything we needed inside our three bedroom villa. It was a beautiful big property with open plan living, all mod cons kitchen and of course a private swimming pool. The beautiful winding marble stairs was the most eye catching feature of all which ordinarily spells hazard with kids, however Martinhal had a gate at either end to keep little ones safe.

If the villa wasn’t enough, we had all the facilities of a regular resort within Martinhal. The area feels residential in some ways, almost like the Portuguese version of Wisteria Lane! Pastel green Mediterranean buildings along cobbled streets with fuchsia pink flowers outside every house.

Beyond the villas, Martinhal has a central area where there is a bar / restaurant, heated swimming pool and a trampoline play area for the kids. There is also an indoor heated swimming pool for those cooler days, maybe on a Portugal winter holiday! The kids had hours of fun and we really struggled to get them beyond Martinhal, so it was certainly a relaxed part of our trip.

KIDS CLUB PORTUGAL

When we go on holiday we are not the type of parents to palm our kids off whenever possible, but our daughter just loves going to the kids club, especially at Martinhal. They had an amazing programme of activities, from face painting, to arts and crafts. Its such a nice way to get a break as parents, even it its just for lunch or a nice walk on the beach.

SURROUNDING AREA

We spent our evenings exploring the local walking routes. However, you could also check out the best hiking paths in Portugal . I absolutely loved the long bridge across the estuary onto the beach.  So many beaches along the coast in Portugal have board walks, ideal for cycling or pushing a stroller . There were very few people on the beach so it was just stunning wilderness as far as the eye could see.

For Martinhal Quinta Family Resorts rates and availability click here .

PORTUGAL FOR FAMILIES

Another favourite spot of ours close to Martinhal Quinta was The Shack, it was also on the Estuary that had a man-made beach. It was such a clean and tidy area and perfect for little kids, instead of the crashing waves of the wild Atlantic. On the little beach outside The Shack were stand up paddle boards and a tonne of peddle boats in all shapes and sizes. From little cars to giant swans, it was certainly attractive to the kids.

They serve great food at The Shack and I must admit it was so nice sitting there watching the sunset whilst the kids were playing. Food is only served until 7pm, so make sure to get there on time if you plan to visit.

SAGRES, ALGARVE WITH KIDS

For the second leg of our recent Portugal trip, we travelled further into the Algarve . Martinhal arranged our transfer to their other property in Sagres . Although if you are on a road trip around Portugal, its not a long distance to travel.  At only 1.5hrs away from Faro airport it’s one of the best beach resorts in Portugal.

Sagres is on tiny peninsula at the furthest most southerly tip of Portugal. Due to its geography, the area has a mixture of both surf beaches and those a little more calm and better for families. The beach right in front of Martinhal Sagres Beach Resort Hotel is ideal for little ones. The water is calm, the beach is pristine and the views of the island right in front is the centre piece of the show making it perfect for an Algarve Holiday .

Out of all of the places we’ve visited, Martinhal Sagres, is one of  the best family resorts in Portugal and one of our all time favourite places, probably in the world when it comes to child friendliness. The reason being is it’s literally beachfront, meaning we didn’t have along walk to get there. Likewise all of the facilities were just perfect for families.

It’s a much larger expansive resort than the other Martinhal properties but had everything you could possibly want. We stayed in a villa with two bedrooms. It had stunning ceiling to floor glass sliding doors with a balcony to take in the views. With one side facing East, and the other West, we had our own little haven to catch both sunrise and sunset.

There was also a supermarket on site so we could stock up and make our own meals if we wanted to save a little on eating out. That said, Martinhal Sagres has all the usual benefits of a hotel, with breakfast, half board and  an all inclusive family holiday in Portugal as options.

We did half board so it allowed us to go out and explore during the day, returning back in the evenings when the kids were too tired for much else. Every corner of the property has a playground, or a sand pit, not to mention the iconic trampoline.

There were a tonne of amazing restaurants, a bar and even a pop up BBQ. For every space in Martinhal Sagres, you will find something for kids. Whether its a playground or an area with someone to supervise the kids whilst you finish your meal, they have thought the place through so well.

For rates and availability at Martinhal Sagres Beach Resort Hotel, click here .

THINGS TO DO AROUND SAGRES 

Sagres is a small town that attracts families and surfers. There are many more beaches than just the one in front of Martinhal and a great way to spend a day trip is cycling around the coast. We rented bikes from the store at our hotel. We would have ideally liked a carriage but as we went on holiday to Portugal in April, it was high season and they were all booked out.

We took some child bike seats instead, all up with two adult bikes, the seats for kids, water bottles and helmets, it cost 50 euros for the day. We didn’t get very far as we couldn’t help but stop every few minutes to take in the stunning views. The Algarve coast is so beautiful with some impressive cliff side views.

We cycled to the fortress in Sagres and onto Cape St Vincent, the landscape is just stunning and for this reason one of the best holiday destinations in Portugal. It was a little windy which is why I would have preferred a carriage for the kids so if you plan to cycle book one in advance. There is a supermarket and a few cute cafes along the way to pick up a picnic or stop for an ice-cream.

If cycling is not your thing, or maybe you don’t intend to rent a car, the hotel also has a free shuttle service to and from the centre of Sagres, making it easy to pick up groceries from the larger supermarket or maybe explore a little more of the local area on foot.

LUXURY FAMILY HOLIDAY IN PORTUGAL

When we weren’t exploring the local area, we were generally chilling at Martinhal. As you know they have a kids club and they also have a spa! The perfect combo for getting some nice rest and relaxation in on a family holiday. I had a 50 minute ‘relaxation’ massage at the Finnestra Spa and it was utter heaven. Similar to our time at Martinhal Quinta, it was hard to pull the kids away from all of the amazing facilities.

Usually we have to run away from our meals on holiday due to their impatience and excitement or tiredness. One of my favourite things about the trip was always having someone on hand with a game or colouring in so we could finish our meal when the kids were done.

We spent 5 nights exploring Quinta De Lagos and the Sagres area. If  you are planning a longer trip to Portugal, maybe your next stop could be Sintra or Lisbon ? There is a train from Sagres to Lisbon that takes about three hours and the drive time is similar to the rail journey. When we road trip with kids , three hours is usually manageable.

SINTRA WITH KIDS

If you do decide to do all of these destinations in one road trip , I recommend doing Sintra next. The reason being is you won’t want to take a car into Lisbon. I feel it would be a pain with parking and traffic.

Sintra is the capital of stunning castles and a place that is easily accessible from Lisbon. It’s also coastal meaning you can enjoy the beach, city and some beautiful architectural wonders all rolled into one! Cycling is an ideal way to explore and Pena Palace is a must see in Portugal.

Based on the top of this hill it can be seen from Lisbon on a clear day. The pastil colour painted element of the building and the stone carving around doorways make it look and feel like a real life Disney palace.

In theory it’s probably the ideal place to have a guide to really make the most of the history and understand. Get Your Guide are fabulous at tailoring trips to families with kids to make it equally as interesting for them.

Luckily for us Sintra had yet another one of our favourite family friendly hotels in Portugal. We are a little Martinhal obsessed, I must admit. Martinhal Cascais Resort Hotel is close to Sintra and ideal location to combine a trip with Lisbon. We spent three nights there a couple of years ago and really enjoyed our time.

We explored a local fishing village, the beaches and exploring the castles. The hotel had all the same facilities as the Martinhal above. Kids club, outdoor playgrounds, a spa, restaurants bars and bike hires,  yet another luxury Portugal holiday destination with little ones.

For rates and availability at Martinhal Cascais Family Resort Hotel click here .

LISBON WITH KIDS

Last but not least, one of my favourite cities in the world is Lisbon and really should be incorporated into a short break to Portugal with children. There is so much to see and do in this historical city, even with kids.  I was so surprised at how much enjoyment we got from visiting with a toddler.

We went to  places like the electricity museum, the aquarium and took a ride on the cable car. I was actually heavily pregnant at the time so wandering the streets which are very hilly was a little difficult at times. Lucky for me, there were tuk tuts at the ready, so we did a tour that way.

Likewise we took a ride on the iconic route 28 tram that meanders through the streets of Lisbon. It gets a little busy so doing it first thing in the morning is my top tip to make the most of it. The food in Lisbon is great and I just loved the tiled walls, the beautiful colours, not to mention the lookout points from so many positions around the city.

Lisbon is the ideal destination if you only have a weekend in Portugal. Two to three nights is a good amount of time to explore. We stayed at Martinhal Chiado Family Suites in a central location, not too far from the Time Out Food Hall!

The suites are self catering and have the added benefit of hotel facilities onsite. They of course have a Kids club, well known for their evening PJ parties where they give the kids dinner, play games and watch a movie whilst mum and dad get to enjoy the city for a couple of hours. You couldn’t ask for much more on a city break with kids.

For rates and availability at Martinhal Chiado Family Suites in Lisbon click here .

PORTUGAL HOLIDAY DEALS

There are quite often cheap deals to Portugal if you keep an eye on flights . We found  groceries quite affordable in Portugal. Martinhal is on the pricier side, however it’s a very comfortable and fun choice for the kids. Having the option to be self catering balances the costs out. Don’t rule out the less well known areas either, there is plenty to do in Évora, Portugal as well.

I find using the Hopper app a good way of monitoring flights, they send you a notification when the flight is at its lowest predicted price. You can also set reminders up on Kayak and save your extra money for the child friendly resorts in Portugal! Of course if you prefer package holiday to Portugal there are a couple of companies I found online.  They offer Martinhal as part of their Portugal family holiday packages.

FUN PORTUGAL FACTS FOR KIDS

I thought it would be fun to throw some interesting facts about Portugal with kids into the mix. When I did some research, I loved learning all about Portugal’s cultural facts, Portugal’s geography and traditional Portuguese practices.

• Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe. Its border was defined in 1128.
• There are 15 UNESCO world heritage sites in Portugal.
• Portugal is one of the leaders in the world for renewable energy. This doesn’t surprise me considering how many wind farms we saw!
• Portuguese is the official language in 9 countries, can you guess them?
• Portugal is home to longest bridge in Europe.

Have you got any other fun facts about Portugal? Let me know in the comments!

Ready to Book? Don’t forget travel insurance !

Disclaimer: Our stay in Martinhal was complimentary in return for an honest review on our Portugal with kids post. As always, all views expressed are entirely my own.

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Sunday 5th of January 2020

Love your site!

Looking for a weeks holiday in Portugal at the beginning of June with an 8yo, A location with children of a similar age Is top of the list.... Torn between a city break plus Martinhal Cascais and Sagres. Leaning towards Sagres with the heated pools and beach location but most reviews seem to be from parents with pre schoolers. Any advice welcome :)

Saturday 26th of October 2019

Hi there, do you recommend Sagres for a new year's trip? I know we won't be able to swim per se but just being by the sea is very appealing. We have a 3 year old and a 7 year old. Debating between Lisbon (which I'm sure will be super busy) and Martinhal Sagres. We will have about 7-8 days max.

Sunday 27th of October 2019

The wind will be crazy then so I'd say Lisbon.

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Portugal Family Vacation Itinerary

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Portugal is such a fantastic European destination to visit with kids! Throughout its stunning landscapes, you’ll find colorful houses, fascinating culture, and ancient ruins for your whole family to enjoy. Here, your child’s best highlights will be all majestic Portuguese castles, not just large historic museums. Portugal welcomes families worldwide due to its relaxed ambiance perfect for easy travel, akin to the country’s accessible cuisine and infrastructure. I loved Portugal so much when I visited with my kids aged nine, six, and four, I decided to compile a guide to help other families plan a similar trip! Next time you’re itching to visit this wonderful country along the Iberian Peninsula, check out my Portugal family vacation itinerary to learn more about what Portugal offers your family!

Day 1: Arriving in Lisbon

My family started our Portugal adventure in Lisbon. When we arrived at our Airbnb in Chiado, we were definitely exhausted from the voyage. But my kids braved the storm to explore our cute Lisbon district for the day. Feeling spontaneous, we walked around Chiado and discovered so many adorable cul-de-sacs behind our apartment! I wished I could have spent all day exploring. Once my kids were tired out, my family had a great dinner outdoors at an unassuming local spot with fun streamers hanging from its ceiling. We really loved walking around these little Chiado streets!

Day 2: Lisbon and Belem

Our second day in Lisbon started bright and early! To experience some local culture, my family had incredible coffee and pastries at Manteigaria, truly the best delicacies we had in all of Lisbon . When visiting popular tourist cities like this, it’s important to stick with hidden gems for the best quality. Don’t waste time at touristy places! All around Lisbon, you’ll see bakery employees making fresh treats in the window, beckoning your sweet tooth. Grab them and go and you can continue with your day as usual! My family then took an Uber to nearby Belem, only to discover the line at the monastery we wanted to visit was extremely long. Visit after 4 pm to avoid crowds!

Next stop on our Portugal family vacation itinerary: The National Coach Museum in Lisbon! I was surprised to see the carriage exhibitions here were very well done, and luckily the museum wasn’t crowded when we visited. Afterward, we walked over the pedestrian bridge and had lunch at an authentic restaurant Clube Naval Lisboa , which served excellent food and had a great view from the waterfront. Then, we headed to the Tower of Belem and viewed it from the outside. My kids used this as an opportunity to rest and have some tasty ice cream!

To end our day, we walked back over the pedestrian bridge toward the Monasterio dos Jeronimos. Though it was nice to see, I wouldn’t wait in line for it. I recommend going to Pasties de Belem factory for Pastis de Nata instead to experience a Portuguese tradition. Don’t be scared off by the massive line which is for take-away — you can simply walk in and ask for a table! However, it does get very hot and crowded, so if you can’t fit it in, there is plenty of good Nata at other coffee shops in Lisbon, like Mantegaria. My family ended our day with an Asian dinner at Bao Bao!

Day 3: Lisbon

Our third day in Lisbon was off to a great start! My family took the iconic Tram 28 early and luckily got seats with no crowds. My kids loved every minute of the ride! Since we went early, we were picked up hassle-free by Chiado’s town square. Then, we had brunch at The Mill, which truthfully had too long a line for its average food quality. Afterward, we were off to explore more of Lisbon! St George’s Castle was fun for all my kids, but when you visit, be sure to hold on to children. Some steps and walkways were not safe for little ones. Overall, the views there were awe-inspiring and worthwhile, but still remember to bring water, as it can become very hot in Lisbon.

While we initially decided to walk down into Alfama, my kids got tired and bored pretty quickly. Plus, it felt overrated and touristy, so we just headed home to relax for a spell. On the way, however, we did stop for a snack at a very nice Spanish Jamon/ prosciutto place near the elevator. It was so delicious! Near the Santa Justa Elevator, lines were so insane I knew my tired little ones would never make it through the touristy area. So, we ventured up what seemed like a trillion steps to finally reach Chiado. Now we definitely understood why they built that elevator!

To conclude our jam-packed day in Lisbon, my family ended with dinner at MoMenTo, which was amazing for both kids and adults. I definitely recommend making a reservation, though, since they were turning people away when I arrived. To experience Portugal’s magic by night, we then strolled around Chiado under the stars eating gelato, a tradition we continued every night during our Portugal family vacation itinerary.

Day 4: Lisbon

My family’s fourth day in Lisbon was shorter than usual. For breakfast, we started our day with crepes at a quaint cafe across the Mill. It was also a fun experience soo, as a trolley passes by regularly to entertain the kids. In another moment of spontaneity, we wandered into a random church in town and saw the most intricate tile art. My kids stood there equally interested in these incredible creations. For lunch, we dined in a lush garden at a pizzeria called Zero Zero on Principe Real. I definitely recommend families to visit here. The surrounding area was a delight to walk through, featuring countless high-end shops, bookstores, and a kid-friendly park with an enclosed playground. What a day! My kids were exhausted after all that, so we took a trolley back home to Chiado. 

Day 5: Sintra

Farewell, Lisbon! The next morning, my family rented a car to drive to Lisbon’s neighboring city Sintra ready for a new stop in our Portugal family vacation itinerary. In Sinta, we were lucky enough to stay at the amazing Penha Longa Resort (Ritz Carlton) on Marriott points, which definitely saved us a pretty penny! Penha Longa Resort was also a perfect choice for my active family. Not only did it have a spacious indoor/outdoor pool, playground, mini-golf, and a kids club, but it also featured daredevil adventures like ziplining and trampolines. Plus, it was close to some of our must-visit Sintra sights, and the beautiful Cascais, a serene seaside town.

Day 6: Pena Palace

We had a great breakfast at Casa do Preto. The focus on our first day exploring was the Pena Palace and a hike through the forest into town. I recommend taking an Uber to Pena Palace and buying tickets in advance. The winding road up to the castle is very pretty. I didn’t feel it was worth it waiting for the crowded minibus after the Uber dropped us off. The walk to the castle entrance was not bad. 

The Palace was very interesting and the interior rooms were beautiful, though no pictures of the inside were allowed. When you’re one, take a pretty hike into town (all downhill). Exit Pena Palace, turn left, and follow the signs to Moorish Castle. Walk by the Moorish Castle and follow the trail down the Santa Ana trail. By the time we got into town, the kids were getting tired but still having fun. We passed some tourist shops and stopped for some famous pastries. 

We had a late lunch at InComum which was a little snobby and high end for kids, but had good options for food and wasn’t a tourist trap. There was a restaurant to the left of this one that started with the letter A which lacked atmosphere but supposedly had excellent authentic food. However, the walk to this restaurant from Pena Palace was far too long.

We headed back to the hotel to swim and chill so it turned out to be fun and relaxing for all! We then drove to dinner in Caiscai at Furnas do Guincho and had salted fish and butter garlic clams. Try to reserve a table by the water and definitely go for date night!! We left the kids at the hotel kids’ club. 

Day 7: Gardens of Quinta de Regaleira

Day seven of our Portugal family vacation itinerary was dedicated to the Gardens of Quinta de Regaleira! I strongly recommend taking an Uber to this beautifully preserved mansion. When you’re dropped at yellow tile signage, walk along the road to find the entrance. My family drove here, and since there was no place to park, we had to travel a town away and still call an Uber! Also, to ensure a spot, buy your tickets online. That way, you’ll have a clearer idea as to how your day will unfold. We only explored the gardens and a few other highlights. It’s like a big playground that feels like an authentic castle, which was a lot of fun for the kids too. After we finished, my family left Sintra to drive to Bussaco for the next part of our Portugal family vacation itinerary!

Day 8: Bussaco and Coimbra

In Bussaco, we booked a room at the Bussaco Palace Hotel and arrived the night before. Inside a former palace frozen in the 20th century, the hotel’s grounds and the interior are simply breathtaking. My kids loved staying somewhere that looked like the historical sights we’ve been visiting! Some of the carpets are threadbare and the bedroom paint in the bedroom behind drapery is peeling, but we all had fun feeling like old Portuguese royalty! A very worthwhile stay if you want to break up a trip North. The hotel also has one of the most outstanding tile collections in the whole country, which you can take a tour of if you are interested. 

Each day, my family enjoyed an incredible breakfast buffet at the Bussaco Palace Hotel, which was included in our stay. We also spent a lot of walking around the stunning hotel grounds. Though visitors have to buy tickets to see most sights, the on-site gardens are free and lush.

