Authored by: Jessica Pawl
History. Vibrant cities. Stunning beaches. And affordability. Pair all these perks with a kid-friendly culture and you’ve found yourself Portugal—one of the nearest European countries and a direct flight from many U.S. cities.
This small stretch of a country hugs Spain’s western edge and runs along the Atlantic Ocean, boasting iconic cities like Lisbon and Porto, and within a few hours’ drive, the gorgeous cliff-encased beaches of the Algarve region.
Between the diversity of setting and ease in getting around, a Portugal vacation makes a particularly family-friendly escape. Renting a car from the airport is relatively simple and the convenient proximity of city and scenic coast makes hopping from one to the other breezy, and doable within a week or week and a half’s time.
How long to plan for?
How long does a family need to make travel to Portugal worthwhile? Given the stressors that can accompany a transatlantic flight, anything less than 10 days simply may not be enough, depending on the age and adaptability of your children.
With a solid week-and-a-half itinerary, you’ll have time to split your time between both city and country, with baked-in flexibility for always necessary downtime or time change woes.
Where to go?
The next question is, where to go? Both Lisbon and Porto are top choices, chock full of charm and history.
Lisbon delivers oceanside appeal, with cobblestone paving its steep streets, playing host to the city’s iconic streetcars. Nearby, the darling Cascais makes for a perfect day trip, as does Sintra, a castle-dotted mountain outside of town.
Porto is equally lovely if not a bit smaller scale, full of culture and character and delectable cuisine. Nearby, the Douro Valley is a lush alternative with wineries and scenic resorts overlooking the hills.
Further south, the Algarve is a region of arid beach towns, known for stunning alcove beaches and bustling small-town centers. Cafés, gelaterias and swim shops line pedestrian-only streets. (We enjoy the liveliness and nightly entertainment of Lagos, but really found Carvoeiro’s main street, which spills onto a lovely—if not crowded—beach that’s quite kid friendly.)
The short answer in terms of where to go is to choose whichever two sound best for your crew. Plan for five days in each to fully explore and soak up the vibes.
What to do?
Like many European countries, Portugal comes to life once the sun sets. Traveling families shouldn’t be surprised to see small children running about or napping in strollers as parents enjoy relaxed dinners that start at 9 p.m.
With that in mind, it’s important to plan accordingly. Mornings are an excellent time to visit beaches or museums (especially if you have early rising children), leaving the often-hot afternoons open for lunch, naptime or indoor activities. Note that in some places, you’ll find restaurants and shops close each afternoon for a classic siesta.
Recommendations:
LISBON
In Lisbon, begin downtown with a walk from the Santa Justa Elevator to the Main Square, Praca do Comercio, to take in the city’s energy. Hop aboard the legendary Tram 28 (or a tuk-tuk, if you dare) for a casual look around the city and hop off in the picture-perfect and largely residential Alfama neighborhood for a quiet stroll. Consider grabbing a bite at Time Out Market Lisboa, where it’s easy to grab a highchair and everyone can choose a stall that’s serving their own taste.
You’ll find a lovely shaded playground at Jardim da Estrela, and our favorite gelato (in perhaps all of the world) at Nannarella Gelalti Alla Romana.
An Uber ride away, the aquarium – Oceanario de Lisboa – provides close up views of sea life right on the ocean’s edge. Conveniently, it’s next to the Pavilion of Knowledge children’s museum, making it an ideal way to spend the better part of a day.
A daytrip to Sintra will allow you to tour one or more castles; Pena Palace is known for its brilliant colors and makes for excellent photos. Or, a half-day drive out to Cascais reveals a more digestible seaside town, featuring a gorgeous little carousal and a bevy of food trucks near the water.
PORTO
In Porto, everyone in our family enjoyed a daytime trip to Mercado do Belhao, where grown ups can stroll with a glass of wine or plate of cheese, sampling foods and buying small plates while shopping for produce, seafood or chocolate. Near the (too) popular Livaria Lello bookshop, you’ll find Base Porto, which serves a perfect white sangria on a grassy expanse that’s perfect for littles to run around on.
ALENTEJO COAST
Two hours south of Lisbon, we fell in love with the small town of Porto Covo. It’s white washed aesthetic and pedestrian-only town center was great with kids, and not far, a string of interconnected beaches offered deep sandy stretches for sand castle building. We booked an Airbnb for a week and lived like locals, grabbing pizza at the Manjerico Pizza Point food truck and bringing it down to the beach at sunset.
Not far, Comporta is the region’s bohemian hideaway, drawing a laid-back but bougie crowd to its gorgeous swaths of sandy beaches and eclectic town center.
ALGARVE
Families with older kids will enjoy the sights and sounds (and narrow, narrow streets) of Lagos’ historic town center. At night, the walkways come to life with entertainers and music wafting out of clubs. Diners squeeze into al fresco tables and people watch, before ambling back to their vacation rentals, tucked off the main throughways. And stunning beaches aren’t far, although you’ll need a rental car to access them, and you’ll want to head out early to score a parking space and spot in the sand.
Corvoeiro is a smaller and more manageable beach town destination that spills right out and onto a lovely cliffside beach. You’ll find just enough restaurants and shops without ever feeling overwhelmed. That said, gorgeous beaches – like Praia dos Tres Irmaos and Praia da Marinha – are worth the drive. (Stop into Porches Pottery, just outside of town, to watch artisans paint their wares and grab a glass of sangri on the patio.)
Or, for the edge of the world, consider a stay in wind-whipped Sagres. The furthest western point, it’s home to the smallest downtown and some spectacular beaches (my favorite, Beliche Beach). It’s also where you’ll find Martinhal Family Resort, a mecca for families seeking seaside solace. Their oceanfront property includes hotel rooms and villas, and offers childcare, on-site dining, pools, and a host of children’s amenities and activities.
