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Portugal family holidays: Where to stay & what to do
A family holiday in Portugal promises golden beaches, fairytale castles and thrilling adventures. You will fall in love with the historic streets of Lisbon and the magical palaces in Sintra. Do you prefer a beach holiday? Start your adventure with a beach day in the Algarve, where the kids can build sandcastles on Praia da Marinha. The Algarve also has amazing waves for surfing. Don't forget to visit Lisbon's Oceanário, one of Europe's best aquariums, then hop on the yellow tram for a ride through the city's charming hills.
With year-round sunshine, delicious food and family-friendly resorts, Portugal makes holidaying with kids easy and unforgettable. We've rounded up our best deals for Portugal family holidays.
Where to stay in Portugal
If you want to have an amazing family holiday, Portugal is packed with fantastic family-friendly hotels that make travelling with kids easy. You can find a great place to stay for beachfront relaxation, cultural city breaks and exciting activities. In the Algarve, you can stay at Martinhal Sagres Beach Resort, which is one of the best family-friendly hotels Portugal has to offer. EPIC SANA Algarve is another great choice, offering spacious family suites and a huge outdoor playground.
You can also find hotels in Lisbon, like Martinhal Lisbon Chiado, with childcare services and family-friendly apartments. Plus, you're close to Lisbon's Oceanarium, tram rides and fairytale castles in Sintra. In Madeira, you can stay at Pestana Porto Santo, a fantastic all-inclusive family resort with a kids' club and beachfront access.
Top cities to visit on your family trip to Portugal
Lisbon
Lisbon is the perfect mix of history and culture, and it is family-friendly and fun. Kids will love riding the yellow trams and exploring the streets of Alfama. Don't miss a trip to Sintra, just outside the city, where you can explore Pena Palace. The city also has family-friendly museums and serves delicious pasteis de nata in many cafes.
Porto
Porto is famous for its charming riverside views and beautiful bridges. Families can take a boat cruise along the Douro River, explore the Livraria Lello (a Harry Potter-style bookshop) or visit the World of Discoveries. Porto also has nearby beaches, cable car rides and fun parks.
The Algarve
If your family loves the sea, sun and sand, the Algarve is a perfect place to be. This southern region of Portugal is packed with beautiful beaches, family-friendly resorts and exciting outdoor activities. Explore the famous Benagil Cave and take a boat trip to see dolphins. Make sure to spend a day at Zoomarine, where kids can enjoy water rides and animal encounters.
Coimbra
Coimbra is home to Portugal's oldest university, but it's also a fantastic destination for families. One of its biggest attractions is Portugal dos Pequenitos, a magical theme park featuring miniature versions of Portugal's famous landmarks. Kids can explore castles, bridges and traditional houses.
Fun things to do on a family holiday in Portugal
Ride the historic tram in Braga
Step back in time and hop on Braga's historic tram, which is a fun way for families to explore one of Portugal's oldest cities. The tram takes you through beautiful streets lined with colourful buildings, leading up to the breathtaking Bom Jesus do Monte, a famous hilltop sanctuary with stunning views. Kids can ride the funicular while parents soak in the peaceful surroundings. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic in the gardens or grab a traditional Portuguese pastry at a local cafe.
Go on a jeep safari in Serra da Estrela
For families who love adventure, a Jeep safari through Serra da Estrela is a must. This is Portugal's highest mountain range, offering breathtaking landscapes, hidden villages and crystal-clear lakes. A guided Jeep tour takes you around winding mountain roads, where you can spot wild goats, waterfalls and even natural hot springs. Stop by a local cheesemaker to try the famous Queijo da Serra, Portugal's delicious mountain cheese. In winter, Serra da Estrela transforms into a snowy wonderland, making it the only place in Portugal where you can go on a ski holiday.
Explore the dinosaur footprints in Lourinha
If your kids love dinosaurs, they'll be thrilled to visit Lourinha, known as Portugal's 'Dinosaur Capital'. Start at the Dino Parque, which is an open-air museum with life-sized dinosaur models and hands-on activities. Then, take a short trip to Pedreira do Galinha, where you can see real dinosaur footprints preserved in ancient rock.
Visit the Berlengas Islands
For a family adventure off the beaten path, take a boat to the Berlengas Islands, a stunning nature reserve just off the coast of Peniche. The crystal-clear waters make this a fantastic spot for snorkelling and wildlife spotting. Take a glass-bottom boat tour to the caves or visit the Fort of Sao Joao Baptista, a fortress that looks straight out of a pirate movie! The islands are home to seabirds, dolphins and colourful fish, making it a great place for kids to experience Portugal's wild beauty.
Portugal family holiday FAQs
Q: Which part of Portugal is best for a holiday?
A: The Algarve is one of the best regions for a Portugal holiday, especially for families, thanks to its stunning beaches, family-friendly resorts and adventure parks. If you love history and culture, Lisbon offers a mix of vibrant city life, castles and scenic tram rides. For wine lovers, the Douro Valley is breathtaking, with its rolling vineyards.
Q: How many days are enough for Portugal?
A: Seven to ten days is ideal for exploring Portugal's top spots. Spend three days in Lisbon, discovering its historic neighbourhoods, castles and coastal views. Then, take two to three days in Porto for wine tastings and river cruises. If you love beaches, dedicate three to four days to the Algarve. If you have extra time, add Sintra for fairytale castles or the Douro Valley for scenic landscapes.
Q: What is the cheapest month to go to Portugal?
A: The cheapest month to visit Portugal is January. Flights and accommodation are at their lowest after the holiday season, and tourist crowds are minimal. While it's not peak beach weather, you can still enjoy Lisbon, Porto and cultural sites without the high-season costs.
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