After our stroll, we also visited Coimbra, which was 35 minutes away by car. To get some exercise, we also parked at the top of the hill and walked to the University. Buy tickets outside the University gates to gain entry to the first-ever palace in Portugal, a marvelous library with timed entry, a chapel, and The Lisbon Science Museum. Though my family skipped the museum, we still enjoyed the convenient excursions here. Since they’re all next to one another, you could probably see them in approximately one hour, and still have plenty of time left to explore elsewhere. A little cafe at the bottom of the massive staircase has snacks for a treat!

To end our fun-filled day, we had dinner in the hotel’s main dining room, which luckily featured a kid’s menu for “little princes and princesses.” The restaurant’s ambiance felt very Downton Abbey. My kids dressed up fancily and my husband and I had a few drinks in the lounge. Overall, Bussaco was a great opportunity to feel like Portuguese aristocrats!

Day 9: Aveiro and Porto

On our ninth day in Portugal, my family had breakfast at the Bussaco Hotel again, and then drove to nearby Porto with an afternoon stop in Aveiro. It was 45 minutes to Aveiro and then another hour to Porto. No one in my family really liked the famous Ovid Moles pastry in Aveiro, but it’s a pretty town to walk around, and it broke up the drive. We had lunch at a local establishment called Restaurante Zico. 

Afterward, my family enjoyed a 45-minute ride on Molieros boat we were able to book on the spot and simply hop on. Continuing our drive to Porto, we were able to enjoy 1/4 of the day and evening after returning the car. In Porto, we finally checked into an Airbnb and enjoyed relaxing on the balcony. For dinner, we enjoyed walking along the strip with all the port houses under the bridge. 

Day 10: Porto

During our last day in Porto, we mostly walked over the bridge and wandered around town freely. For lunch, we stopped in a church with a gold-covered tile on its side. My kids also loved our stop at the famous Sao Bento tiled train station, where they enjoyed the trains, and I loved the tiles.

Then, we walked up to a church upon a hill across the street. (We didn’t even go in due to exhaustion!) It was still worth it, though, because the walk down from the church through tiny, picturesque alleyways was fantastic! Afterward, we treated ourselves to drinks (hot chocolate for the kids) at a little bar/cafe. I watched my kids jump off the bridge for an hour. To conclude, we headed back to our Airbnb to rest, then had dinner again along the water with all the Port shops. It wasn’t a memorable meal, but it was nice and easy. I really relished my walk along the water and the opportunity to see Porto illuminated by night.

Unfortunately, this was the end of our trip to Portugal! My family flew via Paris home to New York City the next day.

RELATED: Amazing 1-Week Porto Itinerary With Toddlers

Tips and Advice

I have a few tips to give other parents looking to plan similar trips. Due to our limited travel days, we couldn’t fit everything into our Portugal family vacation itinerary. Given this, we decided to go North instead of South, because it was seemingly cooler weather-wise and less crowded in the summer. My family also visited a lot of beaches over the summer, and notably found sunscreen to be a hassle. Finally, we felt like we could see and do more by exploring the North. That said, the South looks breathtaking, and it’s super easy to get there and back to Lisbon !  

I also feel like the amount of time we spent in each place was exactly right. I didn’t need an extra day or a day less anywhere. My family saw everything we needed to without running ragged. With one activity a day, we filled in the extra time exploring or relaxing. I don’t recommend driving in Lisbon, though! We took Uber everywhere, though drivers did cancel a percentage of the time.

Overall, I know my family lucked out with our clean, perfectly situated, and decorated nicely Airbnb choices. The hotels we visited, Penha Longa Resort and Bussaco Palace, were both experiences within themselves and trip highlights.

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Portugal 10 Day Family Vacation – How To Plan A Perfect Itinerary

Our users support our website. therefore, we sometimes earn affiliate commissions when you click through the affiliate links on our website. rest assured that all of our recommendations are made whole-heartedly with the intent of helping travelers like you discover the world authentically and responsibly..

Are you dreaming of taking an incredible trip with your entire family? Thinking of taking a vacation to Portugal? You are on the right track. One of the first steps to begin planning is to decide on your Portugal family vacation itinerary. Portugal is one of the most popular destinations in Europe and a perfect place to explore with children of all ages.

From spectacular castles to jaw-dropping scenery, magnificent beaches, world-class wine, and fantastic seafood, the country offers a plethora of options that will appease toddlers and teens alike. It is also a wonderful destination for a multi-generational vacation. So invite the grandparents, prep the children, and start planning the perfect Portugal family itinerary!

Planning The Perfect Portugal Itinerary

Although Portugal is a relatively compact country, it offers a wide variety of cities, towns, and attractions to explore. Planning the perfect family itinerary to Portugal can be challenging, you may want to consider booking with a luxury travel agent . The first steps in planning a great family vacation in Portugal are deciding which specific destinations you will visit, how long you should stay in each one, and what activities should be part of your experience. 

Before you begin planning the perfect Portugal itinerary, here are some basic questions you will want to answer:

Is Portugal A Safe Place to Visit?

This is one of the most common questions that comes up when planning a family vacation. While it is vital to take certain safety precautions in any foreign country Portugal is one of the safest places to visit. The country is exceptionally tourist-friendly and has very low crime rates. In fact, in the 2020 Global Peace Index, Portugal comes second out of 36 countries, sitting right behind Iceland.

When Should We Visit Portugal? Is There A Bad Time to Visit Portugal?

There is no wrong time to visit Portugal because the country offers a wide array of activities, attractions, and unique festivals year-round. But, let’s face it, most families traveling to Portugal plan their vacations in the summers when children are on school holidays, the weather is warm, and the beaches are welcoming. But, of course, there are pluses and minuses to visiting every season.

If you prefer cooler weather and want to limit your exposure to crowds, you should avoid the months of July and August. School and work holidays attract thousands of visitors to Portugal’s main cities, famous attractions, and luxury hotels. As a result, rates are high, and availability is limited throughout the summer. Instead, consider planning your Portugal family vacation itinerary from late April to mid-June. You will enjoy mild weather and fewer tourists vying for accommodations, experienced tour guides, entry tickets, and beach spots.

Spring/Winter/Fall:

Although Portugal is known for its miles of picture-perfect beaches, it does not mean you cannot find fun things to do off-season. While the weather can be cool and rainy in northern Portugal in the winter months, the southern region remains pleasantly mild. Spring and fall are lovely months to experience cultural attractions, museums, and outdoor areas. Families traveling with children will be pleased to learn that activities such as cycling, hiking, and kayaking can be done year-round in different regions. 

Reaching Portugal

Most people will reach Portugal by air and arrive at Lisbon, Porto, and Faro international airports. While train travel is popular and convenient in other European countries, there are no international trains that take a direct route to Portugal. Planning an extensive multi-country trip? Consider a driving vacation and combine Portugal with Spain.

Getting Around in Portugal

The best way for families to travel around Portugal is by renting a car or hiring a private driver guide. Although rental cars are plentiful, keep in mind that driving in a foreign country poses certain risks, and most car rental agencies in Portugal cater to drivers of manual vehicles. Therefore, renting an automatic car can be challenging, especially in peak season. 

If you are not comfortable driving and do not want the added expense of a private driver, you can rely on public transport. A comprehensive train network connects most cities in Portugal and offers an easy and inexpensive option to travel between cities. 

To fully experience the beauty of the country, explore various regions and not feel rushed when traveling with children, we recommend allocating a minimum of 10 days for your Portugal family vacation itinerary. Dividing the trip up into 2 or 3 different areas and exploring each one for several days will allow you to take in many incredible sights and participate in various fun activities.

Here is a sample of one of our favorite 10-day family-friendly Portugal itineraries. 

Part 1: Wild Algarve 

Day 1: arrival at algarve – portugal’s southern coast.

Arrive in Faro, where your private driver awaits to take you to your luxury hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, getting your bearings and adjusting to the time change. 

Algarve is one of the most popular areas in Portugal for families traveling with children. The region is blessed with miles of pristine sandy beaches, gorgeous resorts, and family-friendly attractions. For families looking to unplug and soak in the sun, making Algarve your first destination is perfect for starting the trip. 

The region is home to beautiful resort towns such as Lagos, Faro, and Albufeira. Spend a few days exploring pristine beaches, spending an afternoon at an amusement park, and enjoying fresh local cuisine. 

Insider tip: Make sure you visit Ponta da Piedade and take a boat trip around the natural geological formations. The Aquashow Park is another stellar destination for kids.

Recommended Restaurants:  Al-Quimia, Ocean, Haweli Indian Restaurant, and Cais ao Mar Algarve.

Accommodations:   Bela Vista Hotel & Spa ,  Conrad Algarve ,  VILA VITA Parc Resort & Spa

Day 2: Boats and Caves Water Adventure

Get ready because today’s excursion will be one of the most memorable experiences of your entire trip. Meet your boat captain as you set off on a private visit to 20 beautiful caves and beaches along the coast. 

Leave from the historic harbor of Portimão and follow the Rio Arade to the Atlantic, passing fishing villages, medieval forts, lighthouses, and beaches on your way to the caves. Enjoy cruising along the coastline of Carvoeiro, famous for its rock formations of Algar Seco, and head up to the lighthouse of Alfanzina. 

The trip’s highlight is a visit to Praia de Benagil, a magnificent beach near Lagoa. The beach is most famous for its spectacular cave called Algar de Benagil. This Instagram worth cave has a round hole in the ceiling that perfectly frames the beautiful blue sky above. Although the cave is extremely popular, you will escape cape the crowds on your private tour to the Bengagil Caves and get deeper into the caves and caverns.

Day 3: Ancient Kingdom of the Algarve – Silves and Monchique 

Day 3 of your Portugal family vacation itinerary is all about traveling back in time as your family strolls lush gardens, explores Moorish castles and gothic monuments, and takes in heart-stopping views from the highest point in the Algarve. 

Meet your amiable driver and head east to visit the town of Silves, exploring the remains of an ancient castle, Roman bridge, and magnificent cathedral. Then head north to visit the rustic Monchique village with the Franciscan Monastery and the Parish church. While children enjoy exploring ancient ruins, adults will visit an authentic wine cellar in Tufos village. 

Silves was once called the  “Kingdom of the Algarve”  and has had a storied if contested history. This ancient city started during Roman times but flourished during its occupation in the early 11th century by the Moors. Naming the city Xelb, the Moors constructed lavish palaces and created a cultural learning center for the entire Iberian Peninsula under the control of Cordoba in Spain. 

In 1189 the Knights of Santiago sacked the city with the assistance of Anglo-Norman Crusaders, but just two years later, Caliph Ben Yussef recaptured it. Finally, in 1242 it was again under the control of the Portuguese Kings.

Monchique is a mountain city between two high hills, Foia and Picota. The lovely town has retained its rustic atmosphere with steep cobbled streets and small dark passages. Walk up to the neglected 17th-century Franciscan monastery and take a panoramic view over the beautiful countryside. Then visit the 16th Century Parish Church. After lunch, taste the famous local “medronho,” a strong schnapps style of drink made by distilling the fruit from arbutus bushes.

Day 4: Kayaking with Dolphins

Enjoy a relaxing morning at the beach or explore nearby towns along the coast. 

In the afternoon, grab your paddles and head out to sea. Explore new areas of the Algarve’s rugged coastline in kayaks. Enter secret caves, explore isolated coves and keep an eye out for whales and dolphins. 

Part 2: Historical Lisbon and Mystical Sintra 

Day 5:  algarve to lisbon through alentejo.

Approximate drive time – 3 hours

This morning prepare to leave the jagged peaks, manicured beaches, and endless sunshine of the Algarve and discover the untamed and unspoiled beauty of Alentejo. The Alentejo region is the largest and arguably least developed in Portugal. It spans from the Algarve towards the country’s center and stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Portugal-Spain border. 

This wild region is known for its dramatically rugged western coast, farmland, vineyards, cork oaks, and olive trees. If you have extra time in your itinerary, we highly recommend spending a few days exploring the area. First, however, today’s drive gives you a taste of the region and the town of Evora.

Spend a few hours exploring this charming village. 

Your guide will point out Evora’s top attractions and famous sights. These include the Roman Temple, the fascinating Chapel of the Bones , the Gothic Cathedral of Evora, and Old Town’s medieval World Heritage streets.

After lunch, head back in the car to Lisbon, Portugal’s capital and its largest city. Lined with cobblestone streets and picturesque views, it offers many family-friendly attractions and activities. After enjoying downtime in the Algarve region, spend a few days exploring architectural landmarks, historical sights, and unique museums. 

Lisbon is also a great base to explore nearby towns and attractions.

Recommended Restaurants: Needle in a Haystack, Alma, La Bonne Crepe, and Augusto Lisboa.

Accommodations:   Bairro Alto Hotel ,  Corinthia Lisbon ,  Tivoli Avenida Liberdade

Day 6: Lisbon Famous Sights and Delicious Desserts 

Today you will enjoy a fun-filled private half-tour of Lisbon as you continue your Portugal family itinerary. Since we know that children don’t do well with long periods of either sitting in a car or walking, your guide ensures a well-balanced combination of touring on foot and by car. 

Start the morning by exploring Alfama, the oldest district of Lisbon, once home to both the Moorish and Jewish quarters. Next, explore the 12th-century Cathedral (Sé), then continue to a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the medieval district, Saint George Castle, Lisbon, and the Tagus river.

You will then pass through the heart of Lisbon – Avenida da Liberdade, Rossio Square, Restauradores, and Pombaline Downtown -and learn about the Great Earthquake of 1755 in vivid detail.

Next up, head to Belem, where you will visit the church of the Jeronimos Monastery, the incredible Monument to the Discoveries, and stop for photos at the Tower of Belém. Finally, children will enjoy a quick stop to taste the delicious and one-of-a-kind “Pastéis de Belém” (Belém Pastry).  

After a relaxing local lunch, head over to a local family-run bakery where you will learn how to bake authentic and irresistible Portuguese Custard Tarts – aka Pastel de Nata!

Once the pastries are ready, enjoy the warm tarts and coffee or sour cherry liqueur served inside an edible chocolate cup.

Day 7: Magical Sintra and Cascais

Your incredible Portugal family vacation itinerary continues today. Meet your local guide and head out on a day trip to Sintra. This small town nestled in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains packs a big punch. 

Start the day by walking around the old city center surrounded by quaint handicraft stores and traditional pastry shops and tasting a few local delicacies. Then stop over at Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors), a medieval hilltop castle built by the Moors in the 8th and 9th Centuries. 

Next, head over to visit the Palacio da Pena (Pena Palace), located high in the Sintra hills. 

If you are exceptionally physically fit and the weather cooperates, consider taking the steep walk up the Villa Sassetti path. This route links the Historical Centre of Sintra with the Moorish Castle, the Park, and Pena Palace. Along the way, admire the lush gardens, small ponds, and waterfalls. 

Spend a few hours exploring the magical Pena Palace, which bestows visitors with mind-bogglingly intricate architecture and perfect photo spots. The historic castle is as famous for its magnificent gardens, royal palaces, and 19th-century Romanticist architecture as the cornucopia of colors, mythical statues, and decorative battlements. Families with children will love spending a few hours exploring the hidden pathways. 

After a lunch break, head over to

 and enjoy a guided visit to this magical site. The Quinta da Regaleira estate is classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO within the “Cultural Landscape of Sintra.” The property consists of a romantic palace and chapel but is best known for its magnificent park. The park features lakes, caves, wells, and mythical fountains.  

The outside façade is decorated with carved gargoyles and Gothic towers. Look for references to the infamous Knights Templars as your guide regales your entire family with fascinating tales. 

Once you have thoroughly explored the gardens and towers head over to the charming coastal village of Cascais. The town’s idyllic scenery attracted artists and writers and even expelled European nobility of the 20th century. Today, visitors come to enjoy the gorgeous beaches and scrumptious restaurants.

Families seeking a more relaxing ambiance to explore this region of Portugal can base themselves in Cascais instead of Lisbon. 

Recommended Restaurants:  Incomum, Tascantiga, Taberna Criativa and, São Pedro 26.

Accommodation:   InterContinental Cascais-Estoril

Part 3: Porto and Duoro Valley

Day 8: lisbon to porto with ancient towns and 100 foot waves.

Pack your bags and meet your driver in the lobby bright and early as your Portugal family vacation takes you to Porto. Along the way, admire the beautiful countryside, stopping in two quintessentially Portuguese villages. Today, you can choose your own adventure. 

OPTION 1: Obidos and Nazare

Obidos is a picture-perfect village. It is also considered one of the finest examples of a Portuguese walled town. Did you know that from 1214 until the 19th century, the Queen of Portugal was gifted Obidos on her wedding day?

This royal tradition left an enduring legacy of pride within the town. Children and parents alike will have fun walking along the narrow cobbled streets, scrambling up the walls, admiring traditional painted houses, and exploring the imposing medieval castle.

Halfway between Lisbon and Porto lies the stunning town of Nazare. Here on the Costa da Prata (Silver Coast), the Atlantic Ocean collides with the coast, exalting the magnitude of her power. Have you seen the infamous photos of brave surfers riding seemingly insurmountable 100-foot waves? These surreal images were likely taken in Nazare, home to the largest surfing waves in the world. The town has numerous surfing hotspots that attract surfers of all abilities worldwide. 

The lighthouse on Praia do Norte is where you can see the monster waves crash into the cliffs. The lighthouse is also home to a small surf museum with surfboards and stories of famous surfers who had braved Nazare’s monster waves. Care to show off your skills? Make sure you don’t miss out on Baleal and Peniche; legend says they never disappoint. 

OPTION 2: Aveiro and Coimbra

Nicknamed the “Venice of Portugal” due to its colorfully painted boats and winding canals, the lovely town of Aveiro actually has its own unique personality. 

The charming riverfront city of Coimbra is located in central Portugal. While it served as the country’s medieval capital for over a century, today, it is a vibrant city that perfectly blends past and present. Coimbra attracts visitors to explore its preserved medieval old town and Portugal’s oldest and most prestigious University. The University of Coimbra was built on the grounds of a former palace. It is a fun site to explore with school-aged children and teens. 

After leaving behind central Portugal, you will arrive at your hotel in Porto. Did you know that Porto was Portugal’s first capital and retains a rich history today? It was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996 and declared a European Capital of Culture in 2001. Unfortunately, while Lisbon has its fair share of old buildings, it has also been the victim of an earthquake and subsequent fires. On the other hand, Porto survived, which means you will get more historical narratives and old buildings.

Accommodations:   The Yeatman ,  InterContinental Porto-Palacio das Cardosas ,  Vidago Palace Hotel

Today your family will meet up with your fun and experienced guide to discover Porto and take in the city’s iconic buildings and facades. Explore both the modern and historical areas of the city. Pass by the House of Music, Boavista, Serralves, and city park;

Stroll along the quaint streets of traditional Afurada, a fishing village where colorful tiles line the roads and women still hang their laundry outside their windows. 

Explore the Ribeira neighborhood, stop at the Bento train station, walk along flowers street, and snap a few photos inside the world-famous Lello bookshop.

If you have extra time, visit a few of Porto’s many beautiful gardens. Families with kids who love nature and animals will enjoy a trip to the Gaia biological park just South of Douro. The park is the first permanent center for environmental education in Portugal. Kids will enjoy spotting otters, cranes, herons, and deer. So take a few hours to unplug and connect with nature.

Recommended Restaurants:  Taberna Dos Mercadores, Muu Steakhouse, Bota & Bira, and Tapabento S. Bento.

Day 10 :  Duoro Valley

Today your Portugal family itinerary takes you on a journey through the stunning landscape of the Douro Valley. The morning starts as your private driver whisks you along one of the most iconic stretches of the famous road, N 222. Take in the beautiful views and enjoy a relaxing ride. 

