Portugal with Kids

If you are looking for a European destination that offers cultural richness and family-friendly fun, Portugal might be your perfect match. This sunny corner of Europe, with its 1,000-plus miles of coastline and castles straight out of fairy tales, has been flying under the radar as a family destination, but it's becoming a favorite among traveling families.

The Portuguese people are known for their warmth toward children, making families feel welcome wherever they go. The country's manageable size means there isn’t too much distance between destinations, making it perfect for families who want to explore without tiring young travelers. Compared to other Western European destinations, Portugal offers exceptional value, with family-friendly accommodations and dining options.

Here are some of the top family-friendly destinations in Portugal. Each offers its own unique flavor of Portuguese culture and family fun.

Lisbon

Lisbon is Portugal’s capital and Europe’s second-oldest capital (after Athens, Greece). It is full of family-friendly activities and has several main neighborhoods, each with its own character.

Located in the middle of the country, Lisbon is a great starting point or home base to explore the rest of the country.

In Parque das Nações, you’ll find the Oceanário, one of Europe's largest indoor aquariums that consistently ranks as a family favorite. Four separate habitats represent different oceans with 8,000 sea creatures. You’ll also find the Lisbon cable car, which you can take for a mile-long ride with great views along the river.

Lisbon's public transportation system includes trams and funiculars. The iconic yellow trams—known as Remodelado—offer an exciting way to explore the city's historic neighborhoods. Tram 28 is the most famous, winding through narrow streets and steep hills. Children love the roller-coaster-like experience. Take it to Alfama, the oldest district, to visit Castelo de São Jorge, a medieval castle on a hilltop above the city. Kids can run along ancient walls, and everyone will enjoy the incredible views.

Another tram ride away is Museu Nacional do Azulejo, the National Tile Museum, located in a former convent. Tile-making is a very important art form in Portugal, and the museum showcases the history of tile and provides examples dating back to the 15th century. You can even decorate your own tiles in their workshops.

Belém is famous for its historical sites. Here, you’ll find the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Jerónimos Monastery is one of the most visited landmarks in Lisbon and one of Portugal’s most impressive monuments. Built in the 16th century, the UNESCO World Heritage site on the Tagus River is even named one of the country's seven wonders. Vasco da Gama, one of the most famous sailors and explorers known for opening the trade route to India, is buried here. And the famous Portuguese custard tart, Pastel de Nata, was invented in the monastery. You can’t depart without trying some!

Belém Tower stands gracefully on the Tagus River, serving as a symbol of Lisbon, both fortress and ceremonial gateway to the city. It’s like something from a storybook, complete with turrets and moat. See if your kids can spot the rhinoceros gargoyle carving on one of the towers.

The Monastery and Tower are about a 15-minute walk apart from each other. The area between them is a pleasant walk, featuring gardens and cafes (including the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery).

A lovely day trip from Lisbon is a train ride along the coast to Cascais. It takes less than an hour to reach this quaint and cosmopolitan fisherman’s village, which was once the summer retreat for the Portuguese nobility. You’ll find cobbled-stone streets and some beautiful beaches on the Portuguese Riviera just outside town.

Sintra

Just 40 minutes northeast of Lisbon is Sintra, the resort town in the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains feels like a real-life fairy tale.

The colorful Pena Palace, with its vivid yellows and reds, is a must-see in Portugal and instantly captivates children. The Moorish Castle offers adventurous exploration opportunities, while the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira gardens feature underground tunnels and hidden waterfalls. Consider hiring a tuk-tuk for the day—the hills can be challenging for the little ones.

The Sintra region is part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park (Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais). This protected area stretches from the mountains of Sintra to the Atlantic coast.

Porto and the Douro Valley

Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, gave the country (Portugal!) and Port wine their names. Surrounded by the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is the oldest official wine region in the world. The Douro Valley was established in 1756! Its mix of rolling vineyards, historic quintas, boat rides along its namesake river, and excellent restaurants means there is plenty for families to explore.

Harry Potter fans will love exploring Porto's literary connections. The Livraria Lello, with its stunning red staircase, allegedly inspired aspects of Hogwarts. While the bookstore can get crowded, visiting first thing in the morning makes it magical. The university students in their black capes add to the wizarding atmosphere.

Older kids will love climbing the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. You can even visit Port cellars and tasting rooms along the Duoro River in town.

A Douro River cruise offers a different perspective of Porto's stunning bridges and riverbanks. Choose from hour-long city cruises (perfect for shorter attention spans) or full-day trips up the Douro Valley. Many offer special commentary for children, pointing out points of interest in kid-friendly language.

The São Bento Railway Station’s stunning tile panels depicting Portuguese history is the starting point for scenic train rides. The Douro Valley line is spectacular, following the river past terraced vineyards. Many families make a day trip to Pinhão, enjoying the train journey as much as the destination.

The Algarve Region

The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region, with over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually and a low average rainfall. It’s dotted with fishing villages-turned-resort-towns full of character, rugged cliffs, and hidden caves, and its family beaches are among Europe's finest.

While there are many resort towns, some of the best for families are smaller towns like Carvoeiro or Ferragudo, which offer a more authentic experience (they haven’t become very touristy).

Some of the best family beaches include Praia da Rocha, which offers vast stretches of sand perfect for castle building, while Praia de São Rafael's rock formations create natural playgrounds. Praia do Camilo, accessed by wooden steps, feels like a treasure hunt leading to a hidden cove. Many beaches have lifeguards and gentle waters ideal for children.

The region's famous cave boat tours reveal the Algarve's stunning coastline. The Benagil Cave, with its natural skylight and beach inside, seems like something from a pirate adventure. Only reachable by boat, this fantastic seaside cave doesn’t even look real. Sunbeams bathe the enclosed beach in light through the hole on the top, bathing it in light while turquoise waters lap the sand. Many operators offer special family tours with shorter durations and child-friendly commentary. Morning tours typically enjoy calmer seas, making them better for young children.

Tips for Families