Where to go on a family trip to Portugal

Are you wondering where to go on a family trip to Portugal?

This article will introduce you to the best places to visit in Portugal and will help you plan the perfect Portugal family itinerary.

If you like expansive sandy beaches, rugged coastlines, historic cities and charming villages Portugal is the perfect destination for your family.

Portugal is bordered by Spain to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It is a varied destination which has mild winters and hot summers and a diverse 520 mile coastline. First time visitors to Portugal may not know where to visit, particularly with kids in tow. 

I asked Marga, a Portuguese resident and blogger at Discover Portugal to share her recommendations of the best places to visit in Portugal with kids. You will find her knowledgeable tips are particularly useful if you are planning a first trip to Portugal.

Lisbon

Portugal’s west coast capital city is the first point of entry for many visitors. It is an engaging capital city and is worth a couple of days of your holiday. 

Lisbon is a vibrant city boasting colourful neighbourhoods filled with flowers and azulejo tiles. For Portugal family vacations, Lisbon has a lot to offer.

Places to visit in Lisbon on a family trip to Portugal

Alfama

Alfama is the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon and offers several attractions for families. A fun way to explore Alfama with kids (and to get your bearings) is to ride Tram 28. This historic tram takes a scenic route around the neighbourhood so you can relax and enjoy the sights.

Things to do in Alfama include the viewpoints of Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol. These are accessible locations to watch a sunset in Lisbon. If you have time, I also recommend visiting the 12th century Cathedral of Lisbon (the Sé de Lisboa). 

Don’t miss the marble interior of the National Pantheon and the imposing São Jorge Castle. This Lisbon landmark is perched on the highest hill in the city so you will enjoy great views.  

If you are looking for unusual things to do in Lisbon, I recommend visiting the Museu da Marioneta. This unique and quirky museum is entirely dedicated to marionette puppetry.

Belém 

Another popular area to visit in Lisbon is Belém where you can easily spend a full day exploring the sights. 

Highlights include the Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 16th century. I love visiting the Jerónimos Monastery whenever I go to Belém. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its intricate Manueline architecture. 

Belém is also the home of the renowned pastel de nata, also called a pastel de Belém. My top insider tip is to visit the bakery Pastéis de Belém to try their original recipe. I promise you the delicious pastry is worth the effort to get there! 

Rainy days in Lisbon

If you are looking for things to do in Lisbon on a rainy day, visit the Lisbon Oceanarium, which is one of the largest aquariums in Europe. It features a range of marine life including sharks, sea turtles, and penguins. 

You can combine a visit to the aquarium with a trip to the science museum next door, the Pavilhão do Conhecimento. The Circus of Science exhibit ‘Tcharan!’ is packed with colourful interactive experiences that will keep the kids busy for hours. If you’re wondering what to do in Lisbon when it rains, this museum should be top of your list. It is one of the best indoor activities Lisbon has to offer. 

Lisbon is a very child-friendly city with many fun sights for children to discover. 

Sintra

If you want to visit scenic locations on your family trip to Portugal, I think Sintra is one of the prettiest places to visit in Portugal.

It is a destination in its own right but it can also be visited on an easy day trip from Lisbon. If you’re hoping to take day trips from Lisbon by train, Sintra is less than one hour away by rail. 

The picturesque town is known for its stunning palaces, gardens, and castles. It is surrounded by lush forests and hills, making it a perfect destination for hiking and outdoor activities. 

Things to do in Sintra

One of the must-visit attractions in Sintra is the 19th century Pena Palace. This ornate palace was once the summer residence of the Portuguese royal family.

If you like historic houses,  visit the Quinta da Regaleira. It was created by the wealthy businessman Antonio Augusto Carvalho Monteiro and is well worth visiting with kids.

The estate is an intriguing mix of architectural styles and is packed with beautiful gardens, caverns and tunnels. I recommend taking a guided tour which will help kids to understand the symbolism, mythology and stories behind the estate. Don’t miss the 27-meter-deep initiation well.