Once you arrive, you will visit two boutique family wineries. The whole family can have fun strolling the vineyards, picking and tasting different grapes, and learning about wine production. Wonder if the foot-stomping transition of the grapes still exists? It sure does, and maybe you can even try it. Adults will sample several DOC Douro wines and delicious Port, while kids enjoy a sampling of grape juice. 

Next, you will enjoy a delicious local lunch where fresh ingredients are used to prepare authentic and traditional cuisine. After lunch, sit back, relax and take in the magnificent views as you glide along the Duoro River in a “Rabelo.” These traditional boats have been used for centuries to transport Port to the cellars in Gaia.

As the day comes to a close, reflect on the incredible experiences your family shared. Time spent together traveling allows you to create new memories and make magnificent new friends.

We recommend extending your Portugal family vacation itinerary and adding on Spain or a fun-filled Mediterranean Cruise if you have more time. 

Boutique Travel Advisors is a full-service, luxury travel agency . We specialize in creating  bespoke itineraries  for discerning clients around the world. Please visit our   website   or call 480-787-1477 to speak with a dedicated travel expert. 

Are you planning an international or domestic trip? Check out our other articles to help you come prepared!

We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance to protect your financial investment and health while traveling internationally. To purchase a policy with our preferred travel insurance company Arch RoamRight  click here.

 If you would like assistance purchasing a travel insurance policy, please get in touch with a BTA advisor .

About the Author: JANET SEMENOVA

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We are a family of 19 folks comprising five family units ages 78 to 4. We are contemplating a trip to Portugal and are in the initial stages of a trip in 2024. This package is very attractive but possibly a bit too much venue change?? Possibly a villa for a week and two other venues for 3 days each. Also thinking of a week in Portugal and a week in Ireland in a villa in each place. We will have 10 adults and children ages 17, 16, 14,14, 9, 9, 8 and 4. Any thoughts? Thank you, Carey and Dallon Weathers

Hello, We love planning multigenerational travel, and Portugal is a great destination for families. We recommend a customized itinerary and working with a travel advisor who specializes in family travel and also the destination where you are traveling to and in this case, Portugal. You can fill out an in-take form on our website, https://travelbta.com/contact-us/ or feel free to email [email protected] , and we’ll get back to you soon! We have several advisors on our team that can support this memorable trip for you and your family!

we are looking to make a family trip to Portugal i. May 2024 it would ‘y husband and I our daughter and her husband and another daughter, husband and baby 1.5yr old). thinking 19 days but order perhaps only 3 sites /venue changes due to baby w day trips

Hi Marrilee, we would be happy to assist you. Please contact our team for more information. https://travelbta.com/contact-us/

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The best independent guide to Portugal

Where to go in Portugal? - Top 10 Portugal – Portugal's best beach – 1 week suggestions – A weekend in Portugal

Portugal for a family holiday in 2024: an independent travel guide

Portugal is one of the Europe’s best destinations for a family holiday and offers pristine beaches, a wonderful climate and child friendly resorts. Visitors to Portugal will be pleasantly surprised by the level of service and care offered to families, especially when travelling with young children.

Portugal is a very safe country (it is politically stable with virtually no crime), and provides exceptional value for money. Traveling the country is not difficult, as everyone who works within tourism speaks English, while shops are stocked with known products and recognisable brands.

Portugal is a great choice for a hassle-free family holiday and is a fantastic destination for toddlers through to teenagers. This guide will provide tips and advice for families traveling to Portugal and suggest suitable locations.

Where to have a family holiday in Portugal?

Toddlers and young children The Algarve resort towns of: Carvoeiro , Tavira , Praia da Luz and Alvor are calm and personable. Cascais , on the Lisbon coastline is worth a visit but go outside of the busy summer season.

Primary School and Early Teenagers Our recommendation is the central or western Algarve, from Lagos in the west through to Vilamoura in the east, and includes Albufeira . This region encompasses the waterparks, zoos and excitement for which the Algarve is famed. The Cascais and Estoril coastline (the Lisbon coastline) are other suitable locations. Lisbon – the capital has a lot of great activities for children from age 7 to 14; great for a city break.

Teenagers The busier resort towns of Albufeira , Praia da Rocha and Vilamoura will keep them entertained. The cities of Lisbon or Porto are also worth a visit.

For a city break head to the cities of Lisbon or Porto

When to visit Portugal, for a family holiday?

Portugal in general has hot dry summers, a pleasant spring and autumn and mild but possibly wet winters. The summer months can get very hot, with daytime temperatures exceeding 35°C and a punishingly intense sun.

For young families, the spring and autumn seasons are the best times of year to visit. The weather is suitable for relaxing on the beach from May through to the end of September.

The average weather of Lisbon

The average weather of Porto

The average weather of Algarve

For those families who are limited by school holidays, always book well in advance to secure the best prices for accommodation and flights. Hotels in the Algarve completely sell out during the summer holidays and prices become inflated closer to these dates.

The Easter holidays and summer half term holiday can be a great time to visit Portugal and offer much better value for money.

Portugal and the Algarve should not be considered as a winter sun holiday destination, but it will always be significantly warmer and drier than northern Europe. If visiting during the winter head to the larger Algarve resort towns (Albufeira, Lagos, Praia da Rocha) or the major cities of Lisbon and Porto, where there are activities for wet days.

General Tips for a family holiday to Portugal

The follow section has hints and tips that we have acquired over years of visiting Portugal, some maybe obvious and some are unique to Portugal.

The Portuguese tend to let their children stay up very late; the evening meal starts around 7 pm and goes on most of the night……

Holiday apartments can therefore be a much better choice than a hotel for families as there will be a small kitchen for preparing meals and extra space to run around in. Holiday homes have the added benefit of no noisy guests and may even have a private pool!

All medicines and suntan cream/lotions are very expensive in Portugal; bring them from your home country.

With all minor illness or issues, usually the best place to start is a Pharmacy. The pharmacists are highly qualified, often speak English fluently and can dispense most medicines.

If flying low-coast airlines or charter flights always try to book a morning flight as these will have the least delays (or cancelations).

Portugal is a very hilly country (Lisbon, Porto, Albufeira) and the decorative calçada cobbled streets are a nightmare for small wheeled buggies. All cafes will provide free tap water but baby changing facilities may be very limited. We cannot stress how important it is to have sufficient travel insurance.

Albufeira and Praia da Rocha have a reputation as party holiday destinations, with a diverse range of visitors, very busy centres and nights continuing into the late hours. These towns are still great for families, but it would be a good idea to book a family hotel, which is a little out of the centre.

The Strip in Albufeira (GPS 37.09132, -8.22763) has become popular with groups, stag and hen dos. It is sad to write this, but the area is not a great location for a family holiday with young children.

Rental Car Advice for Families

Public transport throughout Portugal is reliable and inexpensive therefore it may not be necessary to hire a rental car. Driving in the Algarve is very easy but in the cities (Lisbon and Porto) driving is challenging and best avoided.

For all car hires, there will be the option to purchase “extra” insurance to waiver the massive excess (+€700). This extra insurance will be €10-15 per day (possibly doubling the rental cost) and is charged by all rental companies. Car seats are also a con at €5+ per day. Only get a car if you’re going to fully use it.

The best airport transfer company in the Algarve is Yellow Fish (link here). For Lisbon, within the city take a taxi or public transport while for longer journeys (Cascais/Estoril) book private transfer or use Uber.

Portugal’s best or unique children friendly sights and activities

Lisbon • Lisbon Oceanarium (all ages) • Lisbon Zoo (all ages) • Ride on the yellow tram (all ages) • Parque das Nações (cable car and parks) • Pavilhão do Conhecimento (interactive science centre) • Tuk-Tuk tours of Lisbon

Other notable attractions In Portugal • Portugal dos Pequenitos (Coimbra – all of Portugal’s main sights as miniature models)

Algarve • Zoomarine (marine park - all ages) • Slide and Splash (water park - older children) • Aquashow (water park - older children) • Lagos Zoo (younger children) • Dolphin watching boat tour (these depart from all resort towns) • Parque Aventura (high ropes adventure park in Lagos and Albufeira) • Sea inflatables (Praia da Rocha and Albufeira beaches – confident swimmers) • Mini Golf - Quinta do Lago

Best Location for a family Holiday to Portugal

Most family holidays either centre around the coastline on the southern edge of Portugal, known as the Algarve, or the coastline around Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. There are three airports in Portugal; Lisbon, Porto and Faro, which serves the Algarve.

The capital of Portugal offers are a wide range of child friendly tourist activities and there are many good beach resorts in the Cascais-Estoril region. The advantage of being based near Lisbon is that a relaxing beach holiday can be combined with the numerous sights of Lisbon.

Lisbon Aquarium is regarded as one of the best in Europe and is set in the Parque das Nações, with water-based exhibits and cable car. Also, in the area is the Pavilhão do Conhecimento (Pavilion of Knowledge) science museum which is designed for children. Most children enjoy riding the trams, ferries and there is an excellent zoo (Jardim Zoológico).

The Algarve

The Algarve is the most popular location for families and most visitors stay within the western region between Albufeira and Lagos, which incorporates Praia da Rocha, Carvoeiro and Praia da Luz.

Within the region are many popular family activities including the Splash and Slide water park and the fantastic Zoomarine. Albufeira and Praia da Rocha are the larger “busier” resorts that boast excellent beaches while Lagos is a more traditional and historic city.

Discover more of Portugal with our guides

Top 10 Portugal

Which are the best 10 towns and cities in Portugal?

Suggested itineraries for a week holiday and tour of Portugal

Discover the finest beaches in Portugal

Portugal weather

When is the best time of year to visit Portugal?

The vibrant and dynamic capital of Portugal

Historic districts and port wine tasting in Portugal’s second city

History, beaches, and nightlife - Lagos is rightful popular!

The most charming town of the eastern Algarve

The religious centre of Portugal and likeable city

Extravagant palaces, opulent villas, and stunning scenery

Delightful beach town, which is a favourite with the Portuguese

The classic Portuguese walled town, owned by the Queen of Portugal

V ila Nova de Milfontes

Authentic Portugal on the undiscovered Alentejo coastline

Experience true Portugal in this busy fishing port

A charming town, famed for the world’s highest surfing waves

Viana do Castelo

The charismatic and undiscovered north of Portugal

The finest resort town of the Lisbon coastline

The ancient stronghold of the Knights Templar

The capital of the Alentejo region is steeped in history

The largest and liveliest resort town of the Algarve

The birthplace of Portugal and pretty city

A complete list of all of our guides to Portugal

• Tomar Introduction
• Things to see in Tomar
• Lisbon to Tomar
• Obidos Introduction
• Things to See in Obidos
• Obidos day trip
• Lisbon to Obidos
• Evora Introduction
• Evora Things to See
• Day Trip to Evora
• Lisbon to Evora
• Capela dos Ossos
• Evora or Sintra?
• The Alentejo region
• Fatima introduction
• Lisbon to Fatima
• Mafra Introduction
• Lisbon to Mafra
• Ericeira introduction
• Lisbon to Ericeira
• Ericeira beaches

Central Portugal

• Alcobaça monastery
• N2 road tour
• São Martinho do Porto

Portugal Guides

• Where to go in Portugal
• 1 week in Portugal
• A weekend in Portugal
• When to visit?
• Portugal's best beaches
• Portugal airports
• Portugal for families
• Lisbon to Porto tour
• Where to live in Portugal
• Portugal in January
• Portugal in February
• Portugal in March
• Portugal in June
• Portugal in July
• Portugal in August
• Portugal in September
• Portugal in November
• Portugal in December
• Portugal in the winter
• Sintra introduction
• Sights of Sintra
• Day trip to Sintra
• Lisbon to Sintra
• Sintra beaches
• Sintra tourist bus 434
• Palacio da Pena
• Palácio de Monserrate
• Quinta da Regaleira
• Parque da Pena
• Castelo dos Mouros
• Cascais introduction
• Day trip to Cascais
• Cascais beach guide
• Cascais sights
• Cabo da Roca
• Lisbon to Cascais
• Sesimbra intorduction
• Sesimbra sights
• Sesimbra's beaches
• Lisbon to Sesimbra
• Cabo Espichel
• Setubal introduction
• Setubal sights
• Day trip to Setubal
• Setubal's beaches
• Serra da Arrabida
• Peninsula de Troia

Near Lisbon

• Costa da Caparica
• Fonte da Telha
• Lagoa de Albufeira
• Praia das Macas

Lisbon Guides

• Lisbon introduction
• Lisbon top 10
• Secret Lisbon
• Lisbon beach guide
• 24 hours in Lisbon
• 48 hours in Lisbon
• 3 days in Lisbon
• Lisbon in 5 Days
• 1 Week Lisbon
• Lisbon day trips
• Where to stay?
• Lisbon shopping
• Lisbon Parks
• Lisbon on a wet day
• Museums and galleries
• Alfama District
• Baixa District
• Belem District
• Parque Nações
• Alcântara District
• Graça District
• Cais do Sodre
• Lisbon airport
• Lisbon Metro
• Castelo de São Jorge
• Elevador Santa Justa
• Torre de Belem
• Elevador da Bica
• Elevador do Lavra
• Elevador da Gloria
• Praça do Comercio
• Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
• Padrão dos Descobrimentos
• Lisbon Viewpoints
• Miradouro da Graça
• Sao Pedro de alcantara
• Senhora do Monte
• Lisbon to Belem transport
• Costa da Caparica Portugal
• Lisbon at Christmas
• Santos Populares
• Lisbon for Families
• Lisbon for Seniors
• Cristo Rei Christ
• Lisbon Markets
• Ponte 25 de Abril
• Príncipe Real
• Free Lisbon
• Is Lisbon Walkable
• Lisbon Budget
• Driving in Lisbon
• From the airport
• To Cristo Rei
• Lisbon to Porto
• Lisbon tram guide
• Lisbon Ferrys

Other Destinations

Albufeira Alvor Aveiro Braga Faro Guimarães Lagos Madeira Porto Praia da Luz Praia da Rocha Sagres Silves Tavira Vilamoura Viana do Castelo

Portugal for a family holiday in 2024: an independent and expert travel guide © 2024 MyPortugalHoliday.com - Privacy Policy

Magnificent monastery and site of Portugal’s most important battle

Glorious beaches loved by foreign tourists

The Portugal Itinerary with Kids You Can’t Miss

Are you thinking about going to Portugal with kids? First, let me start by saying…GREAT CHOICE! Seriously, if you haven’t officially made up your mind yet, I can tell you that you will not be disappointed if you decide on a Portugal family vacation.

Portugal is one of the most family-friendly places we’ve visited with our boys. And if you’re really considering taking your little ones to Portugal, don’t miss this post on what I wish I would’ve known about going to Portugal with kids .

But since you came here for an itinerary, you might be wondering, “What things are there to do with kids in Portugal? Where should we visit? Where would we stay?” I got you.

When we visited Portugal, we went during the “off-season” in November with our 6, 4, and 2-year-old boys. Now, I get to share every detail of that trip with you!

This itinerary will take you on a journey around Portugal that lasts just over a week and guarantees the kids AND parents will have a blast.

Keep reading to see my super-detailed Portugal with kids itinerary!

Disclosure: You may see affiliate links throughout this post, which means these are the things I handpicked! If you purchase something through these links, I will get a small commission at absolutely no extra charge to you. And that sure means a lot to me, so thank you in advance!

The Ultimate Portugal Itinerary with Kids

Day 1: arrive in lisbon, portugal.

Depending on where you’re flying from and how big (or small) the time change is, your arrival day might look different than ours did. For our trip, we took an overnight flight from the U.S. to Lisbon and arrived around 12:30 PM.

By the time we made it through the airport, picked up our Lisbon Card , and got to the hotel, it was around 2:30 PM. Since our room was ready, we decided to take a quick nap before heading out to dinner.

On that very first night, we wanted something quick and easy for dinner, so we headed over to Time Out Market. Having multiple choices was a perfect first meal in Portugal.

After dinner, we strolled around the city to check it out and landed at Commerce Square, which is beautiful at night!

Where to Stay in Lisbon with Kids

I highly recommend staying at Martinhal Chiado Lisbon when in Lisbon with kids. We’ve traveled quite a bit with our kids (including going to Disney often if you couldn’t tell by my blog…ha!), and we’ve never come across as kid-friendly as a hotel as Martinhal.

All I can say is…wow! They dot every “i” and cross every “t” when it comes to covering the details of traveling with kids . And that made our trip so easy.

We booked a two-bedroom, two-bathroom room that included a large living room, a full kitchen, and a washer/dryer. Any sort of baby/toddler gear that we needed (including a crib , diaper pail, high chair, and baby bathtub) was provided. Plus the kitchen was stocked with milk, juice, and snacks when we arrived.

While there was plenty of space in our room, there was also a kids’ play area on the main level that we took advantage of for some downtime and playtime each day. Martinhal also offers a paid kids’ club option if you want some time to explore the city without the kids, but we always took them along with us.

Breakfast was also included each morning. And it. was. delicious! Perfect start to our days during our time in Lisbon.

Martinhal Chiado Lisbon

Day 2: day trip to sintra.

This day was a little up in the air. Instead of setting this day trip in stone prior to our arrival, we waited for the weather forecast. We knew we wanted to visit Sintra. But we also knew that we really wanted nice weather during our visit (if possible). And day 2 of our trip just so happened to have the best weather!

Would I have done it on day 2 if the weather was forecasted to be great every day? Honestly, I probably would have done it on day 3 or 4 instead. It’s a long day with LOTS of walking, so it kind of wore us out right off the bat, resulting in a later start than we would’ve liked the next day.

But would I have skipped this day all together because of how long it was and how much walking we had to do? Absolutely not! It was one of our favorite days!

Getting to Sintra from Lisbon (and from Sintra to Lisbon!)

We chose to take the train from Lisbon to Sintra (and back again), and it was super easy. We had the Lisbon Card (which we picked up from the airport upon arrival), which includes all public transport plus the train ride to/from Sintra.

If you don’t have the Lisbon Card , it’s still very easy (and cheap) to purchase a round-trip train ticket at the station.

We left from the Rossio train station in Lisbon at 8:11 AM, and it took 40 minutes to get to Sintra.

Things to Do in Sintra with Kids

Once we arrived in Sintra, we jumped on the bus to Pena Palace. We had purchased our tickets online in advance, so we were able to walk right in with very little wait when we got there.

After taking in the beauty that is Pena Palace, we walked downhill to the Moorish Castle. And this is where the walking really started to get intense.

You take quite the walk just to get from the entrance of the Moorish Castle to the actual gate where they scan your tickets. Then you’re off to explore this castle that was built in 711 AD. While you don’t have to walk the entire thing, we somehow just kept chugging along and did.

Once we were done, we hopped back on the bus to the historic center of Sintra. We grabbed a quick drink of Ginjinha (or at least the adults did!) and ate some sweets, then we walked over to Quinta da Regaleira.

While we had every intention to eat lunch in downtown Sintra, it just didn’t work out. So we grabbed some food at the cafe at Quinta da Regaleria and then made our way around the grounds (don’t miss the Initiation Well!).

For our full Sintra itinerary with kids, click here .

How long will you spend in Sintra?

Remember when I said it was a long day? By that, I meant it was pretty much the whole day. We left Lisbon at 8:11 AM and returned just after 5:00 PM. The boys were troopers!

