Best Family Destinations in Portugal

Having a family trip is always delightful, especially in a place like Portugal. Sunshine, beaches - it's got everything you want, and everyone in the family will find something they'll love. The wide range of kid-friendly activities and considerate family facilities will also ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience. Continue reading to discover which destination would be the perfect choice for your upcoming family journey to Portugal.

Is Portugal a Good Place for a Family Trip

Yes, of course, Portugal is an ideal family trip destination. Portugal enjoys abundant sunshine and mild, pleasant weather year-round. No matter if you travel in summer or winter holidays, you will get the best experience, since every season has its own character. The attractions here are situated relatively close together, making it easier for you and your family to explore at a comfortable pace.

Moreover, the Portuguese people are warm and welcoming. Lots of hotels, attractions, and restaurants here provide family-friendly facilities such as airport strollers and children's menus at restaurants, ensuring a smoother trip. Now, you may be wondering where the best family destinations are in Portugal. To be honest, there are many great destinations; wherever you go, you can always find the best places to visit in Portugal. Let's take a look at some popular family-friendly spots where it's easy to find places to stay and things to do.

Porto: The Soul of Portugal

River View of Porto

Porto is a charming city in northern Portugal, renowned for its rich history and captivating river views. At a relaxed pace, it's ideal for a 2- to 3-day visit, allowing for easy exploration with children.

Highlights:

Take a walk in the Crystal Palace Gardens, enjoying vast green spaces and panoramic city views. Feel the Atlantic breeze and admire the picturesque lighthouse in the Foz neighborhood. The Serralves Museum offers exhibitions and a large garden, which makes it a great spot for families to enjoy art while children have space to play. Or visit the Gaia Biological Park for up-close animal encounters, complete with interactive exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs specifically for children, as well as activities suitable for all ages.

Tips:

Choose accommodation near the city center or the riverside for convenient walking access to attractions - and if your family enjoys scenic views, staying near the Douro River also means you're just steps away from one of Porto's most beautiful landscapes.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Family Vacation in Lisbon & Cascais 11 DAYS Explore This Tour

Lisbon: The Capital of Portugal

Lisbon

Sometimes kids will get bored after too much walking. In Lisbon, this problem could be solved easily - hop on the iconic yellow tram or tuk-tuk, and you will see the whole city view without any effort. The ideal length of stay in Lisbon is 3 days.

Highlights:

For some fresh air and a picnic, visit Edward VII Park. The park's vast lawn provides fantastic views, and it hosts a book fair every May and June, which is a great cultural experience. Then, climb up Sao Jorge Castle to overlook the red rooftops and the Tagus River. The castle often holds knight and archer exhibitions, which should be quite interesting for children.

Jardim da Estrela is one of Lisbon's largest parks, complete with shade, fountains, and a pond, making it a lovely spot for the family to sit and chat or take a leisurely stroll.

Tips:

The old town has some slopes, which might make it inconvenient to push a stroller. You might want to bring a baby carrier to keep your little one comfortable and avoid any bumps on the steep paths.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

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Sintra: The Fairytale Town

Pena Palace in Sintra

Considered one of Portugal's top cities to reside in, Sintra is only a 40-minute drive from Lisbon, and its misty forests are home to fairytale castles and hidden wonders. Its pleasant climate and closely situated attractions make it an ideal destination for a family 2-day trip.

Highlights:

Explore the underground tunnels and initiation well at Quinta da Regaleira, and you might just see some cats relaxing in the sun. Head into Pena Palace, its bright colors shining in the sun, and explore garden paths that are like secret mazes the kids will love to figure out. Climb the old stone steps up to the Moorish Castle, feel the mountain breeze, and see how the ancient paths below meet the mountains and ocean far away - it's such a cool place that even little kids won't get bored.

Insider Tip:

Pena Palace has a fun "treasure hunt" game where you use a map to find secret clues and treasures all around the palace and gardens. Once all the tasks are completed, you can get a little prize at the shop or ticket place - it's a really nice way for families to have fun together.

Algarve: The Coastal Haven

The Algarve's Beach View

The Algarve is a coastal paradise in southern Portugal, known for its sunshine, beaches, and tranquil towns, making it ideal for family vacations. Every summer, it attracts countless families seeking relaxed quality time together. A 3-day stay can provide you with an unforgettable experience.

Highlights:

Observe the little monkeys and colorful birds at Lagos Zoo - they even have a farm area designed for kids to feed. Praia da Ingrina beach's shallow and gentle waters are ideal for young children to enjoy. Or, if you want to see the coast in a different way, why not try horse riding at Vilamoura Beach? It's known as one of the prettiest beaches in the Algarve, and you can take a nice, slow ride along the sand.

Tips:

When visiting the beach, be sure to have sun protection readily available, and don't forget to apply a thick layer of sunscreen on your kids before they have fun on the beach. Please note that horse riding for children under the age of six must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

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Nazare & Obidos: Great Day Trip Pair

The Big Wave of Nazare

Nazare and Obidos are a super popular "two-for-one" day trip for families on Portugal's west coast. Nazare is a famous fishing town known for its massive surfing waves; Obidos is a well-preserved medieval town featuring old cobblestone streets, cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups, and a fairytale castle feel.

They're only a 30-minute drive apart, so you could easily do a day in Obidos and then another day in Nazare.

Highlights:

The giant waves of Nazare are best seen between November and February, and the Nazare Lighthouse and Suberco viewpoint provide ideal locations to witness this incredible natural wonder. Standing up high and watching those giant waves crash might just plant a little seed of wanting to be a sailor in a kid's mind.

While in Obidos, a visit to Saint Mary's Church is highly suggested. The church's interior features preserved 17th-century Azulejos tile work, rich with historical significance. You should also try the Ginja in a chocolate cup in the quaint alleys. After you finish the Ginja, the kids can eat the chocolate cup, so everyone gets to enjoy this local yummy thing.

Tips:

Be aware that the sea wind can be strong when viewing the giant waves, so it's advisable to wear windproof clothing.

Quiet is required within the church, so please remind your children to keep their voices down while exploring.

Have Family Fun With Odynovo

Set off on a family trip to Portugal and gather cherished moments and enjoyable memories. Contact us, and Odynovo will design an easygoing and delightful family holiday for you.