Other Sintra attractions include Sintra National Palace, Palácio e Parque Bicester and the 14,000 hectare Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

Beaches in Sintra

There are no beaches in Sintra itself but there are some fantastic beaches near Sintra. These can easily be visited by a short drive, bus ride or taxi from the city centre. 

The best beaches in Sintra include Praia da Ursa, Europe’s western most beach and the scenic Praia da Ardraga. Local families love Praia das Maçãs.

Porto

280 kilometres north of Lisbon is the city of Porto, one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal and its second-largest city.

Porto is best known for its old town, world class museums, scenic views and its delicious food and wine. It has something for very member of the family. 

Things to do in Porto

It goes without saying that beautiful cities in Portugal like Porto will have lots of scenic viewpoints to visit.

Check out Miradouro da Rua das Aldas, Miradouro da Vitória or Miradouro da Igreja de São Lourenço. These hilltop viewpoints provide fantastic views of the city. 

Closer to sea level, the view from the bridge of Ponte Luís I (once the longest arch bridge in the world) is also worth a look. If you want to capture the perfect sunset, one of the most popular spots to watch a sunset in Porto is Jardim do Morro.

Take a trip to Vila Nova de Gaia where you’ll also find the famous Port Wine Cellars. You can take a guided tour to learn about the history of port and how it is made in Porto today. 

One of my must do’s when I visit Porto, is to indulge in a ‘francesinha’, a mouth watering local sandwich. This Porto speciality is made from wet cured ham and a linguiça port sausage filled with spices. It is sandwiched between freshly baked bread, covered with melted cheese and topped with a spicy tomato and beer sauce. 

Other unmissable Porto attractions include the Torre dos Clérigos, a stunning baroque bell tower 76 meters high. You can climb to the top of the tower for fabulous views of the city. 

Another magical spot is Livraria Lello, a bookstore with beautiful art nouveau exteriors and a winding staircase. 

Museums in Porto

My top pick of Porto museums that are worth visiting are the 14th century Casa do Infante where you can learn about Porto history. If you like modern art, head to the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art whose exhibits includes a sculpture park, a botanical garden and a lake.

Kids will love the World Of Discoveries museum which is packed with interactive exhibits. The highlight of this Porto museum is a round the world boat trip which passes life size historical scenes. Who said history can’t be fun?!

Old Town Porto

Porto Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Be prepared to get happily lost wandering the old town’s winding alleys lined with medieval houses.

Architectural highlights of Porto Old Town include Igreja de Santa Clara, and Sé do Porto churches. I highly recommend making time to stop off at the ornate São Bento train station. Its floor to ceiling azulejos tiles are beautiful.

Cais da Ribeira is located directly on the Douro River, and you can take a boat tour from here to view the famous bridges of the Porto.

Algarve        

Thinking of visiting the Algarve on your family trip to Portugal?

The Algarve is one of Portugal’s most popular tourist destinations – and for a good reason. It offers a year round temperate climate so the Algarve in winter is just as attractive as the Algarve in summer. 

Family holidays in the Algarve offer adventurous activities and historic sightseeing. Like me, kids will love its golden sands and its warm, clear seas. 

Algarve Beaches

If you are looking for family friendly Algarve beaches, the best options to check out are Praia da Rocha, Albufeira Beach and Praia da Luz.

Plus, in my experience from touring this area and the western Algarve, I also recommend Portimão Beach. Lively Quarteira Beach and the picturesque Carvoeiro Beach are also good options for families. 

You can also try water sports such as paddle boarding and surfing. Kayaking in the Algarve is very popular as it allows you to explore the hidden coves and caves of this diverse coastline. 

Day trips in the Algarve

In addition to exploring the coast, cities and towns of the Algarve, there are a couple of Algarve day trips that are well worth considering. 

One of the best places in the Algarve to visit is Benagil Sea Cave, especially if you like photography. It is an open sky coastal cave lapped by the sea with the hidden surprise of a sandy beach inside the cave. 

Benagil Cave can only be accessed by boat or kayak. You can visit the cave yourself by hiring a kayak or you can join Benagil Cave tours from Lagos or Albufeira. Trust me, this stunning cave in Algarve is not to be missed. 