When we got back to Lisbon, we grabbed some dinner at a super touristy restaurant (but at that point we didn’t care!), then headed straight back to the hotel to get some rest.

Day 3: Check Out Belem

While Belem is actually a neighborhood in Lisbon, this almost felt like a day trip in itself. We got a late start this day since we were tired from the day before, but since attractions open a little on the later side, it wasn’t a big issue.

As we walked to the tram station, we took a quick stop at Pink Street to grab some fun photos. Since we were there in the morning, we had the area to ourselves which was really neat. I may be a mom of boys with LOTS of blue around our house, but my favorite color is pink, so this was a “must-see” for me!

Getting from Lisbon to Belem

We were all about using public transport when able on this trip, especially since our Lisbon Card covered it all. To get from Lisbon to Belem, we jumped on Tram 15 around 10:00 AM. And about 23 minutes later, we arrived in Belem.

The tram was standing room only, as lots of other tourists were on their way to Belem, too. Hindsight, we would’ve left about an hour earlier than we did, but we needed the rest after a busy day in Sintra the day before.

Things to Do in Belem with Kids

We started our day in Belem with kids by grabbing some pasteis de nata from Pasteis de Belem. And I can’t say I regretted it! Those things were delicious!

We were lucky enough to walk right in with no line. Although I didn’t feel like we got to Belem super early by any means, it must have been early enough to avoid the crowds. We were also there during the off-season, so that played a big role in fewer crowds, too.

If you’re traveling during a busy season, I would recommend getting to Pasteis de Belem much earlier, as the lines can get long.

Jeronimos Monastery

After grabbing some morning treats, we headed over to Jeronimos Monastery. The monastery was built in the early 1500s and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our Lisbon Card covered the entry fee into the monastery, but what we didn’t realize is that we were about to get priority entrance, too!

We weren’t quite sure if we needed a separate entry ticket on top of our Lisbon Card , so my husband went to ask the security guard at the front of the line. When the guard saw that we were traveling with young kids, he let us right in! Yep…we got to skip the huge line.

I was initially bummed that we didn’t get our butts out of bed early to avoid the crowds, and it turned out that we got to avoid them anyways. That’s one of the huge bonuses of traveling to Portugal with kids.

“Beautiful” really doesn’t capture how amazing the Jeronimos Monastery really is. We were in awe the entire time. Plus since they limit the number of people in there at any single time, you don’t feel crammed in at all, allowing you to really take it all in.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos (AKA Monument to the Discoveries)

After leaving the monastery, we walked through the park across the street and took an underground tunnel to get to the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (AKA Monument to the Discoveries).

This monument opened in 1940, so while it hasn’t been around for too long in the grand scheme of things, it celebrates Portuguese exploration from the 15th and 16th centuries. And it’s pretty impressive in person!

It was the perfect place to enjoy those pasteis de nata we bought earlier and gaze out at the Tagus River, the Ponte 25 de Abril (25th of April Bridge), and the Cristo Rei (Christ the King) monument.

We opted not to go to the top of the Monument to the Discoveries, as our next stop was Belem Tower, and we already knew we wanted to climb to the top there. The views are very similar, though, so if you have someone in your party with mobility issues, consider going to the top of the Monument to the Discoveries instead. There’s an elevator there, whereas, at Belem Tower, you’ll be taking the stairs.

Belem Tower

The last main stop of our time in Belem was Belem Tower. The tower was built in the early 1500s as a gateway to the city of Lisbon, a point of embarkation and disembarkation for Portuguese explorers, and a defense against possible invasions. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

To get to Belem Tower, we took an easy walk along the river on a walking path from the Monument of the Discoveries. Once we arrived, we had to take a pit stop at the ticket office to validate our Lisbon Card. There was a separate line for Lisbon Card holders with no wait.

Again, when traveling with young kids, you can go right up to the security guard and skip the long line at the entrance!

Inside the tower, we made our way to the top. To get there, there’s a spiral staircase, but our boys had no issues with it. We took in the view and explored the tower (my boys especially loved wandering around the bunker with all the canons), then grabbed some lunch.

We quickly realized that, even though we were in Lisbon during the off-season, the restaurants were still very busy, so we had to walk around a bit to find a restaurant that could seat us.

Back to Lisbon

After a late lunch, we jumped back on Tram 15 and returned to our hotel for a bit. That night, we headed over to see the Santa Justa Lift. We did not want to stand in the long line or pay the money to go on the lift, so we just took the stairs to see the views from the top and the bottom of it.

After dinner, we grabbed some more treats (as I’m writing this, I’m realizing how much our trip revolved around eating treats!) and enjoyed the live music in the area. What a cool spot at night!

Day 4: Enjoy Lisbon with Kids

This was our last day in Lisbon! And here’s the thing. When we travel with kids, we make a list of “must-sees” and “nice-to-sees.” I can tell you that although we got to a lot of our must-sees, we could have easily spent more time in Lisbon to see a bunch of stuff we missed.

So in this section, I’m going to tell you what we did. But I’m also going to add in stuff I wish we could have done. That way if you have extra time in the city or if you don’t need or want to take midday breaks like we did, you have some more options!

Let’s start with what we were able to get to:

Parque eduardo vii.

We took a metro ride to this park, and we were so happy we did! First of all, the park is gorgeous! I mean, look at the hedges…so cool!

But it also had a kids’ playground area that our boys really enjoyed. We always try to plan some activities solely for the kids, and this ended up being a good one. We all got to relax and enjoy the beautiful weather. Taking some time away from the busyness of vacation was really nice.

Lisbon is FULL of beautiful squares. And I was amazed by the black and white cobblestone patterns at each of them.

Wandering around the city and coming across these squares wasn’t only something nice to see, but it also allowed the boys to run around and get some energy out.

On this day, we visited Praca dos Restauradores, which had a beautiful monument as its centerpiece.

Some of our favorite squares that we came across during our time in Lisbon included: Praca do Comercio (Commerce Square), Praca do Municipio, Praca do Rossio (Rossio Square), and Praca de Luis de Camoes.

Restaurants We Loved in Lisbon with Kids

Since day 4 was a little more laid back, we didn’t feel like we had to rush to find something quick to eat. And that meant we were able to take some time to pick places we really thought we would enjoy!

For lunch, we ate at Ginjinha Popular near Praca dos Restauradores. This is where we finally got to try bifana and vegetable soup, and it. was. amazing. It was also one of the cheapest meals of our trip, so bonus points for that!

Dinner was more on the expensive side, but totally worth it in our eyes. We ate at Pharmacia Felicidade, which is a tapas restaurant with really neat cocktails. Plus it had a beautiful view of the bridge in Lisbon.

It wasn’t the most kid-friendly restaurant out there, but since we were ordering plates to share, we were able to easily find things our boys would eat. In fact, they even tried and liked octopus (to our amazement!).

It was a nice compromise between a foodie restaurant we loved as adults and a restaurant the kids enjoyed, too. And if you visit during the warmer (or less rainy) months, they have a really cool outdoor seating area.

And now what we weren’t able to get to (but would have loved to see!):

Carmo convent.

Ok, this one could have easily fit into our day, but we made a big mistake. We didn’t check the opening hours. And unfortunately, Carmo Convent wasn’t open on the day we were checking out the city. What a bummer!

This was pretty high on my priority list because: 1) It looks incredible. -and- 2) It’s a big part of Lisbon’s history.

And just because I like to add historical tidbits into my posts when I can, here’s a little bit about Lisbon. November 1, 1755, was an absolute nightmare for the city of Lisbon.

The day began with an earthquake…which then sparked a tsunami…which then ended in a city-wide fire due to residents having candles lit in their homes to celebrate All Saints’ Day.

In just one day, the city was ruined and tens of thousands of people lost their lives. Carmo Convent is a stark reminder of this, as what you see today is the remains of the church from this horrible event.

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

When doing my research prior to our trip, I came across this viewpoint, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (Our Lady of the Hill). It’s considered Lisbon’s highest perch, and you’re able to get a panoramic view of the city from there.

While I had every intention of trying to make it there for a sunset, it just didn’t happen on our trip, unfortunately. So, please, go do it for me!

Castelo de Sao Jorge

While we were able to see Castelo de Sao Jorge from a distance, we never got a chance to visit it.

This castle was built in the mid-11th century to house military troops. There is also an archeological site on the castle grounds that shows evidence of settlements dating back to the 7th century BC.

Since the castle is situated on a hill, you’ll get an incredible view of the city of Lisbon if you have time to visit.

Oceanario de Lisboa

Now I’m not going to act like we definitely would have done this one, but I’m still going to add it in this section as an option.

When researching things to do in Lisbon with kids, I came across this one a lot. So, it got put on my “nice-to-see” list IF we had a day of poor weather. Having indoor activity options with the kids is always something I have in the back of my mind when we travel.

But we’re a family that really likes to take in the history and culture as much as possible when visiting a new place, so we often steer clear of things like zoos and aquariums.

With that being said, this place does look super cool, so if we would’ve had an all-day downpour, there’s a chance we would have visited.

Day 5: Drive to Lagos, Portugal

In the morning, we packed up our things and headed to Lagos, Portugal!

We rented a car from Hertz. My husband went to pick it up from the downtown location (although he felt like it would have been just as easy, if not easier, to just go back to the airport to get it) while I stayed back at the hotel and let the kids play (one of the huge benefits of staying at a Martinhal resort!).

The road trip was incredibly easy. The roads are great and easy to navigate with the use of Google Maps. There were also plenty of rest areas with bathrooms, a gas station, and a place to grab a quick bite to eat if needed.

In total, with a couple of stops for the boys to use the bathroom, the drive took us about 3.5 hours.

Where to Stay in Lagos with Kids

I know I bragged on Martinhal a ton earlier in this post! And we SO wanted to stay at a Martinhal resort in the Algarve region of Portugal, too. But when we were looking at options, the Martinhal resorts in that area weren’t quite where we wanted to be location-wise.

The things we really wanted to see and do were in Lagos. And we wanted to spend as little time as possible in the car getting from place to place. So, Belmar Spa & Beach Resort it was!

This resort was nice in that we were able to book a condo-style two-bedroom, two-bathroom room. It even had a rooftop terrace! The room was very well-cleaned, and they provided a crib for our littlest guy.

Breakfast was included, and although it wasn’t as good as the one provided at Martinhal Chiado in Lisbon, it still did the job.

The location was great! It was just a couple-minute walk down to Praia do Porto de Mos. And we could easily drive to and find parking at the other areas we visited.

What I didn’t realize when we booked the room is that this is actually a complex where some people live full-time…not just full of fellow vacationers like us. This is probably just me being an anxious mom that’s nervous about her kids bothering others, but I didn’t feel AS relaxed as I did at the Martinhal resorts because of that.

We never had any issues though (just me being in my head about it!). And that fact wouldn’t keep me from recommending it to others by any means.

If you really want to stick with Martinhal resorts and are okay staying in different areas of the Algarve region, check out Martinhal in Sagres and Martinhal in Faro .

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort

Day 6: hike (or stroll) to incredible sights.

Ok, I know I said our day trip to Sintra was one of our favorite days of the trip. But this day might take the cake as THE best day in Portugal simply because the views during this hike were just amazing.

Right after breakfast, we drove over to Praia de Dona Ana. There was a large parking lot there, so finding parking was no big deal. From there, we “hiked” down to Ponte da Piedade.

I put “hiked” in quotes because it was really more like a stroll. There’s a long boardwalk that you can walk along, making it very easy for even young toddlers to navigate. You can hop off the boardwalk at any time for more of a “hike” feel and to get better views or you can stay along the boardwalk the entire time.

Along the way, there are a handful of beaches that you can visit (as long as you’re good with going up and down literally hundreds of stairs…but I promise, it’s worth it!).

I’ll go into every detail of this hike in a future post. But for now, just know that it’s not only doable with kids, it’s a must-do!

After our hike, we went back to the resort for our typical midday break. Then we spent the evening checking out downtown Lagos (which is a super cute town!). We had dinner at Pie Lagos…and it was delicious!

Day 7: Spend the Day at the Beach

On our last day in Lagos, we just wanted to relax and have fun with the boys. And our boys love visiting the beach, so off we went!

Since we visited Portugal in November, we didn’t have that perfect beach weather, but it didn’t stop us from enjoying our time at the beach. In fact, the boys enjoyed themselves so much that they were completely SOAKED by the end of it. Ha!

We started the day at Praia da Marinha, which is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches.

I mean, it’s absolutely gorgeous there! And we had a BLAST. But we weren’t prepared.

By the end of our time there, the boys (and even our diaper bag) were soaked and covered in sand. So my plan for our next stop went down the drain, as we had to go straight back to the resort to dry off.

Now, the cool thing about writing a blog is that I get to share what we would have done even when our plans didn’t go perfectly. You get to learn from my mistakes!

So, after leaving Praia da Marinha, we would have headed over to Carvoeiro to see Algar Seco and grab some lunch. And that’s what I would recommend you do.

We really did get to do this, but it was actually the next morning. It would have made much more sense time and location-wise, though, to just do it after visiting Praia da Marinha.

While visiting Algar Seco, we got to see huge waves crashing up against the coast. There’s a cave-like structure to explore and a boardwalk to walk along. It wasn’t just the kids that were amazed by this area…us parents were too!

I would have loved to check out more of Carvoeiro if we would have had time, too. It was such a cool little town.

That night we caught a beautiful sunset at the beach, Praia do Porto de Mos, right by our hotel. Then we headed back to downtown Lagos to have dinner at Nah Nah Bah, a burger joint where we could easily find food the kids would like. Our meal was great, and we didn’t have to worry if the boys were a little loud because the restaurant was also a little loud.

Day 8: Drive to Cascais, Portugal

The final stop on this trip was Cascais, Portugal! When planning this itinerary, we wanted to be closer to the airport on our last day.

But, instead of going back to Lisbon, we noticed that the drive from Cascais to the airport really wasn’t that much longer. And that gave us an excuse to visit one last area.

Since we didn’t have much time in Cascais, we spent the evening just walking around the town and grabbing dinner followed by some gelato.

This was another area where we wish we could have had one more day so we could see even more. We would have especially loved to go to Boca do Inferno, which is a unique cliff formation in the shape of an arch that was carved out by the powerful waves in that area. We did get to see some huge waves even from the downtown area, though, so that was neat.

We just so happened to be in Cascais when Portugal was playing in the World Cup. That brought a whole different vibe to the city, and it was so much fun seeing (and hearing!) all of the excitement.

Where to Stay in Cascais with Kids

When we visited, there was actually a Martinhal property in Cascais…and we loved it! It has since been taken over by new ownership (and by “new,” I actually mean that it’s been taken back over by the company that owned it prior to Martinhal). The resort is now called Onyria Marinha Boutique Hotel .

This resort was just as amazing (if not more so) than Martinhal Chiado. Since there is more room to spread out in Cascais than there is in Lisbon, this place is huge and is comprised of several buildings.

We had an entire two-story villa to ourselves instead of just a room at this resort. The resort has an enormous outdoor and indoor play area for kids, which we took advantage of even during the one day we were there. It also has multiple pools (including an indoor pool), but we weren’t able to enjoy those since our stay was so short.

Unfortunately, since it’s under new ownership, I can’t comment on the service because it might be completely different now than when we were there since it’s under new ownership. But we had a great experience when we visited.

Onyria Marinha Boutique Hotel

Day 9: fly home.

And with that, our Portugal family vacation is over! We had an early morning flight on our last day. So early, in fact, that we drove to the airport in the dark.

But on that drive (and to this day!), we wondered why we didn’t think to go to Portugal with kids sooner! It really was such an amazing family vacation.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly European vacation , Portugal should definitely be on your shortlist.

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Jenn is the founder of Those Johnson Boys, a family travel blog on a mission to give parents the confidence to travel with their kids. As a mom to 3 young boys, she's learned all the tricks over the years to make family travel less stressful. Whether you're traveling to Disney World, the USA, or international destinations, Jenn loves sharing tips, itineraries, and travel inspiration to help you have the family vacation you've been dreaming of.

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By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: February 9, 2024

Most people here in Europe associate Portugal with beaches, nice weather, and good food. But if you have been following our blog for a while, you probably know that we are not that much into sun-tanning on the beach… In fact, our favorite travel destinations for families usually involve nature and sightseeing.

So when I think about our recent trips to Portugal with kids , I have some very different family-friendly experiences in mind that I want to share with you.

This is a selection of all kinds of fun things to do in Portugal with kids that don’t involve swimming, playing on the beach, visiting zoos, aquariums, or other traditional family activities. Find out!

See also: Our 10-day Portugal trip itinerary

In no particular order, below is a list of some of the best things to do in Portugal with kids . This selection is based on our experiences that the kids enjoyed the most. You know, the kind that they keep on talking about long after the trip…

Best experiences to have in Portugal with kids:

1. Ride a tuk-tuk

If you ask our kids what they liked the most in Portugal, they will unanimously vote for the tuk-tuk ride . It was the very first time they ever rode a tuk-tuk, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen all three of them so excited! Ever.

So if you are traveling to Portugal with kids, make sure you take them for a tuk-tuk ride. You will find them in Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra.

TIP: negotiate your trip and the rate in advance.

2. Walk the city walls of Obidos

Obidos is a small medieval town just an hour north of Lisbon. It’s also one of the best towns to visit in Portugal , so definitely worth a visit!

Walking the old city walls in Obidos was one of the most unforgettable experiences in Portugal for kids. Just be careful, especially with kids, as the walls have no rails on one side.

3. Explore the gardens of Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra

Sintra has so many castles and palaces that it might be difficult to choose which ones to visit. There is one castle, however, that you really shouldn’t miss if visiting Sintra with kids , and that is Quinta da Regaleira .

Actually, it’s not that much the castle that kids will love the most. The garden of Quinta da Regaleira is a real paradise for little explorers!

Your kids will love walking in dark secret tunnels, exploring hidden passageways, jumping over stones over water at a hidden waterfall, or climbing the spiral staircase of a 27m deep well…

LEARN MORE: Best Places to See in Sintra & Sintra Itinerary + Tips for Your Visit

4. Ride Lisbon tram nr. 28, Nazaré funicular, Porto gondola, and take the kids for a boat ride

If there is one thing we learned from our trips with kids, is that children love all kinds of transportation. The more varied the better. I already mentioned the tuk-tuk rides. But there are many more fun experiences involving different means of transport that you shouldn’t miss if traveling in Portugal with kids.

Here are some of our family’s favorite transport-related activities in Portugal:

• Ride a historic tram in Lisbon or in Porto.
• Take a funicular to the O’Sitio district in Nazaré. Read more about it here: Visiting Nazaré fishing village in Central Portugal .
• Ride a gondola in Porto.
• Take the kids on a sailing cruise in Lisbon (you can book this highly-rated sunset cruise here ) or find the full selection of Lisbon boat tours here . You can read more about our experience here: How to spend a perfect day in Lisbon with kids .

5. Visit the caves Grutas de Mira de Aire

Grutas de Mira de Aire is a must-see place to visit if traveling in Central Portugal with kids.

Descend 110m below the ground and explore more than 600m of incredible underground chambers. This is something the whole family will love for sure!

Oh, and don’t worry about having to climb back up – there is an elevator to take you back to the surface.

6. Taste traditional Portuguese custard cakes Pasteis de Nata

Traveling is also about getting to know the local food! And if there is one food that should be on every Portugal bucket list , it’s the most popular dessert in the country – Pastel de Nata (plural: Pasteis de Nata).

Our kids are becoming more and more difficult when it comes to new culinary experiences, but they all really enjoyed the Portuguese custard cakes, pasteis de nata .

7. Discover some of the most amazing viewpoints of Portugal

This will probably come as no surprise: our kids love climbing staircases and visiting old towers. The higher, the better.

Here are some of our favorite towers to climb and viewpoints not to miss in Portugal with kids:

• Elevador de Santa Justa in Lisbon .
• O Sitio district in Nazaré
• Dom Luís I Bridge in Porto (the bridge has two levels, the views from the top are priceless).
• The Cathedral tower of Evora .
• Pretty much anywhere along the Algarve coast, especially Ponta da Piedade and the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail .

8. Explore an old convent

Museums, churches, and other kinds of religious buildings are not always a big success when traveling with kids.

However, Portugal has some amazing places, especially monasteries, that any kid will love to explore.

Our favorites were the monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha . Not a chance your kids will get bored here!

9. Get lost in the most beautiful forest of Portugal – Mata Nacional do Buçaco

If you like off-the-beaten-path destinations, nature, and history, make sure you take the kids to the Bussaco forest in Luso, Central Portugal.

They’ll love this ancient forest with something different and exciting to explore behind every corner.

Take a picnic and make this one of the most memorable family day trips in Portugal!

10. Admire Portuguese azulejos

It would be unthinkable to visit Portugal without falling in love with the traditional Portuguese tiles – azulejos .

Children will love looking for new patterns or discovering some ancient stories on the walls of residential buildings, churches, train stations, and old castles…

Take the time to really explore this unique kind of art with your kids.

11. Visit Costa Nova – the most colorful town of Portugal

Take your kids to Praia da Costa Nova . This little coastal town with colorful striped houses was a favorite with our boys.

Walking between these striped houses is like walking inside a fairytale book. It’s like no other place in Portugal (or anywhere else for that matter).

In summer, this is a popular seaside resort with a nice beach that families will love. Don’t miss this little picturesque town!

12. Visit a local market

Our kids love visiting markets. There is so much to see, to touch, to taste…

We visited a couple of markets in Portugal with kids and all of them were great. But there was one that left them speechless – a local seafood market in Costa Nova (Central Portugal).

The boys didn’t know where to look first – there was a huge variety of fish, but also octopus, shrimp, crab… And then there were eels, hundreds of eels, alive and crawling, waiting for a buyer to take them home for dinner. The kids couldn’t believe their eyes!

On subsequent trips, we also visited local markets in Funchal (Madeira) and in Lagos (Algarve) , and it didn’t disappoint. Our kids just love traditional markets in Portugal!

13. Explore Porto by night

One of the best parts of any vacation for our kids is being able to stay up late. They love exploring new places at night!

Our favorite place to explore late in the evening in Portugal was the Cais da Ribeira waterfront area in Porto .

Not only does it have some incredible views, but you will also find a really great atmosphere here. There are nice and family-friendly restaurants and lots of street performers. The whole family loved it!

14. Buy a Portuguese hat

We try not to buy many souvenirs when we travel, but it’s something our kids look forward to on every trip. I guess all kids do…

If you buy one souvenir in Portugal for your kids, make it a hat . It’s the best 5 Euros you can spend! Not only will it protect them from the harsh sun, but it will also make all the vacation pictures so much more stylish. 😉

As I’m updating this guide, I have to say that the Portuguese hats we bought have proven to be a great investment. The hats we bought on our first trip to Portugal lasted several years. But then some of them became too small and others got dirty. So now every time we go back to Portugal with kids, we buy some new hats.

15. Visit a real-life Disney castle – Pena Palace

Portugal is home to many castles, but there is one that kids will definitely remember long after the trip. The Palace of Pena in Sintra is probably the most colorful castle in the world. It’s like walking into a real-life Disney castle!

TIP: Try to visit early in the morning, or a few hours before the closing time. Pena Palace is one of the most popular day trip destinations near Lisbon and it’s always crazy busy here.

In addition to Pena Palace, there are a few other stunning castles in Sintra that are great for families. Exploring the enchanting gardens of Quinta de Regaleira, walking on the centuries-old walls of the Moorish Castle, and the fairytale-like atmosphere at Monserrate Palace will make your visit unforgettable!

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Sintra

16. Look for street art

City trips can be tiring for children. Looking for street art is a great way to keep the kids busy and involved when exploring some of the biggest Portuguese towns like Lisbon or Porto.

But also many smaller towns in Portugal have some really nice street art. You just have to make an effort to look for it.

You will be amazed at how much street art there is, and the kids are really good at finding it!

17. Enjoy the most spectacular coastal scenery

No list of the best things to do in Portugal with kids would be complete without mentioning its most family-friendly region, the Algarve.

There are some amazing water parks and amusement parks here and tons of other great things to do in Algarve for families . But without a doubt, the main reason to visit Algarve is its stunning coast !

The colorful steep cliffs, sea caves, and grottos will take your breath away. And yes, it’s something that any child will be impressed by as well!

There are many ways to enjoy the beautiful Algarve coast. You can just drive around and stop at a few viewpoints, visit some of the Algarve’s nicest towns , spend some time exploring the most beautiful beaches in Algarve , or take a boat tour to see the sea caves.

Our boys’ favorite was a speedboat tour to see the Benagil Cave and kayaking at Ponta da Piedade . They also loved surfing, paragliding, and so many other amazing water activities.

Whatever you choose, the whole family will absolutely love it!

So if you are looking for a more traditional family vacation in Portugal with beaches and lots of water fun, Algarve is a great choice as well. Via the links above and below, you can find more information about some of the nicest places in this area. And if you only have a few days and want to see all the top spots, check out our recommended Algarve itinerary .

LEARN MORE: Top Places to See in Algarve & Best Things to Do in Albufeira & Best Things to Do in Lagos

So, this is our selection of some of the best and somewhat unusual things to do in Portugal with kids.

Of course, you can also spend days and weeks at the beach with your family, spend countless hours in the pool, visit an aquarium or a zoo… Portugal has so many family-friendly activities.

I just wanted to show you that traveling with kids doesn’t always have to be about beaches and theme parks. Not even if visiting such a typical European beach vacation destination as Portugal.

I hope that you found some inspiration for your family trip to Portugal in this post!

More tips for your trip to Portugal:

• Top Things to Do in Lisbon
• Best Day Trips from Lisbon
• Portugal Trip Itinerary from Lisbon to Porto
• What to expect when visiting Portugal in April
• 1 Day in Lisbon
• Sintra Itinerary
• Nazaré Fishermen’s Village
• Benagil Cave
• Faro, Algarve
• Sagres, Algarve
• Algarve in April
• Algarve in December
• Where to Stay in Albufeira
• Best Things to Do in Funchal
• Best Places to See in Madeira
• Hiking in Madeira
• Hidden Gems of Madeira
• Best Things to Do in Sao Miguel, Azores

READ ALSO: Best European Destinations for Spring Break

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Friday 26th of April 2024

Hi, I came across your post as we will be travelling with children to Portugal this summer. I wanted to ask for your recommendation or the tuk tuk company you went with as we have a 6 year old and I read that most tuk tuk don't allow age 7 and under.

Sunday 28th of April 2024

Hi Lils, I just checked a few tours and indeed, some of them say no kids under 7. Maybe something changed in the legislation recently. On the other hand, I also found some tours that - at least at the moment - do allow kids. Here are just a few examples: * Lisbon private tour 1 hour (ages 2+). * Private tour 1.5 hours - this one doesn't mention any age limit but I read in one review that people 'went with three small children and they loved it'. * Porto tuk-tuk tour and Douro River Cruise - they allow kids and even have discounts for them. Hope this helps.

Sunday 26th of March 2023

Dear Jurga, I first read this article several years ago when you first posted it. It made me fall in love with your site and the idea of Portugal for a family vacation. We finally made it to Portugal last summer, after 3 years of no traveling due to the pandemic and it felt like landing in paradise. Our children were teenagers by then but we still enjoyed many of your recommendations (tuk tuk, sailing in Lisbon, Quinta da Regaleira,...) I just wanted to say thank you for the inspiration, I wish to travel to many more of your favorite destinations in the future :)

Caroline from Montréal, Canada

Thank you so much for your kind feedback, Caroline! I am so glad to hear that you finally made it to Portugal and that the whole family enjoyed it so much. It's a beautiful country! (where we'll spend most of our kids' vacations this year again ;). Happy travels!

Monday 2nd of January 2023

Your article was fantastic! As someone who loves traveling and did so much prior to kids, and continue to do so with kids, we are always looking for something unique, fun, interesting. AND we love natures (we are hikers at heart) and we hike 52 weeks of the year - locally and in our travels! Thank you for sharing some fun places for us to visit in Portugal|!

Thursday 5th of January 2023

Glad to hear you found some travel inspiration in this article. Portugal is amazing! And if you want to do some family-friendly hiking, I can highly recommend trying out some of the coastal paths in the Algarve region. If visiting the islands, Madeira is a hiker’s paradise too! Enjoy your trip!

Thursday 15th of July 2021

Oh WOW! I can't tell you how much I appreciate this post. I know that my kiddos would enjoy every single one of these adventures. Even down to buying a hat! Such practical and applicable tips for traveling with kids! Thanks!

Wednesday 21st of July 2021

Glad to hear that you found this useful, Karen. Portugal is an amazing country for a family trip and you can find plenty of fun and interesting places and activities everywhere you go. We haven't been to one single place in Portugal that we or the kids didn't like. In fact, we are just back from the Azores islands (thus the delay in our answers to all the comments) and it was another great experience. Kids loved it too. Happy travels!

Friday 5th of March 2021

Really good article about Portugal! I’m portuguese and I think that you experienced some of the best things that the country has for families. Unfortunately, we are confined at this moment but I hope that soon, and responsibly, we will be able to enjoy these incredible experiences again!

Sunday 7th of March 2021

Thank you, Carla. It's always nice to hear from the locals. In my opinion - and this is based on lots of trips we did with our kids all over the world - Portugal is one of the best countries in Europe for families with kids. Variety of things to see and do, good weather, friendly people, great food, and last but not least very affordable prices, this makes it an excellent family destination. And since we are not beach-goers ourselves, I wanted to show other families that there's so much more to Portugal than its famous beaches. :) And yes, can't wait to be traveling again!!!

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Portugal isn’t one of those vacation destinations that is merely doable with children … it’s so kid-friendly that it’s actually better enjoyed with them! Begin in bright, sunny Lisbon, one of Europe’s best capital cities (hop on a trolley to get around more easily). Spend a day or more in Sintra admiring the colorful castles and palaces. From there, pick and choose from what appeals most to your family: Head north to culturally enriching Porto or south to the beaches of the Algarve. Kid-friendly properties abound throughout Portugal’s main tourist areas, from chic urban hotels with kids’ clubs to beach resorts full of fun activities. Traveling around Portugal with children in tow, you’ll think of yourself as one of the lucky ones.

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Best things to do in lisbon with kids, cascais, portugal: a beach haven perfect for young kids, let the planning begin where to travel in 2019 with kids, off-the-grid adventure during an azores vacation in portugal, martinhal lisbon chiado: an all-suite hotel for families, the yeatman: luxury with stellar views in porto, portugal, our happy travelers, "we have only good things to say about our entire trip and the planning process. you are a dream to work with i especially appreciated how you narrowed down my options for each decision, so i wouldn't be overwhelmed. i haven't worked with a travel agent before, but you really surpassed my expectations. we will call you first the next time we travel".

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Awesome things to do in portugal with kids.

Our round up of the best things to do in Portugal with kids. Cultural attractions, food and activities  to include in your Portugal itinerary for the perfect Portugal family trip. 

Portugal often comes up in conversation as a destination for family friendly holidays in all-inclusive resorts.

Indeed, for a sea and sun holiday, Portugal is a great choice and we have fond memories of our family break in the gorgeous family resort Martinhal Cascais.

However, I feel the real charm of Portugal resides away for its sandy oceanfront.

During our spring trip to Portugal with kids, we got lost in ancient streets, relaxed in local markets and discovered a family friendly side of the country that makes it both welcoming and authentic.

There is a lot to do in Portugal for children and this is our selection of the best things to do in Portugal with kids for culturally curious families!

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Portugal for children: best family experiences to explore Portugal with kids

These are our favourite family friendly things to do in Portugal for kids and adults, as chosen by our resident experts: Mr M (6 at the time of our trip) and Little Ms E.

Ride a yellow tram in Lisbon

What is special about riding a tram, you may ask. Indeed, if we weren’t talking about Portugal, public transport wouldn’t appear on my list. However,  Lisbon trams are iconic and truly deserve this top spot!

They criss-cross the city and help locals and tourists get around town in an efficient and fun way and come to the rescue of tired legs in hilly Lisbon. Our kids adored them .

The one tourists love is Lisbon tram n 28, the rickety ride that connects Baixa to the famous Alfama quarter and the castle overlooking the city.

The one we personally loved, however, was a different one and goes by the name ‘Ascensor da Bica’ (‘ascensor’ means ‘lift’ or ‘elevator’). Rather than a standard tram, I would call this a funicular but semantics aside, it is great fun. It is old, it is shaky, it has a glorious local feel and goes up a hill so steep it will make you doubt the laws of gravity!

It is a great activity to do with kids in Lisbon and one they are likely to highlight with screams of delight!

You can read about our experience in Lisbon as a family here  or check our full family guide to Lisbon here

Looking for family friendly accommodation in Lisbon? In the heart of the city, we recommend Martinhal Chiado  (our review is here ) and Lisbon Charming Apartments , where my parents stayed or you can check our full guide to the best family hotels in Lisbon here.

Visit family friendly Porto

The city of Porto is stunning and, for many it is a highlight of their Portugal itinerary.

I am myself a fan of the city. I visited Porto for the first time over 20 years ago and fell in love with its beautiful architecture, dynamic atmosphere and peculiar geographic location, over a river and on rolling hills.

There is plenty to do in Porto for families and depending on the age your your children they may enjoy the city zoo, Porto beautiful parks (such as Crystal palace gardens and Serralves),  a hop on hop off tour of the city and the interactive museum World of Discoveries .

If you are staying overnight in Porto, which we recommend, try Apartemento Vila Bolhao , self catering apartments suitable for families.

Discover Coimbra

Coimbra is one of the oldest cities in Portugal and it is a pleasure to visit with kids.

The city has a highly respected university and a family friendly vibe, with pedestrianized streets and green spaces.

Coimbra university is worth a visit. Very young kids will have plenty of space to run (it’s huge!), while you are sure to appreciate the beautifully decorated buildings that make up this important educational complex .

If you are road tripping, Coimbra is a nice overnight stop to add to your Portugal itinerary, check out Vila Gale hotel : immediately outside of the city centre, it is a great place for kids and has a generous breakfast and swimming pool on site.

This is a list of the best things to do in Coimbra to help you plan your visit.

Explore Sintra National park

Sintra is famous for its fairy tale castles and because of them it is one of the must see attractions people seek out when visiting Portugal with children.

However, when we visited Sintra with kids their attention was piqued by something other than architecture: the amazing gardens surrounding the Sintra castles and the glorious national park that embraces them!

Our kids loved the garden surrounding Pena palace, where they spotted ducklings and played while we watched them under the cascading petals of pink camelias. Older kids will be mesmerised by the tunnels, passages and the musk covered stones of Quinta da Regaleira. It’s one of the most charming places in Portugal for kids!

Taste traditional Portuguese food

You cannot go on a family trip to Portugal without sampling the local food.

Portuguese food is gorgeous. It is fresh, varied, colourful and for many is one of the highlight of a trip to Portugal (it sure was for us!).

Among the most traditional dishes you have grilled sardines but kids are most likely to take to the beautiful Portuguese desserts: the most famous of all are pasteis de nata, small custard tarts with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Sampling Pasteis de nata is one of the activities we recommend if visiting Lisbon with kids but if you are in Sintra, also make sure you taste the local delicatessen Travesseiro de Sintra : it truly is a treat, especially the ones with Nutella!

See a church without a roof

Or one made with bones!

Portugal has some incredible churches so peculiar to be sure to pique the kids attentions. Two out of the many deserving a mention are Convento de Carmo, in Lisbon, and the incredible albeit slightly disturbing bone chapel in Evora.

Visit continental Europe’s most westerly point

Kids love record breaking places and our two are no exception. Mr M is always asking about the tallest building, the fastest car, the biggest ocean so it came natural to us to include in our itinerary a stop in Cabo da Roca , continental Europe’s most westerly point!

Cabo da Roca can be easily visited from Lisbon, Sintra or Cascais and can be even be combined with these destinations in one day trip.

There is not a lot to do here for kids, but the place is wonderful. The coastal path reasonably safe considering the height of the cliffs (hold hands!) and in spring it was covered by stunning blooms with colours our kids love.

Good to know: the small café on site has ice cream (and sodas and bathrooms)

Go cycling in Cascais

We stayed in Cascais with the kids only one night and one day, but it was lovely I wish we would have stayed more.

The kids adored Cascais beach and since we visited in spring, when the temperature wasn’t overly hot, it was also possible to go for walks and be active.

One fun activity in Cascais with kids is to rent bikes and cycle along the coastal cycling path. You can rent bicycles in Cascais (there is a small number of them available for free) and bike rentals also have children bikes.

Be king for a day in a Portuguese castle

Portugal is home to many castles. Castelo de San Jorge at the top of Lisbon’s Alfama quarter, Pena palace and the Castle of the moors in Sintra are among the most popular.

If you want to help your kids understand the history of Portugal and while these castles came to be, we have a nice selection of children books about Portugal here

Spot azulejos

Azulejos are a traditional art form in Portugal and grace the walls of many house, private and grand.

They are eye catching, colourful and intricate and while I cannot say my kids were head over heels in love with them (they caught their attention for about one minute each time) they offered good entertainment.

Our kids loved spotting them before us and surprises us months later in California , when they screamed: look, tiles like the ones in Portugal!

They do remember out travels, after all!

Practical tips to visit Portugal with kids: what to pack for Portugal in each season

No matter what time of the year you visit Portugal, we we recommend you pack:

• sunglasses,
• good walking shoes,
• a photocopy of your documents,
• credit cards and cash and sunscreen (if you have very fair skin, you may need it even in winter)

In summer, you should pack very light clothes such as:

• short sleeved tops

If you are a woman, I also recommend you bring a large scarf to protect you from air conditioning and also to wrap around your waste if you wear shorts and wish to visit a church or a sacred space.

In winter, you need:

• Layers (long sleeve top, short sleeve top, cardigan etc)
• A winter jacket
• Scarf, gloves, hat

While Portugal is famous for good weather, temperatures do drop in winter and you’ll be glad you wrapped up! For kids, we recommend a good waterproof jacket and a good sleeping bag if using a stroller.

I hope you enjoyed our tips and advice about what to see in Portugal with kids!

If you are planning a trip, pin this post on Pinterest for reference or check out our Portugal section for additional ideas on all there is to do in Portugal for kids.

I hope you enjoyed our suggestions! If you going to Portugal with kids soon, I hope you have lots of fun! Safe travel planning!

Loved this post? Share it or pin it for later!

Marta Correale

Marta Correale is the creator, writer and creative mind behind Learning Escapes. A travel loving mama of two from Italy, Marta currently lives in Ireland with her husband and two kids, they take frequent trips to European destination, the US and beyond. A professional travel blogger for over a decade, Marta is passionate about traveling with kids and helping others to travel more and better as a family.