Plus, if you like hiking, the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is another must visit.

This 7 mile / 11.4 kilometre coastal trail runs between Praia do Vale Centeanes and Praia da Marinha; you can start the linear trail from either location. 

The route is an easy to moderate hike and – with care – it is doable with kids. I advise packing plenty of snacks and drinks as there are very few facilities on the trail. The trail has no shade so it is best avoided in bad weather or on very hot days. 

This Algarve hiking trail will offer you incredible coastal views of towering cliffs, an azure sea and golden beaches. In my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal to visit with kids. 

Algarve towns to visit on a family trip to Portugal

The Algarve is home to many lovely towns with each one offering unique attractions for visitors. 

Lagos is one of my favourite Algarve towns.

You can visit Ponta da Piedade, a beautiful rock formation that offers stunning Atlantic views. It is a great location to go canoeing at sunset.  Lagos old town is worth a wander; I love its a maze of narrow streets, historic buildings, charming cafes and restaurants.

Vilamoura is a modern town located in the central Algarve. It is famous for its luxurious resorts and excellent golf courses. The Vilamoura Marina is one of the largest in Europe and offers boat trips, water sports, and dolphin-watching tours for families. 

The town of Tavira is situated on the banks of the Gilão River, which runs into the Atlantic Ocean.

Tavira is known for its charming historical centre which is full of cobbled streets, traditional houses, and an impressive array of churches. Don’t miss my favourite church, the ornate Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo, which dates back to the 13th century. 

If you are a bird lover, make a stop at Ria Formosa Natural Park. Families can take a boat tour to explore the parks lagoons, islands, and marshes, or you explore the park’s numerous trails and boardwalks on foot or by bike.

Tavira has several excellent beaches suitable families, including Praia do Barril and Praia da Ilha de Tavira. These beaches offer plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing and water sports and are known for their crystal-clear waters and golden sands.

Algarve cities

In the east of the Algarve, you’ll discover Faro, the capital of the Algarve.  Several budget airlines fly into Faro so the city can be a good starting point for a Portugal family trip. 

Faro has a rich history, with evidence of human occupation dating back to the prehistoric period. The city was later inhabited by the Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors; all of which left their mark on the city’s architecture and culture. In the 13th century, Faro became an important port city and commercial centre, with a thriving trade in goods such as spices, salt, and fish. 

One of the highlights of Faro is the eerie Chapel of Bones, a chapel decorated with the bones of monks. 

Madeira

The island of Madeira lies 695 miles off the south west coast of the Portuguese mainland. 

Madeira offers visitors a year round warm climate, fantastic food and dramatic landscapes. Whether you explore the colourful and charming capital Funchal or visit one of the unspoilt coastal towns and villages, a family holiday to Madeira offers something for everyone.  

Plus, if you like hiking with kids, Madeira hiking trails are unique.

Hiking trails in Madeira run alongside the island’s historic levada trails which criss-cross the entire island. Hikes range from family friendly easy walks to challenging, vertigo inducing routes and include coastal, forest and mountainous trails. Hikers flock to Madeira from all over the world for the chance to walk these scenic and unusual pathways. 

Family trip to Portugal – Final tips

The four locations featured in this article are just a few of the numerous interesting and beautiful towns and cities in Portugal. 

I recommend moving locations during your trip as you will get to experience the diversity that Portugal has to offer. There are good transport links throughout the country so you could pack a lot of sights into your family trip to Portugal. 

If you more time in your Portugal family trip, you can explore lesser visited but equally beautiful places in Portugal such as Évora, which is surrounded by famous vineyards or Guimarães, a fascinating city in the far north or the tropical islands of the Azores. 

The list of amazing places to visit on a family trip to Portugal is endless!

Bio: Marga is a travel writer and photographer who used to be a flight attendant and travelled extensively for many years. After settling in Portugal, she started the ‘Discover Portugal’ blog which offers engaging stories plus insightful tips and advice for visitors that only a local could know.