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The Family Vacation Guide

17 of the Best Family Resorts in Portugal

posted by Charmaine Cortes on August 24, 2023 // last updated on August 24, 2023

Portugal is a must-visit tourist destination to make family memories. The Southern European country has a wide variety of beautiful family resorts for stress-free vacationing. However, choosing the ideal resort that suits you is not easy.

To get the whole family excited while in Portugal, here are the best family resorts in Portugal with impressive comfort and luxury.

Noah Surf House

Craveiral farmhouse, são lourenço do barrocal, vila monte farm house, pine cliffs, albufeira, praia verde castro marim, four seasons fairways, pensao agricola, vidago palace, vila vita parc porches, pedras salgadas, conrad algarve, frequently asked questions, final thoughts.

Located in Pego beach, Comporta, Casa Pego is one of Portugal’s most exclusive places to stay with your family. The beautiful escape boasts striking colors and a private indoor pool. You will love the family resort as it’s only five minutes’ walk from the beach.

Notable features in the resort include a sunny rooftop and sun shade. The elevated terrace position guarantees your family privacy. You can have drinks on the terrace with your partner as your kids enjoy the heated swimming pool.

Downstairs, you’ll find a pine wood deck that provides stunning views of the vast fields and sea. The internal courtyard is perfect for fresco meals. The garden is uniquely designed as a sand dune and has lush vegetation.

The architectural lines are impressive, while the ceiling windows allow light into the guest rooms. Unique art and design pieces characterize the main living area. The house decorations, on the other hand, provide you with a home feel.

The kitchens in Casa Pego have everything and are within walking distance from the main living room. Grandparents and seniors can stay around the olive groves in the cabanas. The sun driftwood provides your family with a unique and relaxing vibe.

Founded in the 1940s by a well-known Portuguese architect, the newly renovated family resort is nine minutes from the main beach. Outpost has notable features like a seasonal outdoor pool. Like other top family resorts in Portugal, Outpost offers free Wi-Fi to guests. Don’t worry about parking as the resort provides free parking spaces for your friends and family.

Each standard unit in Outpost features a sofa and flat-screen TV. In the spacious kitchen, you will find a dishwasher and fridge. You can also ask for a coffee machine. The lodge provides customers with a continental breakfast daily.

The tropical garden stares at the beachfront, allowing you to view the sunset. The furniture is well made, and it’s hard for your kids to smash. The resort also ensures its guests maintain a healthy lifestyle in the gym and swimming pool. There is also a tennis court, but several families share it.

You can arrange fitness classes and childcare days before. The resort is always filled, especially during the summer months. Thus, it’s vital to book the resort months early.

The incredible family resort in a sleepy village has quality accommodation and top-notch services. The surf house consists of eight rooms and more than thirteen bungalows. Guest rooms in Noah Surf House provide customers with a welcoming vacation.

Surf House has a restaurant with several international dishes and a cocktail bar. The snacks are fresh and locally made. You can enjoy the summer sunset on the terraces. In the afternoon, enjoy the outdoor infinity pool heated by solar panels.

Noah Surf House has a lot of things to offer, such as surfing, yoga, paddling, and sailing. Your kids can skate in the park and trek in the expansive fields. Remember you will share the kitchen with other travelers.

The self-sustaining resort is designed with the idea of communal living. Visitors love Craveiral Farmhouse because of its Mother Nature and village-like environment. The year-round outdoor swimming pool makes Craveiral Farmhouse unique from other resorts in the area.

The resort has essential facilities like air conditioning and a private bathroom. All guest rooms in the farmhouse are fitted with a flat-screen TV. The kitchen has several things like microwaves, coffee makers, and dishwashers.

Craveiral Farmhouse also has a wellness center where you can train in yoga and maintain fitness. Other free services in the resort include high-speed Wi-Fi and private parking.

The 200 years old estate is located in a medieval village close to Alqueva Lake. The resort’s restaurants provide tasty food from ingredients sourced from their estate. Sao Lourenco Do Barrocal allows guests to bring their four-legged companions. The pet-friendly resort has a bar lounge, winery, and entertainment joint.

You can also take yoga classes in the fitness studio. Guest rooms in the resort have natural light and allow a countryside view. You will find air conditioning systems, coffee makers, and a TV in the room. All units have a spacious main living area and a large kitchen.

Sao Lourenco Do Barrocal is the ultimate resort if you desire traditional Portugal cuisines. Recently, the resort launched kids’ playing facilities. The staff is friendly and will help you hire bicycles and cars to the resort. Horse riding enthusiasts will enjoy their stay in the area as hiring a horse is affordable.

Vila Monte is one of the most notable members of the Design Hotels group. The resort is divided into four buildings in an orange grove. Travelers prefer Vila Monte resort because it’s close to wide beaches. The manicured lawns and well-maintained flowers provide a relaxing stay.

Each guest room in Vila Monte has an air conditioning system and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Like other resorts on this list, the kitchen is fully equipped with a microwave and dishwasher. Visit the lodge and enjoy a fresh breakfast made from locally available ingredients.

Hotels in the resort serve Portuguese cuisine, although it’s subject to availability. The wellness center has a fitness studio and a sauna. On the other hand, the country house has a beautiful garden and sun terrace.

Pine Cliffs is a leading family resort located in Southern Portugal. Marriott International currently manages the hidden jewel. Pine Cliffs resort provides your family with a luxurious lifestyle. You can view the blue water of the Atlantic Ocean from the guest rooms.

The resort has a golf course built in a pinewood setting. The golf facility is adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. Don’t forget to explore the various restaurants in the resort for fresh seafood dishes. The luxury family resort features a seasonal water sports center and spa.

The well-furnished guest rooms have LCD TVs. You can book a room with a balcony for garden and sea views. Although the resort has eleven restaurants, some are seasonal, especially those specializing in international cuisines. For instance, Japanese restaurants are only open in summer.

The staff allows guests to dine in the poolside areas. You will find visitors enjoying drinks in cliff-top locations. Children can play tennis as the resort has five large tennis courts. Alternatively, they can engage in other activities such as football.

Pine Cliffs resort is close to Faro International Airport. You can hire a car for a few dollars.

It’s time to experience the Mediterranean breeze by visiting Praia Verde Castro Marim. The lovely property features a minimalist design and well-decorated rooms. You receive a warm welcome and refreshing drinks when visiting the resort. In addition, the breakfast is tasty, and the selection is perfect.

The semi-structured kids club has a lot of activities for your children. Rooms have spacious balconies, but the doors in the bedrooms don’t shut properly. The holiday home has a sun terrace and several pools. The nearest airport to the resort is 58 kilometers.

Praia Verde is located in a peaceful area close to the beach. While in the resort, you can explore the lounge and disco halls.

Four Seasons Fairways is an untapped family resort located at the heart of Quinta do Lago. The unique blend of guest rooms provides customers with the ultimate leisure experience. Guest rooms are well maintained and located in a safe environment. Top-notch customer services and quality food stand out from other resorts in Portugal.

Apartments in the resort incorporate modern Portuguese architecture. Each villa has a Jacuzzi and a pool.

You can book a three-bedroom villa if you have a large family. The unit has a primary bedroom, two bedrooms, and a large bathroom. The kitchen has everything you need, and the dining area makes you feel at home.

You can enjoy a BBQ at the terrace with your family. Choose a unit close to the golf course or resort gardens. Guests can ask for housekeeping services and maid service. In addition, the resort provides high-speed Wi-Fi and air cooling during the summer months.

The resort has two main restaurants that offer delivery services to villas. Amara Restaurant offers a wide selection of menus. For cocktail lovers, the cocktail lounge is always open. You can request delivery between 9 am and 11 pm.

The rural resort was built in 1920 and gifted to Silva Gomes Family. Pensao Agricola was first opened to the public in 1970. Over the years, the owners have incorporated modern Portuguese architecture into the resort. Enjoy a generous breakfast from the lodge at the shady terrace.

The resort has a guardian donkey guiding guests on the vast farm. Pensao Agricola does not allow pets in the rooms. In addition, the resort does not permit kids under 12 years. Remember that you shouldn’t have extra beds in the rooms or suites.

It’s advisable to visit the resort between March and October as it’s not crowded. The resort records a high number of visitors in July and August. Popular amenities you will find in Pensao Agricola include free Wi-Fi and a lounge.

The outstanding resort is ideal for family events and weddings. Guest rooms at Vidago Palace have floor-to-ceiling windows, flat-screen TVs, and work desks. Each room has a spacious seating area that can hold at least ten people. Customers can choose between indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Each of the four restaurants at the resort has a spa bar and grill. Before leaving the resort, taste their famous wine at the wine cellar. The century-old hotel has sixty rooms and ten suites, all with elegant settings.

Cork trees and dunes surround the resort, built in a seventeen-hectare estate. The magical resort has multiple suites across several buildings. Each villa comes with an outdoor area and several terraces.

The main restaurant provides culinary delights. The Food Circle is the most popular hotel with visitors. If you desire tasty classic Portuguese dishes, visit Tasca da Comporta.

Your wellness and fitness are catered for when in Sublime . The resort has a fitness studio that hosts fitness and yoga classes daily.

The celebrity treatment in the resort will keep you begging for more visits. The bathrooms are equipped with a hairdryer. Guest rooms also have a flat-screen satellite TV. On a sunny day, you can refresh at the outdoor swimming pool and later enjoy wine from the bar.

Hire a bicycle and tour the surroundings with your partner. The Sublime resort is several minutes’ drive from Arrabida Natural Park and ten kilometers from white sandy beaches.

The private resort is ideal for friends and family seeking a quiet and relaxing environment in Portugal. The popular holiday spot is mainly a wedding and photo shoot venue. Casa Arte offers a wide range of activities like sailing and hiking. Visit Casa Arte and explore the endless white sandy beaches.

Casa Arte is located in a privileged location, providing visitors with a stunning view of the ocean. The beautiful interior offers you a distinct ambiance. The main venue can hold up to 45 people, so you can organize a wedding with your family at the resort.

Rooms in Casa Arte can comfortably hold up to 12 people. Floors are made from mineral concrete and white touches, while the rooms have natural light from the terraces.

Subtropical gardens surround the highly regarded Vila Vita Parc. The resort ensures customers have world-class services. The balconies allow charming views of the Atlantic Ocean. The gardens have several large pools and a kids’ play park.

Restaurants at Vila Vita Parc offer Portuguese and Asian dishes. The fine wine at the wine cellar is affordable and made locally. You can comfortably hold meetings from your room with high-speed Wi-Fi and work desks. Vila Vita Parc has several swimming pools, including a baby pool.

The resort provides breakfast that consists of: 

• Fruits. 

Pedras Salgadas has self-catering villas with modern décor. Villas and bungalows have a fully equipped kitchen and large living areas. The resort is close to multiple local restaurants and supermarkets. Visit the spa and have an intensive massage.

Besides, Pedras Salgadas offers an indoor pool and steam bath. The resort offers airport shuttle services, so you don’t have to worry about hiring a car.

Explore the breathtaking coastline and Natural Park in Conrad Algarve. The Hilton-owned hotel provides you with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Conrad is considered a haven of enjoyment and relaxation because of its spa.

Conrad Algarve has a fitness center, so you can maintain your lifestyle. The resort has the latest strength training and cardio equipment. Consider attending outdoor fitness classes, but they charge you a small fee. The fitness studio is close to an outdoor sun terrace where you can chill out with friends.

The staff provides you with fresh towels while visiting the swimming pool. Bring your phone to the pool and enjoy free high-speed Wi-Fi. Alternatively, you can purchase herbal tea or refreshments from the lounge.

Martinhal has five swimming pools. The main pool is close to Beach Club Garden. You can play tennis at the Martinhal tennis courts as your kids engage in different indoor activities such as PlayStation and football challenges.

Although most restaurants in the resort offer Portuguese food, you can still find several international cuisines. You can eat at the Italian restaurant and enjoy beverages at four bars.  

Here are the most common questions about family resorts in Portugal.

Do any family resorts in Portugal have a pool?

Most family resorts in Portugal have several swimming pools. For instance, Craveiral Farmhouse has an outdoor swimming pool that is always open.

Which part of Portugal is best for families?

Families love visiting Algarve while in Portugal. There are numerous fun family activities and resorts in the area.

Which part of the Algarve is best for families?

Currently, Lagos and Portimao are the most visited destinations. Lagos is known for its breathtaking scenery, while Portimao has amazing rocky beaches.

Are children safe in family resorts in Portugal?

Family resorts in Portugal are safe and worth visiting with your kids. Your kids will thank you for taking them to Portugal.

From Noah Surf House to Casa Pego, all the way to Praia Verde Castro Marim, numerous family resorts in Portugal will make your trip memorable. After exploring the beaches and hiking in the mountains, you can call these family resorts home.

More about our TFVG Author

Charmaine Cortes

Beautiful Brown Adventures - Families of Color Travel Inspiration and Tips

A Family Trip to Portugal: 10 Days with Kids and Grandparents

Portugal is country full of history and beauty. Our two guest authors, Evaly L and Krista L share their experiences below traveling through Portugal’s two largest cities— Porto and Lisbon —with their multi-age and multi-ethnic family. 

Evaly: One summer, our whole multi-ethnic extended family took a 10-day trip to Portugal . We had my nine-year-old twin daughters, my five-year-old son, and our six-month-old nephew, plus six adults. Needless to say there were a variety of abilities, travel preferences, dietary preferences, and nap schedules to consider!

Krista:  Our family has taken annual trips together for the last seven years. It’s always been an amazing time to reconnect when there never seems to be enough time to sip wine and talk late into the night. 

Evaly:  Our family was coming from the Bay Area and flew into Lisbon where we rented a car and drove three hours to our first rental outside of Porto. My sister’s group and our parents were coming from the East Coast. 

Krista:  The plane ride was fairly uneventful which is amazing considering we were bringing a six-month-old. I had called the airlines as soon as I purchased my ticket to request the baby bassinet that was attached to the wall and got it. There are  limited bassinets per flight  so calling as early as possible helps your odds of getting one. After that, my son slept, occasionally fussed and ate. He was probably the best rested arriving in Portugal. 

Evaly:  After these really long flights we were looking for a comfortable place for us to deal with the jet lag for the first week.

Since our multi-family trip had to suit the age range of the group (infant to elder), we had a lot of planning to do. 

• Tips for the Trip
• Getting Around - Car Rental & Train
• 5 Days in Porto
• 5 days in Lisbon

Tips for Traveling with Extended Family

Tips for the trip

Plan a few days to adjust to the time change.

Many buildings have beautiful tile floors that are slippery for little or older feet.

• Cobblestone roads are horrible for strollers and for anyone who uses a cane. The sidewalks often disappear quickly too!
• Are you chestfeeding? There are plenty of places to stop and nurse, and locals seem totally cool with it. Click here for our nursing essentials while traveling.
• Be prepared to adjust to the local eating schedule . We found that this usually meant eating dinner later than we do at home to accommodate for the larger lunch that is more typical. For the little ones this just means carry snacks and be prepared to hit up those little markets and cafes for extra fuel. Be aware that some restaurants close during the hours between lunch and dinner. Touristy areas will cater to the eating routines of non-locals, but that may not be the case if you leave the big cities. 
• Getting Around:  Lyft  was easy to get in most places around the city. Riding a tuk tuk was also a fun way to get around but more expensive. Some drivers do not allow kids under five without a car seat.

What we packed

• Standard diaper bag essentials
• Airplane essentials  for kids
• Bug spray – mosquitos can be a problem as most places do not have screens on their windows
• Baby carrier, stroller, or hiking backpack 
• Grippy shoes or socks for slippery tile floors
• E-sim to avoid roaming charges

Getting Around

After flying into any of Portugal’s main airports (an ~11-hour non-stop flight from SFO), we recommend renting a car and/or taking the train to get to other destinations within the country.

After we flew into Lisbon, we rented a car and drove the three hours to our first rental in Porto. Our intention was to have the car if half of us wanted to go somewhere and rent an additional car if all 10 of us wanted to do something. This worked well and it was pretty easy to drive around with the maps on our phone for navigation.

We decided to take the train to Lisbon  and return the rental car at the São Bento Train Station in Porto.  

Although we arrived at the train station almost an hour ahead of time, the whole thing took so long that my husband was very close to missing the train, while most of the family was already on the train platform. and I was waiting in the car rental company’s office to speak to someone. The rental office had one person working there and was full of people waiting.

The car return area ended up being at a little building that was on the outer parking lot (not the parking garage that goes underground). I highly recommend investigating this the day before if you are returning a rental here!

5 Days in Porto with Kids

Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal, and one of the oldest city centers in Europe – serving as a port city for the Roman Empire . It is known for its main export – Port Wine, cobblestone streets, and beautiful old buildings. It feels like you’re walking through history as you meander through the city. 

Things to do in Porto with your Family

Our favorites:

• Skipping through the iconic Sé Cathedral
• Exploring the historic and beautiful Paço Episcopal do Porto
• Climbing the Dom Luis I Bridge
• Hiking in the Senhora do Salto
• Visitng the remote Castelo de Santa Maria da Feira
• Getting food in Espinho

Read on about our five-day trip to Porto. Short on time? Check out the our recommendations for a two-day Porto trip with a toddler.

5 Days in Lisbon

Portugal’s capital and largest city was our second stop on a 10-day Portugal trip with our extended family. Compared to our first leg in Porto , this was the city where it was the easiest for the group to find its own speed at activities during the day and come together in the evening for family suppers. 

Second only to Athens as Europe’s oldest capital city, Lisbon exudes charm with its preserved history, and was a great destination for our multi-family trip!

Things to do in Lisbon

Read our blog post  about our Lisbon recommendations for your family trip.

• Riding a Tuk-tuk
• Spending the afternoon at the Castelo de Saint Jorge
• Walking through the roofless Convento do Carmo
• Running from the sprinklers at the Estufa Fria
• Wandering through the Parque Edwardo VII
• Taking a day trip to Sintra and Quinta de la Regaleria

Krista: When planning the trip there were some discussions that we had that I recommend everyone has, even if they are slightly uncomfortable.

• Budget considerations are a must. Different families might have different ideas, or realities, on what is do-able on vacation beyond travel and lodging.
• The speed of vacations. My partner and I were exhausted and content to see nothing other than the AirBnb that we were staying in, while my mom wanted to explore every side road she could find. It’s important to know this early on, so there isn’t a miscommunication or hurt feelings.
• How much cooking will happen. Cooking at home saves a ton of money, and eating out is an experience.

Discussing these issues prior to your trip will help everyone understand the values and needs of each family or family member, and be able to plan time to split up or stay together as necessary.

We didn’t see many other families-of-color or mixed-race families along our trip in  Porto  or  Lisbon . The majority of tourists we encountered were visiting from other European countries.

Even though we didn’t speak Portuguese, we didn’t have trouble getting around. Most people spoke English except in some of the less touristy areas. Lucky for us, my mother who joined us spoke Spanish fluently and could interpret most of the signs and also communicate with many of the locals

Krista:  I was very concerned about staying out in Lisbon all day because at that time I was still breastfeeding every couple of hours. But there were so many small parks—and tiny cafes within parks—that it became super easy to walk a bit, get a coffee or drink and just breastfeed in the park. I never felt any judgment and I can’t remember anyone blinking an eye. There was even a late-night dinner where I gave my order to the waiter while breastfeeding and there was zero reaction.

Evaly:  Whenever we travel I try to get my kids to do a few things: learn at least the basics of the local language and encourage them to speak it, and try new local foods. Now that they are older we also talk a little about the history of the places we are visiting and where the people have come from. I am so grateful that we have the ability to travel and see amazing sites and cultures and it is very important for my kids to know how special this is.

Any family-friendly sites in Lisbon or Porto you would recommend that we missed? Share in the comments below!

This post is part of a Portugal trip series. Continue the journey with Evaly and Krista’s family here:

Exploring porto with kids.

How to Visit Lisbon with Kids

Check us out on Pinterest!

I'm Evaly Long, a mixed-race (Mexican & White) mom to twin teenage daughters and a 7-year-old son. We love traveling and experiencing other cultures, lifestyles, and foods. I feel lucky to be able to travel to wonderful places far and near, and even luckier to sometimes go with our extended family.

• How to Visit Lisbon - Best Kid-Friendly Activities
• How to visit Porto - Best Kid-Friendly Activities

I’m Krista, a mixed-race (Mexican & White) mother of one toddler and am a expecting another. Traveling locally and internationally has always been a passion of mine fueled by what the local cuisine of the area is. Feeling like a more experienced parent has led me to exploring different areas with my family and learning where my children fit into a life of adventure. I will always stop at roadside fruit stands and eat riceballs.

• Pier, Playground, and Coastal Trails: How to Experience Pacifica with Kids
• How to Spend a Weekend in Mariposa With Extended Family

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2 thoughts on “ A Family Trip to Portugal: 10 Days with Kids and Grandparents ”

We love traveling as a family, and one of our favorite things to do before the trip is read about where we are going. Here are some great kids books to get them excited about traveling to Portugal: http://storybooklists.com/country/storybooks-with-portugal/

Thank you for sharing your resources. We hope to add a section on recommended books to share with families for each of our destinations on the blog, soon!

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Discover History in Portugal

Portugal is one of the jewels of Eu rope. Its beautiful location, friendly people, and incredible food make it a popular destination for visitors, especially those who travel from the UK. If done right, Portugal could be one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Western Europe.

From the rich culture of Lisbon to the magical shores of the Algarve , prepare to be amazed at the incredible variety of castles, beaches, natural beauty, and stunning cities that Portugal has to offer.

Explore the Best of Portugal Family Travel

Check out some of our most popular Portugal blog posts.

Tips or Family Travel in Portugal

Family travel in Portugal is AMAZING! The food is inexpensive and delicious. There are magical towns and historical castles everywhere. The Algarve has some of the best beaches in the world. And for those traveling to Portugal with kids, the locals will generally treat you like gold. Portugal is a popular destination for travelers in countries like the U.K. since it’s very close. Also, one’s dollar goes a long way here.

Our family travel to Portugal guide will give you everything you need to start planning your trip here. If you’re new to international family travel , I highly recommend checking out our well-researched trip planning resources . It’s full of proven family travel hacks.

• Portugal is a member of the European Union and uses the Euro currency. The average value is approximately $1.20 USD. You can check the current exchange rate here .
• The Capital of Portugal is Lisbon. This vibrant city is a favorite among travelers due to its beauty, scenic views, and incredible history.
• Portugal uses the Type F socket at 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
• Cell phone service is readily available throughout most of Portugal. I have used the Airalo eSim app for all of my international travel.
• Portugal has a series of well-maintained roads and highways. Traffic on local roads in Portugal can be heavy, especially in urban areas.
• There is also a series of toll highways in Portugal. The highways have both upper and lower limits but expect traffic to be moving at all speeds and be cautious.
• Portugal is a great destination for family travel. Its pedestrian-friendly cities, amazing history, and beautiful buildings are great for capturing the minds of people of all ages. We especially loved the dinosaur footprints monument.

Important Words And Phrases To Know When Traveling In Portugal

The Portuguese language can be found throughout much of the world. In the America, it’s spoken widely in destinations such as Brazil. It has many similarities to Spanish, which makes translating between the two languages easier. But, it’s very much its own language.

It’s always good to be able to say a few words in the local dialect whenever you visit a country. So here are a few important Portuguese words to remember.

Important Portuguese Words To Know:

Yes:  Sim

No:  Não

Thank You:  Obrigado

Thank You Very Much:  Muito obrigado

You’re Welcome:  De nada

Please:  Desculpa

Excuse Me:  Desculpa

Hello:  Olá

Goodbye:  Adeus

Bathroom:  Banheiro

How To Stay Connected And Get Internet And Phone Service In Europe

Most major cities throughout Europe have excellent cellular service. If you have an older phone, I highly recommend purchasing a sim either at the airport or as one of your first stops on your travels.

If you have a newer eSim capable phone, you can save yourself time by purchasing an eSim ahead of time and having it activated before you arrive.

There are many companies that offer this service. I have used Airalo for years . It has been seamless in over ten countries. They have World, Regional, and Country-Specific eSims available. The price goes down the more specific you get. The regional sims allow for easy country-hopping if you are visiting multiple destinations.

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Europe , Out & About , Portugal , Wine Country

June 29, 2022.

Celebrated for its exceptional climate, breathtaking beaches, and mouthwatering cuisine, Portugal is a must-visit destination for your family. There are countless ways to explore and enjoy the European continent’s westernmost nation. While suntans and sandcastles may be at the top of your list, we’re here to tell you there’s more to a Portugal family vacation than a trip to the beach.

Portugal dates to 1139 A.D., the oldest nation in Europe. This storied history is still visible in the nation’s monuments, architecture, and landmarks. These ancient spots represented stability when the European mainland was loosely organized around tribal affiliations. For example, Lisbon has four centuries of history on the so-called “Eternal City” of Rome.

Family-friendly activities abound in this welcoming and hospitable nation, bringing Portugal’s rich history to life. Here are a few of our favorite things to do when traveling Portugal with kids .

Explore Lisbon From a Tuk-Tuk

© Izanbar | Dreamstime

A tuk-tuk tour isn’t probably the first thing you consider when it comes to Lisbon, Portugal. But it’s time to think again! The city’s tuk-tuk services are a memorable way to get around the city. Tuk-tuk drivers can even be booked for customized tours based on your family’s ages and interests.

For example, book an excursion heading west to the charming district of Belém or into Lisbon’s Old Town. From there, take your pick of tree-lined plazas and lush parks inviting your family to an impromptu picnic. Belém contains many museums and attractions and provides a respite from busier parts of Lisbon. Other tuk-tuk tours include food itineraries, offering a delectable introduction to some of the nation’s yummiest eats and treats. If you manage to get through Lisbon without taking a tuk-tuk (something we don’t recommend), never fear! You can also find these services in Porto and Sintra.

And don’t forget to commemorate your time in Lisbon with a fun family photoshoot with a professional through flytographer. Find out more about hiring a flytographer for your Portugal family vacation.

Explore Sintra and Cascais

© Serhii Liakhevych | Dreamstime

Sintra and Cascais have everything you could want in Portuguese small towns, from fairy tale palaces to picturesque vineyards and attractive beaches. Best of all, they’re a simple day trip from Portugal’s capital. A UNESCO World Heritage Site today, Sintra once boasted a role as the holiday retreat of the Royals, and Lord Byron even proclaimed it the most delightful European village in existence.

Among Sintra’s main attractions is Piriquita, a famed cafe featuring authentic Portuguese pastries like travesseiros and queijadas. Travesseiros are crafted from puff pastry and filled with a delectable almond cream that you’ll long for well after returning stateside. And queijadas are made with eggs, cheese, sugar, and milk and shaped like tarts. Good luck deciding between these two sweet treats. But either one (or both!) is best complemented with a rich cup of coffee.

After satisfying your sweet tooth and getting a little caffeine jolt, head to the Sintra National Palace. Known for its conical-shaped chimneys, the building is easy to spot. Dating to the 9th century A.D., it remains one of the most well-preserved and oldest medieval palaces in the world. That said, it boasts a decidedly modern appearance thanks to King Manuel I who undertook its renovation in the 16th century. Besides freshening up the decor and adding amenities, he also constructed additional rooms, including the Sala dos Brasões where the coat of arms of the Portuguese royal family is displayed.

At the Quinta da Regaleira, discover a mystical location with a palace, chapel, water fountains, grottoes, tunnels, and a sprawling park. Your family will need plenty of time here to explore the impressive grounds, and don’t forget to explore the spiral staircase down to the well. The first of two primary features of Quinta Regaleira, you’ll also want to check out the iconic stepping stones across the water.

Cascais enjoys a reputation as “The Town of Kings and Fishes” because of its history as a small fishing village that eventually became a hotspot of Portuguese nobility in the 19th century. The influx of blue bloods ensured the settlement would go on to boast some of the most impressive buildings in the region. And there’s also no end to the well-maintained parks and opulent museums.

While Cascais’ monuments don’t compare to those of Sintra, it does have a fine collection of 19th-century residences worth seeing. And your family won’t want to miss out on the Boca do Inferno cliff formation located north of the city. The Boca do Inferno (literally “Hell’s Mouth”), is a chasm located in seaside cliffs and holds the honor of being the first natural feature depicted in moving pictures. It appears in the 1896 British film titled A Sea Cave Near LIsbon . For a little fun in the sun, check out the sandy beaches east of the cliffs.

Go on a Food Tour in Porto

Your family will be amazed by the delectable variety of food offerings in Porto, and one of the best ways to explore the city’s foodie scene is during a walking tour. Along the way, you’ll enjoy plenty of chances to taste Portugal through its incredible dishes, pastries, and beverages. As you stroll down the hilly and narrow streets of Porto, you’ll learn about its rich history.

Complementing this educational tour are plenty of chances to savor local products, including chorizo, prosciutto, wine, cheese, and more. At the Bolhão Market discover local products and interact with area vendors. Next, stroll through the historical neighborhood where you’ll try more local products, including wine. Head towards the Douro River for an authentic meal of tapas. There’s no better way to gain an appreciation for Portuguese history, culture, and gastronomy.

Enjoy Beach Time and Fishermen Villages in the Algarve

Countless quaint fishing villages line the coastline of Portugal’s Algarve region. While some have become a bit kitschy due to tourism, others have done an excellent job of remaining more faithful to Portuguese culture and history.

In Olhão, a fishing town south of the Algarve, check out the beautiful and bustling harbor and waterfront. Other attractions include the city’s whitewashed and cubic houses, the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa with its lagoons and waterways, and sandbar islands like Ilha da Culatra and Ilha da Armona, a short ferry ride away.

Alvor and Salema have become heavily marked by tourism in recent years. But if you’re after resort-style accommodations, they offer this in droves. Both cities contain the iconic whitewashed cottages of fishermen and quaint cobblestone streets. You’ll find beautiful beaches in both towns although Salema’s half-mile-long beach is of particular note because it contains dinosaur footprints. Alvor is distinguished by the Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve, which contains gorgeous natural beauty and chances to spot unique plants and animals.

In Praia de Luz, choose from two gorgeous beaches along with surf schools and rental equipment shops. The village is family-friendly and welcoming, and views are excellent no matter where you are on the sandy bay. We also recommend a visit to the Rocha Negra headland, formed by a volcano in 1755. It contains many hiking trails, permitting you an easy escape into nature while enjoying spectacular coastal views.

Stroll Óbidos’s City Walls

North of Lisbon, find the quaint medieval town of Óbidos, surrounded by impressive, fortress-like walls. From its white-washed houses to its rustic cobbled streets, your family will feel transported back in time. The city reached its height of importance in the 13th century when Portugal’s King Dinis I gave the village as a wedding gift to his wife, Queen Isabel.

Renowned for a cherry liqueur known as Ginja, get ready to taste countless delicacies that incorporate its fruity, tart flavor. Depending on the time of year you visit, the city comes to life during celebrations such as the Óbidos Chocolate Festival, the Medieval Festival, and the annual Christmas Village. But not all activities in this destination are seasonal. There are various ancient churches always well worth exploring, and a walk atop the city walls affords spectacular views.

Get Lost in the Alentejo Region

After taking in the sites and activities in Lisbon and its environs, head into the countryside to visit some of Portugal’s most charming and historic villages. They include Monsaraz, a splendid hilltop town. Characterized by a fairy-tale castle, low-rise houses, and narrow cobble-stone lanes, Monsaraz proves wonderfully atmospheric and personifies the character of the Alentejo region.

Next, head to Évora for an exploration of incredible landmarks and monuments dating back to the earliest days of the nation. Évora’s old town center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains immaculately preserved. Spend time at the remains of the city’s Roman Temple, and Évora’s medieval fortified walls, which remain well-preserved and intact in many places. From the Celts to the Romans and the Moors, there are few better destinations to find out more about the many residents who contributed to Portuguese history.

Luxuriate at a Wine Hotel

© PB Winery

The Alentejo region is known for its pastoral landscapes and scenic settlements, both markers of a well-established wine region. There’s no better place to savor Portuguese vintner culture than at a posh wine hotel like the Six Senses Douro Valley . Order a flight for tasting and learn about the rich heritage of winemaking in the region.

The hotel encompasses a sprawling 19 acres and offers an entrée to endless activities, including canoeing, kayaking, tree climbing, and yoga. Keeping the kids active and busy has never been so effortless. The full-service spa offers citrus-based spa treatments, and the Vale de Abraão Restaurant features farm-to-table cuisine with ingredients from its gardens. For those after a little more adventure, consider a helicopter tour of the Douro Valley or a relaxing river cruise. The hotel also boasts a variety of children’s programs when you feel like a little “adulting.”

Find out more about wine tasting with kids in the Douro Valley and get our parent-tested, kid-approved tips for visiting wine country with kids .

Sail around the Madeira Islands

© Marius Dorin Balate | Dreamstime

The Madeira Islands are located in the Archipelago of Madeiro, the result of Atlantic Ocean volcanic activity. The chain includes the island of Madeira, an autonomous region. The island’s capital is Funchal and contains just over 100,000 inhabitants, making it the biggest city in Madeira. Funchal contains an Old City center rich in local history. While sightseeing, explore impressive buildings like the 16th-century Funchal Cathedral, unmistakable due to its imposing exterior. Inside, appreciate the church’s Gothic altarpiece showcasing gilt woodwork.

Next, head to Santa Maria Street (Rua da Santa Maria) where you’ll find over 200 murals painted on the doors of neighborhood residences. The murals are the result of a public art program called the Art of the Open Doors (Arte de Portas Abertas), which transformed the aged exteriors of the street following a devastating flood. The result is a vibrant outdoor art gallery.

Jump on a Monte Cable Car to travel the 15 to 20 minutes between Funchal and Monte. The commute passes through the breathtaking country and makes an impressive climb of 1,902 feet (580 meters). Later, return via a second cable car to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, one of the most popular areas on the island. The gardens cover 753,473 square feet (70,000 square meters) and feature exotic plants from around the world.

Portugal With Kids

On a trip to Portugal with kids, you’ll never run out of engaging and memorable activities, whether you ride a cable car, sail across the waters of Tagus River, or enjoy a luxurious wine tasting in the Alentejo region. In Portugal you’ll have opportunities to learn about history, explore different cultures, interact with locals, and get to know Europe’s oldest country. We can help you create the perfect travel itinerary for your family.

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Above and beyond my expectations attributed to the tour guide Ana Rita and the bus driver Mario..

Too little time spent on optional excursions. Hotels okay. City tours only from bus. Little walking tour of Lisbon and Porto. Stayed in Lisbon xtra day to explore and walk. Optional farewell dinner overpriced. Whole tour overpriced.

Overall, a good tour. A nice variety of places. Two of the guides were friendly and informative, while one of them just did the basics. I had some initial problems, but they were taken care of quickly.

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Family Vacation to Portugal: Activities and Excursions for Everyone

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During your 11-day family-friendly Portugal tour, you can find how the country entertains every age. Pristine swimming beaches, majestic architecture, inspiring history, hands-on art, fairytale palaces, and the allure of nature. This family vacation balances activities for the young ones with the indelible culture that makes Portugal such a revered family destination. It includes private tours, centrally-located hotels, family-focused excursions, and a hint of adventure along the Iberian Peninsula.

Customizable Itinerary

Porto – a relaxed start in the heart of the north.

Porto is quick to calm visitors. Church bells ring, chatter fills the terraces, and cobblestone streets will encourage you to walk slowly. Nothing is rushed in Portugal, especially not in the north, where the slow pace is ideal for settling into the vacation rhythm. After being greeted at the airport, you are transferred to a hotel that is in the heart of it all, surrounded by blue mosaics and a fabulous old-world atmosphere. Meet your private guide for coffee or a glass of wine, and discuss the coming days, including recommendations for restaurants and easy activities you can do yourself. The day is at your leisure, and the speed of Porto is great for recovering after a long flight. There are hundreds of interesting sights and sounds within a short walk of your hotel.

What's Included:

Porto – Exploring Porto Through a Family Lens

Porto is a city of tradition. Buildings are dominated by unique blue tiles, distinctive pork dishes are served at riverside restaurants, and the streets twist and turn like a labyrinth from fiction. Meet your guide after breakfast, and set off through the World Heritage city, dipping into the most majestic of the buildings. A Romanesque cathedral is covered in tiles, a palace of Baroque glory is set before you, and you will meander past narrow townhouses that crumble and lean towards each other. While the streets are steep, a lot is packed into a central neighborhood along the waterfront. From here, you take a traditional boat across the Douro River, traveling in the same wooden vessel that once moved grapes down from the Douro Valley. There is a port and grape juice tasting on board, giving you a chance to sample vintage ports without the children getting bored on a tour of a cellar.

Lunch is relaxed, and the local food usually impresses kids. For example, try francesinha with fries, a warming dish of pork, egg, and cheese that is drenched in a tomato-based sauce. Over the first half of the day, you will l notice that the tile mosaics are the defining feature of Porto. In the afternoon, you spend two hours in a ceramic painting workshop, learning the centuries-old technique. You can create a family mosaic, with each tile individually painted by somebody else. Then to complete the day’s private tour, you admire the most opulent of the mosaics, the prior knowledge of the technique adding more fascination to the scenes that cover three iconic Porto buildings. The evening is at your leisure.

Porto – Day Trip to the Beaches and Cities of the Minho Region

The Minho region epitomizes Portugal’s balance. There is Guimaraes, where absorbing tales of knights and kingdoms accompany you at St. Michael’s Castle. Then Braga, a city of palaces and churches, where crypts and chapels are marveled at by adults and children alike. Nearby is an extraordinary Baroque staircase that snakes down a hillside from Bom Jesus do Monte. A morning of sightseeing is complemented by an afternoon along the coast. Look out over the Atlantic from Viana do Castelo, then descend the old cobbled streets to the beach. Cafes line the quiet sand, and the waters are safe for children to swim in, even if they may be a little too chilly for you to do so. On today’s private tour, you can also stop and walk in the forest, go searching for a hidden beach, and learn the legendary tale of Henry of Burgundy.

Lisbon – First-Class Train to Lisbon and a Quiet Afternoon in the City

Portugal’s modernized railway network makes travel between the major destinations simple. In just two-and-a-half hours, you travel from the center of Porto to the heart of Lisbon, with the majestic mosaic at Sao Bento Station providing a fitting send-off from the north. Travel in a first-class carriage, and you are greeted by a Lisbon guide upon arrival. Your hotel is just a five-minute transfer from the station in the Baixa neighborhood, centrally located for reaching all over the capital city. While some of the Lisbon neighborhoods are narrow and steep, Baixa is flat and wide, keeping your hotel within easy walking distance of restaurants and grand plazas.

This first day is at your leisure, and your guide will recommend various activities and attractions close by. One option is to spend the afternoon on the famous yellow tram, trundling up and down the hills. Another option is along the river, with a number of niche museums offering interest, depending on your family’s taste. Lisbon is also home to the world’s second-largest aquarium, located within Parque das Nacoes, a playground of rides, fairground attractions, and an excellent interactive science museum. Also consider the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, which is one part private art gallery and another part astronomical exhibition.

Lisbon – Discovering the Beaches and Palaces of Sintra and Cascais

Lisbon’s surroundings feel like a fairytale, and your children would be far from the first to declare that Sintra’s castle palaces remind them of Disneyland. One is painted pink, glistening beneath the morning sun. Another is colored yellow, standing proudly on a hilltop overlooking the region. There are red turrets, checkered archways, and millennia-old castle walls upon which to walk. The palace interiors are even more elaborate and fictional where you can find gilded gold, regal chairs, painted swans, crystal chandeliers, and bizarre bathtubs. There is a fable to complement each room and sight, like the mystery that surrounds the twisted initiation wells of Quinta da Regaleira. Children usually disagree as to which movie these attractions are reminiscent of, but for arousing interest in history, there are few better places in Europe.

It is worth an early start to explore Sintra before the coach loads start arriving around early afternoon. By then you will be dining at a restaurant terrace set upon Sintra’s cobblestone streets. Nearby, Cascais became a vacation retreat in the late 19th century, revered by the aristocracy of Southern Europe. Grand cafes stand over small beaches, and the promenade leads you to a dozen different bays for swimming and sunbathing. It is a charming place for an afternoon at the beach. Returning to Lisbon, your guide will probably recommend dining at TimeOut Market, an atmospheric marketplace that brings together the city’s finest restaurants and chefs. It allows everyone to eat the cuisine of their choice, including the full range of Portuguese specialties.

Lisbon – Private Guide for the Day and a Variety of Family Excursions

To discover everything in Lisbon would take months rather than weeks. This is a city with secrets, where you can disappear around a corner to find mesmerizing artwork or architecture. It is also a city of grand landmarks, notably Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower. Kid-pleasing attractions like Museu de Marinha and Museu Nacional dos Coches hold a fascination for adults and children, while the different tramways create a unique way of getting around the city. With the same guide as yesterday, you start today by taking the tram up to St. George’s Castle, the crowning glory of Alfama, and another castle that Disney appears to have drawn inspiration. The rest of the day will be tailored to your family’s interests as you find a city of eclectic paradigms.

Vilamoura – Train to the Southern Coastline and the Old-World Charm of Faro

Travel south by train, a three-and-a-half-hour journey across remote Alentejo plains to Faro. You are greeted by a guide, and get acquainted with the story of the Moors and the reconquest. Whitewashed palaces dominate the city plazas here, with crumbling castle walls looming high above your head, and ceramic scenes telling tales of the 12th century. While the surrounding region is tailored to tourism, Faro has deliberately retained its heritage. It is a city that continues to narrate the story of Southern Portugal’s past, brilliantly told on a private walking tour around the old quarter. You will have lunch on a grand plaza before being transferred west to Vilamoura and a luxury hotel overlooking the ocean. For the next four nights, you are just a few steps from a quiet beach set in a bay with warm, shallow waters. The hotel rooms are interconnected, and also share a private terrace and garden, perfect for languid days in and out of the sun.

Vilamoura – Free Day on the Coast with a Rental Car

Southern Portugal delights the explorer. Beaches are hidden down twisting roads with hardly a footprint in the sand. Easy walking trails lead you across cliffs, and you can look down on the pods of dolphins that often swim past. Small fishing villages are home to sublime restaurants where you can choose your catch and dine to the sound of the surf. While Vilamoura offers a number of beaches, the beauty of the coastline is found in all the hidden gems. A rental vehicle is dropped off at your hotel, and this is the best way to get around as a family. This day is free, and the adventure can take you in many directions. Or you could just relax by the pool and lounge on the beach close to the hotel.

Vilamoura – Kayak or Boat Adventure through the Cliffs and Caves of the Coast

Strange and sublime, Portugal’s coastline is one of the finest in Europe. It has been weathered by the wind and waves, once majestic cliffs now crumble back into the water. Strange pinnacles stand lonely amid the surf, rising 30 meters above frothy waters. Caves and caverns line up along the coast, most of them accessible, depending on the tide. The cliffs change color with the sun, rolling through the red and yellow hues as the day continues. The only way to explore is in a boat, either a small private boat for your family or on a guided kayak tour. Both options are available today, and the tour lasts around two-and-a-half hours. With a boat tour, you start by looking for dolphins, traveling away from the coast to pods that rise and fall with the waves. On a kayak tour, you can easily enter the caves, admiring an ephemeral beauty and a haunting echo.

Vilamoura – Free Day on the Coast with Rental Car

Your final day in Portugal is deliberately left free. Drive out to the southwestern tip of Europe to find a castle on the cliffs. Take a tour of Lagos, where the cobblestone streets have seen so many footsteps that they have been polished smooth. Find beaches that are empty of life or those backdropped by blue and white cafes. The roads are quiet, and the region is invariably relaxed, a place to unwind after discovering the culture and history of Portugal. There are various options if anyone in your family would like to try out water sports, as well as a number of great coastal walks close to Vilamoura.

Faro – Departure

After ten nights in Portugal, it is a short journey from Vilamoura to Faro and your international departure. Leave your rental car at the hotel, and enjoy a private transfer to the airport.

Trip Highlights

• Discover some of Europe’s finest hidden swimming beaches, including one that is inaccessible by land
• Embrace tales of expedition and enchantment in Lisbon, an old-world city with a history that inspires children
• Explore the old city of Porto through a family lens, with a ceramic painting workshop included in your private tour
• The southern coastline of Portugal is perfect for an adventure on the water, with a boat or kayak safari taking you to caves and unknown beaches
• Sintra and Cascais create an idyllic day excursion from Lisbon, where you visit everything from mountains to palaces, forest walking trails to beach resorts of the 19th century
• The northern Minho region of Portugal is a land of tradition, and you will spend a day absorbing the sights and narratives
• Southern Portugal is packed with untouched beaches and dotted with cute fishing villages where you will have a rental car for four days, allowing you to reach destinations that suit the family mood
• All tours in Lisbon and Porto are private and tailored for entertaining the entire family
• High-speed trains connect the regions of Portugal and make for simple travel between your three bases: Porto, Lisbon, and Vilamoura

Detailed Description

One of Portugal’s defining highlights is its inherent balance. You do not need to travel to the corners of the country to find contrasting vacation paradigms. Almost every destination can entertain every age. You can swim at beaches that are a few miles away from majestic architecture, visit museums and children-focused attractions that are easily combined, and fairytale palaces stand beside forest walking-trails and cobblestone streets filled with vintage shops. In every destination, you can easily balance amusements for the kids with marvelous attractions that have made Portugal internationally known. And in every destination, you will also discover the value that the Portuguese place on family life. Children play on the plazas, restaurants are naturally orientated towards families, and there is an importance associated with family that makes you immediately feel at home.

This three-center family vacation in Portugal combines Porto, Lisbon, and Vilamoura. These destinations showcase the contrasts of the country, from the cute and traditional North to the colors of the capital city, and then the tranquility of the southern coastline. An excellent rail network is the quickest means of connecting the destinations, and you enjoy private tours throughout the vacation. Hotels are centrally located in distinctive neighborhoods, providing a small-town feel while also ensuring many restaurants are within walking distance. Over the 11 days, you will find that Portugal has a laid-back atmosphere that makes a family vacation more relaxing than usual. In some countries, children can be seen as a nuisance, but they are revered in Portugal.

Fly in to Porto, and spend the first three nights in this blissful World Heritage city. The art and architecture are everywhere, and you will explore with your eyes and hands, including a ceramic painting workshop and a Baroque spiral staircase that twists down a cliff. Three days in Porto are followed by three in Lisbon, ample time to explore different neighborhoods while also getting out to the palaces of Sintra and the beaches of Cascais. Complete this family vacation with four nights overlooking the beach, staying at a five-star hotel on the edge of Vilamoura. You will have a rental car for these days, making dozens of villages and beaches accessible. Spend a day on a kayak or boating adventure through the caves, and enjoy an afternoon discovering the old Moorish charm of Faro. And all along the way, you will also be enjoying Portuguese food, music, and culture.

See more here about the other trips to Portugal we offer.

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$2,855  per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

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Brittany Mahomes Shares Snaps from Her Family's Sunny Vacation in Portugal

Brittany shared a carousel full of photos of her family of four enjoying some time at the beach

Brittany Mahomes/Instagram

The Mahomes family has moved their off-season adventures overseas!

In the caption of a carousel full of photos posted on Instagram on Saturday, June 22, Brittany Mahomes revealed that she and her husband, Patrick Mahomes , have been spending time in Portugal with their two kids.

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, 28, posed in a matching bright orange bathing suit next to her daughter, Sterling Skye , in the first photo in the set, taken near the shore on a beach. The little girl, 3, wore a hat to shield her face from the sun.

Patrick, also 28, threw his daughter up in the air while on the beach in the next photo.

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The trio also posed near the water in another photo in the set without the youngest member of their family — 18-month-old Patrick "Bronze" Lavon III .

Bronze was, however, prominently featured in the carousel, first in a photo on a golf cart with his mom, sitting in the sand wearing only a diaper in another photo and sitting by himself in water in a third photo.

Sterling posed on top of her dad while the Super Bowl champion quarterback lounged in the grass in a snapshot and was snugly wrapped in a towel in another shot.

"Portugal😍," Brittany captioned the set of photos, which WNBA star Caitlin Clark liked.

Brittany's post comes a day after the former soccer star shared snapshots that appeared to be from the same beach outing on her Instagram Stories.

The first set of photos featured the shot of Sterling wrapped in the blue-and-white towel at the beach.

"The most perfect baby girl," she wrote over the photo when she first shared it, tagging her husband.

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Earlier this month, Patrick and Brittany attended the Super Bowl ring ceremony held at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 13.

That night, the NFL star and his Kansas City Chiefs teammates — including close friend Travis Kelce — received rings commemorating their 2024 Super Bowl win in February against the San Francisco 49ers .

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Patrick and Brittany Mahomes Take Kids on Beachside Vacation to Portugal

Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Mahomes are making the most of the NFL offseason, vacationing all over the world with their children, Sterling and Patrick III (better known as “Bronze”).

Their latest stop? Portugal. Brittany shared a series of photos via Instagram of the happy family taking in all the sea, sand and sunny golf courses they could find. In the snaps, posted on Saturday, June 22, Brittany and Patrick, both 28, could be seen smiling with Sterling, 3, and Bronze, 17 months, on the Iberian coast.

Patrick’s playful side came out in the photos with one shot showing the Kansas City Chiefs QB throwing his daughter high into the air while standing on the coastline. In another, Patrick and Sterling are all smiles as they lay in the grass of a fairway. Brittany can be seen playing with both Sterling and Bronze on the sand. Bronze took some time to play in the shallow water near the shore in a shirt that read “Splash Zone.”

In her Instagram Story, Brittany praised both of her children for putting up with the long flights to and from Europe.

“Kids have been such troopers and the best travel babes,” she captioned a photo of the siblings.

The high school sweethearts have been a font of adorable family photos in the NFL offseason. Brittany shared a series of snaps on Instagram from aquariums, zoos and photography studios to celebrate Patrick on Father’s Day.

Related: Patrick Mahomes and Wife Brittany Mahomes' Relationship Timeline

“Happy Father’s Day to the MVP Dad! What you do day in and day out for this family amazes me everyday🥹,” she wrote. “We are so grateful for you and love you to the moon! Bronze and Ster are obsessed with you and well I am too.”

Not to be outdone, Patrick called his wife a “ Hall of Fame mom ” in a May visit to Logan Paul ’s “Impaulsive” podcast.

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“I think people don’t even realize how much she does,” Patrick said. “I mean, taking care of the day-to-day stuff and make it where I can focus on football and focus on my craft and everything like that.”

Related: Patrick Mahomes’ Family's Most Controversial Moments Through the Years

Brittany celebrated being a mom on Mother’s Day with another family photos post to Instagram.

“Being a Mom is the best title I could ever have. I could not have asked for two better babies, raising them with their dad by my side makes every day beautiful,” she wrote. “They have brought so much peace and positivity into our life & I wouldn’t change a thing about it. Thank you God for blessing me with this amazing family of mine.”

In this article

Brittany Matthews

Patrick Mahomes

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Brittany Mahomes Is Twinning With 3-Year-Old Daughter Sterling in Swimsuits During Family Vacation in Portugal

Brittany mahomes debuts shocking new hair: patrick and their 2 kids react, olivia culpo marries nfl star christian mccaffrey, zac efron reveals behind-the-scenes secret about viral 'hsm 2' golf course performance, kendall jenner makes controversial fashion choice at louvre, jon bon jovi joins millie bobby brown and jake bongiovi's honeymoon in italy, emily osment dishes on 'young sheldon' spinoff 'georgie and mandy's first marriage' (exclusive), lizzy musi, 'street outlaws' star, dead at 33 after stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis, andy cohen on his interview regrets and which celeb guest he’s still ‘pursuing’ | retrospective, how elton john found out he was an egot winner (exclusive), watch troye sivan and ross lynch recreate sexy music video on stage, 'queer eye's jonathan van ness breaks silence on 'rage issues' allegations, prince william reacts to king charles' joke about his grandchildren, 'bridgerton's nicola coughlan releases viral 'housewives'-inspired song 'shoes... more shoes', teri hatcher reveals why she was kicked off this dating app (exclusive), will smith abandons classic dance music for emotional new single, 'owning manhattan': ryan serhant on moving on from bravo and his season 2 hopes (exclusive), derek hough says he could 'barely watch' celine dion doc after wife hayley's seizure, elton john and husband david furnish on chappell roan, sabrina carpenter & more women ‘killing it’, 'rhonj's margaret josephs breaks down jackie goldschneider feud, reacts to teresa giudice 'takedown', 'mama june: family crisis’: june gets roasted by daughter anna over her feet (exclusive), how justin timberlake and jessica biel are handling his arrest (source), brittany mahomes and her daughter, sterling, wore matching swimsuits while vacationing in portugal over the weekend..

Brittany Mahomes and her daughter, Sterling, wore matching eye-catching orange swimsuits while vacationing in Portugal over the weekend.

The Kansas City Current co-owner, 28, accessorized her one-shouldered, one-piece swimsuit with aviator sunglasses while her toddler sported a pink bucket hat. 

"Portugal😍," the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model captioned her carousel of Instagram photos . 

The mom shares 1-year-old son Bronze and 3-year-old Sterling with her husband, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, 28. The Mahomes men also made a cameo in Brittany’s photos, with several shots showing Patrick playing with his kids in the grass and at the beach.

Adding to the excitement, the retired soccer player teased her followers, hinting that she may be headed to one of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour performances. When a follower inquired, "Queen are you going to the Eras Tour my friends and I wanna know," Brittany responded with a playful "👀👀👀," leaving fans eagerly anticipating her potential appearance at the concert.

Brittany is known to share family moments, good and bad, on social media. Last month , she incorporated her and Patrick's adorable son into her exercise routine in the cutest way.

"My dumbbell for the day," Brittany captioned a photo of herself holding Bronze on her hip via her Instagram Story.

Brittany wore a blue workout style and snapped selfies and videos in the gym mirror while utilizing Bronze as a dumbbell, including carrying him on her back as she did squats.

As fans can imagine, a workout with multiple children is a lot, but Brittany urges moms to take care of themselves.

"Just your daily reminder: Once you have kids please take care of your pelvic floor. Seriously," Brittany posted in March, adding, "From: A girl with a fractured back." 

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Like mother, like daughter.

Brittany Mahomes twinned with her daughter, Sterling, in orange swimsuits while vacationing in Portugal over the weekend.

The fitness enthusiast, 28, accessorized the one-shouldered one-piece with a pair of aviator sunglasses while her 3-year-old toddler wore an oversized bucket hat to protect her skin from the sun’s UV rays.

Mahomes wrapped her arms around her little girl while they posed for photos in the sand, showing off the neon look, which featured a cutout across the mid-section on both styles.

“Portugal😍,” the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model captioned her carousel of Instagram photos.

Followers flooded Mahomes’ posts with compliments about the mommy-daughter duo’s coordinated look.

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“Looks like a wonderful family vacation..the twinning bathing suits are so cute!!” commented one fan.

“Love the matching swimsuits 🤍🤍🤍,” added another.

“Looks like a wonderful family vacation..the twinning bathing suits are so cute!!”

It’s not exactly known where the Mahomes family plans to travel to next in Europe, but the retired soccer player teased that she may be headed to one of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour performances.

“Queen are you going to the eras tour my friends and I wanna know,” asked a follower with the username @verstacee. 

“👀👀👀,” Mahomes responded.

In the meantime, the Kansas City Current co-owner will likely continue to put her fit physique on display in stylish swimsuits, as she previously revealed that she had a “week’s notice” to get into shape for her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut earlier this year.

“I always preach that staying consistent in the gym and fueling my body well is what helps me be the best version of myself year-round, not just during swimsuit season!” the Kansas City Chiefs WAG explained on social media.

The mom of two’s gym routine included single leg deadlifts, pause squats with a dumbbell, curtsey lunges with a pulse and banded hip thrusts.

Mahomes also revealed in May that she had fully recovered after breaking her back .

“I’m staying on top of my health,” she told E! News. “Being active and healthy for my kids and my dogs is super important to me.”

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• HISTORY & CULTURE

Make this James Beard winner's recipe for her popular fish hash

Mashpee-Wampanoag chef Sherry Pocknett, the first Indigenous woman to win the award, pays homage to her family with this healthful meal.

Mashpee Wampanoag chef Sherry Pocknett made history last year as the first Indigenous woman to win a James Beard Award, which recognizes exceptional culinary talent in the United States. At her restaurant, Sly Fox Den Too, in Charlestown, Rhode Island, she honors her Northeast Woodlands roots and her family’s rich cooking traditions. The establishment specializes in American classics with unique twists reflecting Pocknett’s heritage, such as quahog “chowdah,” three-sisters succotash (corn, beans, and squash), and sandwiches served on her locally famous fry bread.

With her creations, Pocknett—who has recently been battling breast cancer—emphasizes healthful ingredients, such as sustainably raised and hunted meats and fresh produce (much of it grown in her family’s own gardens), prepared using time-tested methods to preserve nutrients. Like many of her fellow Native American chefs and restaurateurs, she believes this traditional fare acts as a medicine of sorts, nourishing not only the body but also the mind and spirit.

Her dishes pay homage to family meals she savored growing up, like a fish hash that minimizes waste by using leftover potatoes from last night’s dinner. “Throughout my childhood, my mom cooked whatever my dad brought in the door,” she says, “whether it was from the ocean, the woods, or our four-acre farm.” Here Pocknett shares this popular dish, which has a permanent spot on the specials board and showcases her tribe’s diverse foodways.

Morning Fish Hash With Poached Eggs and Corn Cakes With Strawberry-Cranberry Chutney

Related topics.

• FOOD CULTURE
• FOOD HISTORY
• FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
• INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

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